Yesterday, two Major League Baseball streaks came to an end–one for the Minnesota Twins and one for my Seattle Mariners.
The Twins had won 12 games in a row and were stopped in their tracks by the Boston Red Sox, my dad’s family’s team of choice for generations.
The Mariners, on the other hand, had notched 21 games where the starting pitcher gave up two runs or less. Yesterday that streak came to an end with Bryce Miller on the mound against the Houston Astros (we still won, thankfully). The M’s couldn’t quite reach the MLB record for this stat, which was set in 1915 by the Washington Senators.
All of this streaking got me thinking–what helps us get on a roll in life? Here’s my take:
1) Getting Home Safe. Having a peaceful place to call home is key. Somewhere you feel safe to be who you are and express yourself without fear. So many people don’t have this due to societal viruses like domestic violence or money problems, and so sometimes that safe place becomes your car, a room in an apartment, or a friend’s house.
To be at your best means starting with safety.
2) Joining a Team. We all need communities to help support the social creatures we are. Whether it’s an online gaming group, a sports team, or a stitch-and-bitch circle, gathering together and engaging in collective activities helps us feel supported and secure. COVID has ruined a lot of our natural tendency to unite, and I hope we can fight against that urge to isolate moving forward.
To be at your best means being part of a whole.
3) Coaching With Care. When things are going our way, often it’s because there’s a mentor or leader at the helm to provide support and inspiration. I’ve had a lot of mentors in my life, from a dynamic writer at the YWCA Seattle|King|Snohomish to a racial equity rock star at Oregon Episcopal School. As an athlete I’ve also had coaches both good and bad–and I’ve been a coach as well!
To be at your best means finding role models who will take you under their wings.
What helps you get on a winning streak? Share in the comments below!
Superheroine Solutions 