Sidelined…A Word for Your Day

By Jane Bishop

I wonder if anyone is experiencing being sidelined at this point in the year. The beginning of 2023 had a somewhat rocky start, and perhaps some expectations, plans, and ideas have not quite evolved as envisioned. Life and/or business circumstances may have created some unexpected delays and derailments. Being sidelined shifts you out of your regular routine and activities. What was once comfortable becomes new, different, and unfamiliar. While this territory can be unnerving, there are ways to get back on track.

The first step toward navigating “sidelined” is to permit yourself to create a no-judgment zone. Often when we are sidelined, unhelpful thoughts enter our minds such as “I have no gifts,” “I have no skills,” “I am not useful,” “Why bother?” etc. It is certainly hard to be confident or vulnerable in this state. Being out of your norm can definitely

Rugby ATL and Best Friends Animal Society Team Up for Kitten Season

By Tana Poncsak

What’s cuter than a bunch of kittens? Perhaps a bunch of kittens with players from the Rugby ATL team.

On April 20th, players on the Rugby ATL team had some fun with kittens from Atlanta’s Best Friends Animal Society during a photoshoot at the Rugby ATL headquarters in Marietta. The photo opportunity is to bring awareness to “Kitten Season” – a time period that typically runs from April to November when female cats tend to have multiple pregnancies leading to an overcrowding of kittens in area animal shelters.

Rugby ATL members were happy to join the kittens for some fun photos with a goal to bring awareness to the need for the adoption and fostering of kittens.

Jordan Brown from Australia, who plays lock position for Rugby ATL, took part in the promotional photoshoot. He said the team members who participated in the event all had a great time.

“There are several animal lovers on the team, myself included,” Jordan said, adding that as an animal lover, it’s hard not to have a great time when you’re around animals.

Jordan described some of the kittens as energetic and even rowdy, while some were timid and relaxed.

“It’s amazing to see how animals have vastly different personalities, just like people,” he said.

Ultimately, Jordan and his teammates hope the campaign brings awareness to the great work that Best Friends Animal Society does in metro Atlanta.

“Everyone at Rugby ATL is passionate about supporting the community,” he said, “and it’s been an honor to help support this cause. I look forward to supporting them more in the future.” throw you for a loop; however, it’s important to stand on your self-leadership. Allow yourself to breathe, assess the situation, and rest in the fact that whatever it is, you can handle it. Reserve all judgment and remove whatever you are hiding behind. Permit yourself to consider the benefits of being sidelined.

Rugby ATL formally incorporated as a Major League Rugby team in 2019, and is one of thirteen Major League Rugby teams throughout the United States and Canada with sixteen games in a season. Home games are played at the Silverbacks Park.

More information at https://rugbyatl.rugby/our-story/, and https://network.bestfriends.org/who-we-are/our-purpose.

Be willing to acknowledge this is not permanent and does have advantages. Take time to evaluate what led you to this point and what you can glean and apply to “get back in the game.” It may take time, but you can choose to continue to tend your mindset and refresh your skills. Remember what makes your heart sing and create your own music again. Ask yourself, “How can I do this while on the sidelines? What can I do to bring myself back to where I want to be?” It will also help to lift your physical posture. Being physically slumped often affects emotions, so stand tall and reinforce your stability. Why? Because your gifts and skills are still there.

Athletes, at times, get injured or replaced and have to sit on the sidelines. Does this indicate they are no longer good at what they do? Have their skills magically gone away because they are on the sidelines? The answer is a profound no! Their goal is to do whatever it takes to be prepared when they are sent back into the game. So, stay sharp, be encouraged, and remain connected to the support systems that keep you going. Remember: even on the sidelines, people are cheering you on!

More information at www.janebishoplive.com.