Time Off
26 August 2010
My first full off-season since 1999 has been a wonderful experience. Why you may ask? Is it because of the time off? Not really, it was because I could enjoy the finer things in life.
Now cricket has always been a big part of my life and will remain in future, but for the first time in more than decade I could do all the other things that I like. I qualified as a Professional Hunter and worked a bit for Katzke Safari’s. Being in the "veld" has always been food for my soul, whether it is hunting or just enjoying God’s creation. That is where I can get my head clean, think about how blessed I am and make my plans for the future.
I am just about to finish my IFR or Instrument Flight Rules rating flying helicopters. Daunting is word. One literally gets taught how to fly safely from point A to point B without seeing anything except the instrument panel of the helicopter. It seems like a video or computer game with the slight difference that you pay with your life if you mess up! How is that for pressure?!
You may wonder why I am telling all of this? I have found that getting away from the game this winter has made me really hungry for success. I can’t wait for the cricket season to start. The fact that I have other interests away from the game has helped me find a more balanced lifestyle and not forgetting that it also prepares me for life after cricket. I believe that I am going to reap the rewards in finding a more balanced lifestyle.
I would like to wish each and every cricketer in South Africa all the very best for the season ahead. May all your dreams become a reality and may we all be part of making South Africa the best cricketing nation in the world.
Boeta