Re: GYER36-0
Originally posted by UnfrozenCatfanLawyer:
These last few weeks have not been enjoyable in the least, if we're all being honest with ourselves. Every damn game has been stressful as hell. March Madness, at its core, represents misery - whether it's the misery of defeat or the misery of suffering through each game. This is probably not a healthy way to view things.
Agree 100%. When we are supposed to win it, it's hard to enjoy the ride. That's why it was so different for me in 2012. For some reason I was very relaxed about it, maybe because it was just "our time". In 1998, it was completely unexpected. But in 1978 and 1996, it was almost a burden until it was over. This season feels like that for me again.
In these types of seasons, it's all business. Can't celebrate unless and until we take care of that business.
But that is what makes it so awesome and incredible when it happens. The 4 times in my life I've seen the game end with us celebrating are unlike any other feelings I've ever had in my life. Sure, family milestones and personal accomplishments are more fulfilling in the long-term, but for a feeling like you've just ingested 1 lb of pure ecstasy, there's nothing like the hours after winning a national championship. It's like you're invincible, all is right with the world, all while you wear a permagrin that can't be erased.
Seriously, it's like no other feeling in the world. At least for me. I'm sure that's disturbing and sick, but it is the absolute pinnacle. And that's what makes all of the anguish worth it.
And . . . I just realized that the "real" season of stress just started for me this afternoon. We've known for months that it wouldn't / shouldn't matter until these next 12 days. It's finally Go Time.