Day 14 - Remember to Remember

May I be candid?

Absolutely, brutally honest?

One of the most challenging moments of my NFL career occurred on the day after winning the Super Bowl. Despite knowing the expected protocol – to appear on top of the world, exuberant even – I couldn't bring myself to do so. Winning the Lombardi Trophy is meant to be the pinnacle of success in the NFL, the ultimate claim of being the best in the world. I vaguely recall the photos and wild celebrations that followed our victory, as well as the flood of congratulatory messages.

However, one particular moment stands out vividly in my memory: our first team meeting in Seattle the day after the win. Pete called for one final gathering as we prepared to depart for the offseason. As usual, he showcased our triumphs, replaying our remarkable journey and our resounding 43- 8 victory over the Peyton Manning-led Denver Broncos.

This act of reflection holds not just historical and ethical significance, but also tremendous psychological value. It aids in the process of preserving memories and avoiding forgetfulness. That year, I meticulously documented everything – from the misdiagnosed "ankle sprains" that were actually complete ruptures, to the toll my limping in and out of games took on my confidence as a high-performing player.

Writing, recording, and revisiting the events after they unfolded become acts of remembrance, ensuring they remain vivid in our minds.

Yet, for some inexplicable reason, I found myself yearning to forget that entire season. That entire year.

Many of the players in the room shouted praises, high fiving each other for such a job well done. But sitting in the back of the room, I felt empty and unsatisfied. The Super Bowl, in all of its productized glory meant nothing to me.

"Job well done, now you know what this means..." Pete exclaimed with jubilation. "It's time to do it again."

"F— you, Pete," I murmured beneath my breath, unable to believe the words escaping my lips. At that moment, I despised him. Couldn't we just revel in our glory for even a few months without being burdened with another task? I felt used and unappreciated, my efforts seemingly taken for granted. And for the first time in my life, I experienced the weight of depression settling in.

See you tomorrow…

Reflection:

The act of remembering holds profound significance for our temporal and spiritual well-being. It serves as a guiding light, helping us navigate through life's intricate paths. However, when we blur the line between what we should remember and what we can or should forget, we encounter challenges that impede our growth.

It is vital to discern what truly deserves our remembrance and what we ought to let go. By consciously choosing to remember the lessons, values, and moments that shape our character, we lay the foundation for a fulfilling and purposeful existence. Conversely, it is equally important to release the burdens of past mistakes, regrets, and painful experiences that hinder our progress.

Practice:

Write, speak and record, or draw everything you remember about an experience. Meditate on it and pay close attention to what comes up.