outside noise

Charleston, South Carolina – one of my favorite places on this planet.  The colorful houses, southern charm and our country’s history all served up with a side of sweet potatoes.  Yum.  The past few days have been spent in this little piece of heaven with my mom and my dad.  While we didn’t walk Rainbow Row this time; we were able to cheer on our favorite female tennis stars at The Family Circle Cup on Daniel Island. 

Ever been to a tennis tournament?  Huge crowds, dressed in their Lilly Pulitzer best, with the signature drink in their left hand and their camera in their right.  Little kids everywhere, dancing between games and taking mental notes on how to become The Next Big Tennis Star.  All of this I expected; but one thing I didn’t?  The silence.  I had forgotten how quiet tennis matches can get.  It’s numbing.  I believe it’s one of the only sports where the referee actually comes over the loud speakers and ask the fans to please be quiet.  Over and over!

So why the silence?  Why doesn’t Serena want the crazy lady in the top row screaming out her name to pump her up?  Why is there no flash photography during match play?  Tennis is such a mental sport.  Half of the game is in your head.  During my U.S. Open-like matches in high school I would give my mom the evil eye if she was cheering too loud or offering unsolicited coaching advice on the sidelines.  I get it.  I had to tune the world out so I could focus on the task-at-hand.  Winning.  It’s when I thought about it too much that my game and my opponent got the best of me.

I think this is a little like our day-to-day life.  Sometimes we have to tune out all of the noise of the world to accomplish what we want to accomplish.  Sure, there are times when you need those family and friends cheering you on and picking you up, but then there are those times when you need to tune it all out.  Drown out the criticism and suggestions on how to be a “better you” and just be…  Let go and be.  I’m a huge people-pleaser – always worried about what others think and whether or not they are happy.  I get it from my mom.  My mom would rather everyone around her be happy even if it makes her miserable.  She’s selfless like that.  But sometimes we just need to say “here I am, take it or leave it.”  And that’s just what I will do today. 

So here’s to drowning out the noise, even for a little while, and being grateful that the people in your life love you for you….

And now some pictures from the tournament.