From C- in P.E. to Archery Competitions: Finding Confidence Through Tennis and a Bow
If you have been following me for a while now, you would probably know me the best for my beauty and skincare-related content, apart from the little other things I share here and there. But today I am going to be sharing a more personal side of my life, something that doesn’t involve the regular serums, swatches, or Sephora hauls.
Growing up, I was something that people would term as a “big girl.” I was far from being athletic, and sports were my worst nightmare. In fact, I even got a C- in P.E. I can never forget that day, how my homeroom classmates made fun of me for it. At that time, I simply thought that maybe I wasn’t meant for sports. It was later that I realized how wrong I was.
So fast forward to years later, when I started going to the university, and something had just changed. I can’t point out what it was, maybe it was the new environment, the desire to challenge myself, or something else, but I was convinced that I had to try something new. So I went for something that was completely outside my comfort zone. One of my roommates had just signed up for a beginner’s tennis class, and one day she casually mentioned this while we were chatting. It was then that I thought that even I am free on Thursday nights, why not try my hand at it? I mean, what was there to lose, right?
However, in my head, I thought that I was going to be a complete disaster. To be honest, I didn’t do well at all at first. I was missing balls, swinging too early, or too late, but something about it was different. My instructors were very kind, others in the class were welcoming, and Thursday nights didn’t feel like the same old nightmare, but an escape from the weekly stress. No, I didn’t become a tennis star by the end of it. I fared well, but I realized something else, which was far more important: If you put your heart into something, it’s doable. You don’t need to aspire for perfection or being the best, just make a wholehearted attempt. You don’t have to be perfect.
So, dear readers, if you have found yourself thinking to yourself or telling someone, “I’m not good at that,” as an excuse to back off from even trying anything new, then my advice is don’t. Who knows that you might end up doing even better than what you had expected, or meet your future partner! (hint! hint!).
Even today, I don’t consider myself good at tennis, but it has turned into my hobby, one that I really enjoy. It gets me outside, gets me moving, and honestly? Sometimes it feels good to break a little sweat.
Now, the next part may seem a little random, but those of you who also follow me on Instagram might know that I compete in indoor archery. A beauty influencer who is an archer?! Sounds ironic, right?! But trust me, when you get to know my story, it will all make complete sense.
So, here it is, I wasn’t ever good at traditional sports. I realized soon enough that people like me, who lack the speed and agility of a sprinter, can excel in archery. The sport rewards patience, focus, and mental calm. I remember my very first class in Richmond, BC. They were testing my eye dominance (if you’ve never done this, it’s pretty cool). Turns out that since I am left-handed, I also came to be left-eye dominant. So, I shoot left.
From the very first moment that I picked up the bow, something just clicked. I was a natural; it was as if I knew how to do this from my past life. Even my instructor was genuinely surprised when I told him that I had never shot before. It was the very first time that I enjoyed the pleasure of being naturally good at something physical.
But life has been very busy lately, so I don’t get to shoot as often as I would like, but I know I need to find time for it again and again. There is just something so empowering about getting to draw the bow, locking in your target, and releasing the arrow. It’s like letting go of all the stress, worries, and self-doubt; you are channeling your inner tiger.
So yeah, I am the girl who failed P.E., but I am also someone who plays tennis for fun, and hits the bullseyes with a bow. Is it a transformation? No, I call it my journey, and something that is even more valuable to me than what any skincare routine can ever recommend.
Thanks for reading!
Frequently Asked Questions
- How did you go from disliking sports to actually enjoying tennis?
It was a whole journey. At some point later in school, I realized that some things are not to be taken so seriously. Sports, for one, did not have to be a thing that I dreaded; I could play for fun even if I was not good at it. To my surprise, it turned out to be a good experience. Moreover, being good at archery boosted my confidence in many ways. - Do you need expensive gear to start playing tennis or practicing archery?
Not at all, if you are just beginning out, there are affordable gear items available that you can purchase to just try out. Some shops even rent out the gear. - What’s the biggest lesson you learned from picking up tennis and archery?
Like I already said, nothing is impossible if you put your heart into it. A little inspiration and enthusiasm to try out something new in life are all it takes. Moreover, one should always be keen about trying new things in life.
