Superbowl Sunday

The Super Bowl is one of the biggest sporting events in the world. I have mentioned before how much football has impacted my life, and with the biggest game of the season taking place last Sunday, it felt necessary to reflect on it. People watch the Super Bowl for different reasons, like the game itself, commercials, halftime shows, their favorite team or simply enjoying time with others. The variety is what makes it one of the most-watched sporting events every year, because it brings people together.

Growing up, I always watched the Super Bowl for the football. The teams, players and coaches are competing for something they have worked toward their entire lives, all coming down to one game. Careers and lives can change in an instant because of one play or even one split-second decision. That reality is both frightening and exciting, and from a football fan's perspective, it is what gets me fired up every year.

This year, however, felt different. The matchup featured two teams that did not have much personal meaning for me, so I was not as locked in as usual. On top of that, the game started slowly and lacked competitiveness early on. Despite those letdowns, I still had a great time watching with my friends.

My reason for watching the Super Bowl this year was different than in years past. Earlier, I mentioned the many reasons people tune in, and this time my focus was simply enjoying the company of friends. There were about 15 of us, and we ordered pizza and wings while also making buffalo chicken dip and cookies, all while spending time together.

Even though the game did not go the way I expected, I still had a great night. It was another reminder of a lesson football has taught me over the years. Keep an open mindset, because you never know what might happen. Whether it is the next big event you look forward to or next year's Super Bowl, it helps not to be negative when things do not go exactly as planned.