This post probably has little to do with chess and more to do with a heartbreaking experience I had to endure the other night. The last couple of weeks I've been improving and generally just playing better than I have in the past. I was going for 1200 a couple nights ago. I had just defeated an opponent to reach 1194 when I looked over and noticed my cat, who had been very sick the last few weeks, laying next to me. He wasn't moving. I picked him up and realized he had passed as I was playing that last game. Before the questions are asked, he was older, I had an appointment made for him the coming Monday, and he had been sick for a few weeks. Two appointments over the last month had yielded no answers to questions about what was ailing him.
I am very much an animal person. I have no kids, no wife, I live alone and my cats and dogs are my only companions. This loss has been hard to digest and it has affected my motivation to play. I'm hoping I'll feel the urge to play again soon, but for now it's just not there.
Moreover, it put things into perspective for me. Chess, as much as I enjoy it, is a game. I've posted many times whining about not being able to improve, pathetic losses, and general bad play, but losing my cat after winning a game that put me closer to a goal I've been working hard to achieve turned a light on. I'll have much time and opportunity to reach goals I set for chess. But there is life outside of it. I've been obsessed and studying to the point I almost think of nothing else. I guess what I learned is to not forget to enjoy life and the life around you. Chess will always be around, but certain things will not. Anyone trying to learn chess and become a better player will have many opportunities and resources for doing so, but it's just a game. It's not the end of the world when we dont do well. Take a walk, go to the river with your dogs, relax with your cats. Enjoy life.
Anyway, I know, weird post. But maybe it'll do some good for others who obsess over chess the way I have. Good vibes I send you all. 🙏
I visited my parents one day, maybe around 2006. They were in their 80s. Walked in and said hello to my dad who was playing Suduko in the kitchen. Walked through a couple of doors and found my mum in a terrible state, unable to breathe. Phoned the emergency services and they saved her. She lived another three years but had to spend time in hospital and then live in a care home. My poor dad had no idea there was anything wrong. He was a Suduko addict.
@Optimissed
Wow. That's really heavy buddy. 😕
This post probably has little to do with chess and more to do with a heartbreaking experience I had to endure the other night. The last couple of weeks I've been improving and generally just playing better than I have in the past. I was going for 1200 a couple nights ago. I had just defeated an opponent to reach 1194 when I looked over and noticed my cat, who had been very sick the last few weeks, laying next to me. He wasn't moving. I picked him up and realized he had passed as I was playing that last game. Before the questions are asked, he was older, I had an appointment made for him the coming Monday, and he had been sick for a few weeks. Two appointments over the last month had yielded no answers to questions about what was ailing him.
I am very much an animal person. I have no kids, no wife, I live alone and my cats and dogs are my only companions. This loss has been hard to digest and it has affected my motivation to play. I'm hoping I'll feel the urge to play again soon, but for now it's just not there.
Moreover, it put things into perspective for me. Chess, as much as I enjoy it, is a game. I've posted many times whining about not being able to improve, pathetic losses, and general bad play, but losing my cat after winning a game that put me closer to a goal I've been working hard to achieve turned a light on. I'll have much time and opportunity to reach goals I set for chess. But there is life outside of it. I've been obsessed and studying to the point I almost think of nothing else. I guess what I learned is to not forget to enjoy life and the life around you. Chess will always be around, but certain things will not. Anyone trying to learn chess and become a better player will have many opportunities and resources for doing so, but it's just a game. It's not the end of the world when we dont do well. Take a walk, go to the river with your dogs, relax with your cats. Enjoy life.
Anyway, I know, weird post. But maybe it'll do some good for others who obsess over chess the way I have. Good vibes I send you all. 🙏