So many lessons to be learned from the Kansas City Royals…the team that absolutely never, ever gives up. Down by 2 runs: no problem. Down by 4 runs with only 6 outs left: no problem. The team never frets, they just “keep the line moving.” What a concept!
Those of us living with a mental illness can certainly take heed and learn a lot from the Royals. Never give up…keep positive…be hopeful (always)…keep grinding.
Sounds simple, doesn’t it? Well, it isn’t. You see, even when things are going great, I sometimes start ruminating about how and why they change. I can’t help it…it’s just the way this crazy brain of mine works sometimes. So, it doesn’t really surprise me that I find myself now wondering about the Royals in 2016. Will they be able to sustain their mojo? Did they do so well this year because in 2014 they came within 90 feet of tying the 7th game of the World Series and that failure propelled them to greatness this year? Without that incentive, with World Series rings finally resting on their fingers, will the boys in blue still grind it out in 2016?
My chemically unbalanced brain says “no”…they’ll flop in 2016. If I want justification for my negativity, I just have to look at the last Kansas City Royals World Championship team…the 1985 team followed up 1986 with a third place finish, 10 games under .500. So, I’m thinking the same thing will happen with these Royals.
One of the most common and destructive aspects of mental illness is losing hope. Things are bad, they always will be, etc. The Royals gave each of us plenty of hope…we just knew they’d come back no matter the circumstances. We had hope.
My challenge now is to try to maintain that hope. To look at Cain, Hosmer, Moose and the others and “hope” they maintain their swagger into next year. And, if they do, well then maybe it will help me maintain my own hope.
Here’s hoping!