What I learnt from Zlatan

"I think the best coach has been myself. Because what I have gone through, I don't know how many players has gone through what I've gone through and I don't mean only on the pitch, I mean outside also, everything that I went through, everything that I had against me. I didn't get anything for free."

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

I think the one thing I can relate with Zlatan is his anger, how he wants to show everyone that someone from a rough background can do it. That "I'll show them all" kind of attitude.

He wants to overcome everything, no matter how unfair life is, he's not going to let that make Him stop trying. He wants to show society that they should never underestimate him, or anyone. He wants to show those who look down at him or block his way, that he is in control of his life.

I admire that determination, that toughness, that anger. Because there are so many people who just don't like enthusiastic people. I don't know why, but some are so negative and so manipulative. I admire how he is proud of his roots and how he cares for his home neighborhood.

Not saying that we should be angry...but I understand exactly how he feels. Because I've also been looked down on, and have been scoffed at. I like to see those smug faces turn to shocked faces, when I play. "I'll show them all". It's a bit childish of me, but I can't help but feel that anger. "How can you be so quick to judge?" sort of thing.

Something that I admire about Zlatan is his straightforwardness. He's not a coward and he's not a backstabber. "Wounds from a friend can be trusted but an enemy multiplies kisses" Proverbs 27:6. His confidence is also something admirable. Considering the background he is from, I think his confidence and toughness is really something special. 

***

The thing that burns very strongly in me is the longing for sincerity and trust.

Ambiguity, dishonesty, sloppiness makes me really angry. I'm not talking about people making mistakes or carelessness. Everyone makes mistakes, and everyone doesn't know what is right at first. But what really triggers me is someone who just doesn't even want to try, and doesn't let others try; someone who is complacent, selfish, not having the longing to improve; someone who is pretentious. You make me so angry I want to scream. 

If you are unsure of what you want, say it. If you have no enthusiasm, say it and don't slow people down. If you are lost, then ask and look for answers. If people have already told you what to do, and you know what to do, then you do it. But if you don't want to do it, then don't you DARE complain that you are not where you want to be. Don't you DARE pull other people down to your level just because you still want to be better than others. Don't you DARE spread your spirit of discouragement, lie to people or falsely accuse people.

***

But. 

God's grace is abundant, and he is always ready to forgive us if we repent. 

I'm sorry for being so strong in my words, and hitting the nail too hard. I need a grace awakening, just as George Verwer says. We all need to be less judgmental and negative, but more gracious and forgiving.

The thing I learnt this year, was to stop living in fear. I am still trying to improve, and I am definitely still making many mistakes, even when I know what I should do. But, I have to stop living a life of guilt and fear. 

Well, the process continues...