introspection

[aardogs]

I had so much fun this week, but certainly not as much fun as I could have had. One thing I missed out on was a lot of the companionship with others because I was only in steeplechase and on top of that I didn't know a single person in my group, (which for three of my four runs was in the darkness and solitude of the west hall) and I'm not the best at being outgoing and making friends. So most of the time I was alone, which is fine but definitely not as much fun. I'm a person that tends to sink into the background in any group of people anyway. If people don't talk to me I don't talk.


Anyway it was amazing and I honestly can't believe how well we did, especially just being in the one event. I have so much to say about it that I'm sure will come spilling out throughout the rest of the week. Right now however, I feel a kind of post-event depression setting in, especially in the fact that I have to go back to school tomorrow.

I think, or hope, that that is a pretty common thing. I felt the same way after ClickerExpo back in March.

This is the biggest thing I've ever done, I worked so hard to get there, put in so much effort, so much anticipation, and now it's over. I just feel a little like, what now? Obviously there is so much further for us to go, and I made sure to set goals past going to Nationals so I wouldn't feel quite so empty, but still it's hard for me. I'm sure that the first big event is always the hardest.

Anyway, I am looking forward to our break from agility starting next month and some time to renew and rethink things. Hopefully I'll get back out there with a new sense of vigor and purpose.

Comments

[agilityfrk.livejournal.com]

Nice thing about Nationals is there's always another one to shoot for. :-) Congrats on such a great experience!

[ripnpaws.livejournal.com]

Next time I will be sure to chat you up. ;-) I am pretty sure that within a few years, you will be quite well known in the agility community. You got talent girl!

[aardogs.livejournal.com]

Thanks so much Linda, that's so nice! :)

[purpledogs.livejournal.com]

I get post-awesome-event depression too. I would have it now after just watching the national on live stream, except that I have a trial next weekend, and that's more fun than just watching agility, so my level of excitement is still pretty high. lol But still. I know exactly how you feel. (I also have had post-reading-Harry Potter books depression, that sucks too lol)

Listen to some good music and see if that helps. That's huge for me. Especially if you listened to any music throughout the week- my brain is good about associating music with life events, so re-listening to that makes me happy all over again. Play with your dogs too. I find that if I really watch my dogs and just observe them (even if they're sleeping or doing something really boring!), I get that butterflies-Ilovethemsomuch feeling all over again, and that always makes me happy. Get up and do stuff and sort of put it out of your mind? Then surprise yourself with the good memories again, flooding your head with them, and you'll feel good all over again. Watch some of the videos online to get into that competitive spirit of things. Don't necessarily train, but just get mentally prepped to train again. <--- All stuff that works for me, so it might be helpful or it might not be. Going to school tomorrow for sure sucks. You should take the day off. ;)

But really, congrats on a great National! Next year we'll try to go and I'll make sure we hang out all weekend and have fun times. It'll be awesome regardless of runs. Lots of laughs. Good times. :)

[aardogs.livejournal.com]

Thanks so much Tori, I really appreciate it. That is all amazing advice. Definitely with you on just observing my dogs. I do that SO often, I just love watching them sleep, play, or just walk around. They are amazing. I'm not feeling quite as down now, I've been keeping myself busy, at least school is helpful in that respect. I am lucky enough to have such amazing dogs and people in my life that always keep me going.

I'm already looking forward to next year and I better see you there! :)

[afrogfordevi.livejournal.com]

I have a weird post-event depression too, and all I did was watch the livestream..but it was a huge part of the weekend, hours and hours of stream!

I did feel that way after ClickerExpo too. And after my roadtrip to AZ (C's first trial.) Tori's post is great!

[aardogs.livejournal.com]

Thanks Devi, glad to know I'm not alone! :)