By Michael Armijo
I recently played tennis for the first time in over 8 years and I learned a few things. For example, my body isn’t the same as it was 8 years ago.
While speaking to a chiropractor, I learned something that I felt was very interesting. I explained that while watching pro tennis players on TV, I noticed they would sometimes let (what I thought was) a very hittable ball go by.
My chiropractor explained that a professional tennis player is well disciplined and knows the limitations of his or her body. If a ball that seems returnable is in an awkward spot, it could cause serious injury to the player if he or she hits it. An awkward swing against the flow of the body can tear ligaments, pull muscles, or injure a player to a career-ending injury. So they simply do not take the swing.

What’s interesting to me is that this can apply to our everyday lives. If a “professional human being” knows the limitations of their heart and mind, they should pass on certain things, just like the tennis player passed on the ball. Maybe they should pass on a job that’s hazardous to their health, maybe avoid negative people, or even avoid excessive drinking, eating, exercise, or doing drugs all together. Or maybe they need to stop letting others control them or mistreat them; they should stay away from toxic people.
I believe we should know our emotional, mental, and physical limitations. We should take time to evaluate our own lives and protect our own well-being. And sometimes we just have to protect ourselves in life by just letting the ball go by.