The dragonfly

Isn’t it just amazing how we are change over the years? When I look at me and the changes I have made in just one year it makes me happy. Have you heard about the dragonfly and its meaning? I didn’t until a few days ago. It amazed me and made me realize how happy I am with all the people in my life and how blessed I am for the opportunities I have. 

The dragonfly, in almost every part of the world symbolizes change in the perspective of self realization; and the kind of change that has its source in mental and emotional maturity and the understanding of the deeper meaning of life. 

I found myself in this sentence. When I came to States I was mad at the world and I was in my own bubble fighting for a chance to be successful. Serbia is a beautiful country with gorgeous nature, but the economics, politics and wars from the past make it hard for my country to be a successful one. Therefore, young people are leaving if they have the chance to do so. I am one of them. I came to the United States focused on making my dream a reality but that I got lost somewhere in between. I was always putting my self down and I was so thirsty for success and a bright future. However, things here are different. People are happier and their mentality is different. I made some awesome friends that taught me so much and helped me adjust. Heather was my teammate and now she is my good friend. I remember meeting her for the first time. She has a gorgeous smile and positive energy. One great player and person. She was always complaining about my face on the court and the way I would behave while playing. I never understood what she was talking about and why my facial expressions bothered her so much. It was annoying for me and it was making me feel uncomfortable. Eventually I realized that my face and behavior was affecting the whole team. I was one of the best players on the team but also the worst one.  

At home you play for a team but you actually play for yourself. The level of play is professional and nobody cares how you feel and what you do as long as you are scoring. So that’s how my mind was set. I was in my own bubble doing my thing. But here the girls were different. I saw that I am different for them and it bothered them, especially Heather. She was our senior team captain. Of course she cared, but at the moment for me maybe too much. We went through the whole season and made it to the National Championship. And there we were about to play the final game. I swear the moment I stepped on that court I felt like a completely different person. All I was thinking about was my attitude and the way I will behave on the court. I didn’t think about technique or team we are playing against. I didn’t think about me I was thinking about my team. I wanted to think of ways to help make people around me better. Everything Heather was complaining about was passing through my head and it made sense for me now. I played my best game of the season without even thinking about it. I realized how much I’ve grown as a player but also as a person. Unfortunately, we lost the final game because of the same issues we had the whole season. I remember like it was yesterday. It was hurting like hell. I will never forget that day. It was the the day where I lost my National Championship ring but became better player and better person. It’s also the day I promised myself it will never be just about me, it will be about my team, and I will be an example of hard work and dedications. I am so happy for the experience I had. Also thankful for Heather because she is the big part of who I am today as a player. I am so happy she entered my life and made me understand what are true values and what is true passion about the game we share.  

This season was completely different story for me, even Heather was proud of me haha…Looking forward for the next one! 

This weekend was the Venom Tournament. My 14s team were playing in Austin. Great experience with my little monsters. It was their first time playing really good ranked teams. Gosh they were so scared at the beginning. While looking at all those “tall” girls they were making comments and I could tell they were freaking out. Eventually they relaxed and we ended the tournament really good. Positive feedback from parents and players made me happy. I am following the example that I've been through. Positive energy is the first thing team needs to have. As you can see my team has it!!  Behold! The power of the ripple effect. Small actions start chain reactions that travels far past our visible horizon. GO FOR IT !!! You never know who you are inspiring around you.