In the last seven days, I have taken some 3600 pictures of the KC Cowtown Butchers. And finally have a favorite picture of all time, so far. Air time by one of our guys!
Why do I allow roller derby to take up so much of my time? Yes, I have been asked that alot lately.
And here is my question: Have you been part of a dynamic team of people lately?
In all of our psychology classes, teamwork and associating yourself with a group of people that you share common interests with, common goals, whatever, is talked about frequently. There are crazy good benefits for being a part of a team.
My team, is this conglomeration of people that you wouldn't think would work well together. In derby, you literally have people from all walks of life. There is no judgment for what you do outside of derby practice, scrimmages, and bouts. But during participation, you better be respectful, appreciative, a good team player, etc, etc, etc...because otherwise you will get called out on it. It is a great example of "all for one, and one for all". Teammates literally cheer each other on to reach for that next goal, to stretch towards potential, to keep putting your best foot forward, to push past what you think you can do, and to be the best that you can be. When a teammate needs help, there are no questions asked, everyone just jumps in and helps. Teasing and camaraderie are constants. There is a sense of belonging, and communication and cooperation between leagues like nothing I have ever seen before. And the appreciation is amazing. Never before have my efforts seen so much gratitude...even when I am frustrated that its "not good enough". These guys have become my guys...and I want to capture their shining moments for them.
My youngest commented last night that when I am taking pictures of these guys in action, everything else just disappears (and time flies!). For example, my knee was acting up like CRAZY last night, but as soon as the camera was in my hands, and the action started, I zoned out. I can literally lose hours looking at and uploading pictures for these guys. And realizing how many pictures I have taken over the last seven days blows me away!
Those of you that know any of my story realize that this is very different for me. I am hanging out, multiple times a week, with a group of guys. And not afraid or worried that something is going to happen. A true testament to how far God has brought me in this healing process, and the whole idea of team again. There isn't anyone out there that should be stupid enough to mess with me now...because I know that any one of the guys on this team would have my back in a heartbeat. In fact, they might just go after someone as the team...so, we'll just hope it never comes to that! :) It is huge for me to be able to be comfortable around a group of guys, and to associate myself with them is nothing short of a miracle. But I love these guys, and consider it a true privilege to be their photographer.
These guys all have day jobs, play their own part in the corporate world, or retail, or sales, or whatever. They remind me of Clark Kent a lot. Super heroes in their own rights. One persona during the work week, and another on the skating rink. They give up their own personal time, and money, in order to practice and play as a team. Travel expenses for away bouts come out of their own pocket. They have to pay to practice, to have their home bouts at the skating rink, and to keep their gear in good shape. It is not cheap to do what they are doing. But they do it for the love of the team and the sport itself. And it shows when they are together.
They have bounced back from some hard knocks recently, and are learning how to go with the flow and pick their battles. Their resilience is amazing to watch, as is their dedication and loyalty to each other. They willingly go and skate with other leagues, to help them have a full roster, and then turn around and skate their own bouts. And it truly is a great example after example after example of doing whatever it takes to keep their team together and skating.
I have only been working with them since March...only aware that roller derby still existed since then. And I so quickly fell in love with it. Head over heals. I have been part of many groups before, at church and just as part of life. But none of them have been as unconditionally accepting as this team. No other group went so far out of their way to be appreciative and supportive and encouraging. I want to better my photography skills and equipment for these guys...its a strong desire to keep improving myself as they work so hard to improve their own skills. When I capture a moment like the one in the picture...it fills me with joy and I can't wait to share it with them. On Facebook, when a picture is used as a profile picture, or on the top of their wall, or when they leave an excited comment on the picture, it makes this all more than worth it!!!
Every one wants to feel as if they belong. Every one wants to feel accepted. To have a purpose in life. To be appreciated. Being part of a team can help to provide those things...although not every team you might participate does this well.
I think there is a lot that we can glean from the "derby world". To look past the things in others that are different, or done different, or that you personally don't agree with...and see the person (instead of the action) and actively work together on a project (or life). Don't nitpick everything about someone, or judge based on first impressions. That's a good way to miss out on some amazing friendship possibilities. Volunteer your time for causes/sports/stuff that you believe in. Be quick to work with others that are doing the same thing. Just because they aren't part of your specific organization does not mean what they are doing doesn't have merit and value. Lift others up around you, encourage them, cheer them on, help them to reach their potential and learn new skills. Be appreciative...sometimes that can make a person's day and touch a heart in ways that have humongous ripple effects. Be courteous, polite, and cooperative. If you screw up, have a bad day and take it out on someone else, or whatever...take the time to apologize and clean the slate. Oh, and one more, we have got to become better at seeing a need and helping to meet it...I have seen this over and over just this week among my derby peeps...and wish to see it more often in the world around me.
(stepping down off soapbox now)
There is a lot to be said for being part of a great team. And I am so glad that I have the honor of being a part of the Cowtown Butchers!
