It's Not Important

It’s not important.

Or it’s extremely important.

Sport. Money. Owning a house. Travelling. Nice shoes. Awards.

None of those are important.

Or they’re all extremely important.

Two weeks ago, I went to the Liverpool Supporters Club in Edenvale to watch Liverpool play Manchester City in the Quarter Final of the Champions League. Spoiler alert: Liverpool won. Each goal was celebrated with some of the most unbridled joy I’ve ever felt in my whole life. Don't judge me.

South Africa beat Australia in style in the most recent cricket test match series. I loved every second of it.

Rose Namajunas retained the UFC Strawweight Title a few weeks ago. I was on the edge of my seat for every jab she slipped and every right hook she landed.

I don’t know these people. I don’t make any money out of any of these victories (I feel like gambling wouldn’t be the best idea for me). Yet I passionately kick every ball, play every shot, and throw every punch emotionally as if I am there.

I constantly ask myself why? None of these things are important. In fact, you could argue that in the context of my live, they couldn’t be less important.

I am invested.

I made it important.

I bought into the story.

I have made these things more.

More than just sport: A journey, good guys and bad guys, underdogs, tactical battles, one leadership team versus another, contrasting personality types.

I have allowed myself to indulge in these views, and it has given sport importance to me.

The same can be said of an appreciation for any hobby, collecting luxury items, a passion for rocks, dinosaurs, comic books, watches, cars, comic books, travel, movies, wealth or anything else. To some people, dressing up as a life-sized dog and eating dog food is important. No judgement here.

None of it is important. It’s all important.

If it gives you joy and it's not hurting anyone, cherish it. 

Every aspect of life is what we make it.

It’s either not important at all, or all extremely important, or we each pick and choose what is important. That’s what makes it interesting. That’s what makes getting to know each other worthwhile.

When my important is the same as your important, we are involved in the same community, a “tribe”, as Seth Godin would say. When my important differs to yours, we are given the opportunity to compare and learn.

Let’s appreciate, celebrate and share each other’s important.

Here's wishing you a weekend full of importance.