Joker

I am 30 yrs old now, this is a true story about myself when I was just a school kid.

Just like any normal kid, I too dreamt of playing Football for our country. I was a good soccer player, and I had a very good coaches in  Mr. Alfonso and Mr.Xavier Faria.

One day after the warm up session, My coach called us and requested to form a circle. He then called out my name "Rakesh, come here."

I was surprised, as he had a very stern tone and it wasn't usual.

"Yes, sir!" I said.

"Stand in the middle", I stood in the circle.

He said, "He is a Joker."

Everybody started laughing at me. I was disappointed, as I was a very hardworking guy and never missed a practice.

He asked, "Why are you laughing?"

One of the players said, "Sir, you called him a Joker."

In response, he said, "I am not talking about a circus joker. I am taking about a Joker, which is used in a playing cards. Joker is a special card and it can be paired with any other cards. In the same way, Rakesh is a special player, as he can play at any position and I want you guys to be like him."

That motivated me immensely and increased my confidence and I have not looked back since then. Life is very short, but throughout your life's journey, you will always meet someone, who can lift you and make you feel special.

We all Jokers in some way, we just have to believe in ourselves.