A good friend had cause to remind me that "uneasy is the head that wears the crown".
His was a timely reminder as his call came a few minutes after I was reflecting on feedback in respect of a positive comment made about a particular achievement.
I have long gone pass stewing about how someone can intentionally misrepresent something that is said or written. People create issues and then try to avoid the consequences of their actions or words.
It's always a challenge but if you said it or did it stand by it. If you are wrong too, admit it and commit to learning, growing and improving through mistakes.
At times it can be a burden or burdensome as issues develop and take on a life of its own and become all-powerful based on a focus on egos and personalities.
And it's a reality that egos and personalities can either hinder or hamper depending on the emotional investment. It's the simplest of things that become powerful influencers.
Over time based on experience, one will learn if you can remain objective that it makes no sense not even a little sense to allow people to draw you into their personal dramas.
Personal dramas are a driving force behind many of the problems holding local sports back. T&T is a hotbed of personal dramas holding back progress.
Why are so many people allowing progress to be hampered by personality-driven turf wars?
What example are we setting for the younger generation?
What is the war about? Why are so many war drums beating?
Who are the peacemakers?
One fire is doused another one is lit. What is fueling all the pettiness?
You would think we will know better. Why are so many people intent on mashing up the place if they can't get their own way?
Pettiness, petty-thinking, petty-actions and the sad truth is it's very contagious this epidemic of pettiness.
Sometimes the distractions and war drums are so loud and pronounced pressing mute becomes a realistic but short-term solution.
We all need to be reminded that we can't be a warmonger one day and then the next day be preaching peace. Life is no game, it's real and while we may make light of things and say jokingly, T&T isn't a real place, life is no game and where we are right now in T&T, it's not a comedy hour or laughing matter.
There are some serious things happening and we need to get real.
Editor's NOTE
Brian Lewis is the president of the T&T Olympic Committee (TTOC) and the views expressed are not necessarily those of the organisation.