Unseen Struggles
Unseen Struggles
Original artwork and poem by Kieran Gonsalves inspired by the unseen price paid for excellence …
They make it look so effortless, so perfect, it's absolutely breathtaking
What we don't see is the years of blood, sweat and tears that go in the making
Childhoods mortgaged for a moonshot, a chance to make it big on the world stage
Countless parties and holidays sacrificed in the hope of making the front page
Bruised bodies, aching muscles, and broken spirits become familiar companions
Learning from such failures instead of packing it in is truly the stuff of champions
The adrenaline rush of a winning performance is the proverbial icing on the cake
With a target on their backs and the competition closing in, no time for mistakes
Even one slight misstep or the subtlest of misfortunes can be very devastating
For the best of the best, the bright lights and applause are very intoxicating
Heavy lies the head that wears the crown; you either crumble or become the GOAT
Nothing lasts forever, and the smart ones walk away before they become a footnote
Out of the limelight without the intense training, life can become very challenging
Mentoring the up-and-coming ain't just noble, it keeps the spirit from unravelling
Comments
I guess it is because the process of getting there , wherever there might be, is where the enjoyment and fulfilment lies 🤷🏾♀️ (Whatsapp comment from a childhood friend)
Then parents and even coaches or the ‘system’ takes over and from then on the child is no longer in charge. This is inhumane.
Through it all, most fall by the wayside. A tiny tiny fraction achieve fame and fortune
Here, high expectations and social pressures substitute the perverse parent/coach
Then comes the wind down. Some handle it gracefully and leave at the top while continuing to lead a quality life (Agassi and Graf, Navratilova, Zidane etc)
Others flame out in the public eye (Maradona, Phelps)
As to whether it was worth it or a life well lived - to be a one-trick pony?
Yes, from the view of society who reap the benefit without paying the price
Mozart died at 35 but his legacy is unquestionable
I’d say the key is to get that balance. And self-confidence of carrying on outside the limelight - Kieran
But I have read in, Reader's Digest I think. It was a detailed story of a ballerina's life. Here too it was a difficult and painful life... I believe that lives of ballerinas and gymnasts are somewhat similar.
Both involve severe body conditioning and continually keeping fit by diet, exercising and what not. Literally depriving them of a normal life... (Reply to above WhatsApp comment)
We put limits on ourselves… I’m not good enough. I can’t sing, draw etc
Guilty as charged. A year ago I had no confidence in painting or poetry
Once I got started and put in the effort, I have surprised everyone, me most of all - Kieran
Sure makes one think - wonderful painting, words, and thoughts, my friend! (WhatsApp comment from a very dear childhood friend)