I'm A Bad Fan
“This too shall pass. It may pass like a kidney stone, but it will pass”
I’ve been a bad fan.
For those that know me well (unfortunately), I’m a rather big fan of a football club (football as in the widely accepted notion that it’s called foot-ball because it’s played with your feet and not your hands). This football club is from North London. It’s tucked away in a part of North London called Holloway.
You guessed it. It’s The Arsenal.
Recently, we sacked our manager and inducted an ex-player as the new head coach — Mikel Arteta. We, because this club is part of me — its in my blood (I literally have a tattoo on my right bicep of the Arsenal cannon). It’s embarrassing and ironic, because my arms are smaller than a 13 year old netball players’.
I can’t help but think about the fact that I’ve been a less than ideal fan of my team. Coffee in hand, a smirk on my face, as I write this I’m indulging in my teams thrashing of Manchester United at the Emirates stadium (our home base / hunting ground). We won 2-0…comfortably.
But, I have no right to enjoy the fruits of their labour. Why? Because since the inevitable decline of the clubs name since Arséne Wenger left in 2018, I have refused to trouble myself with watching the games — something I’ve religiously done for nearly half my lifespan.
*about to drop some unnecessary philosophical bullshit on you*
In life, you have to root for yourself first. Even — no, especially — during the turbulent times. The shit times will come. That’s part of the ride. But, if you can’t support yourself during moments of despair and momentary defeat, you don’t have the right to enjoy the times when you’re at your best.
Don’t deny your situation. It’s ok to admit that things are a little shitty at the minute. But you have to know that this, too, shall pass.
Proost!
Josh — Johannesburg, South Africa.
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