I used to be you. Years ago, I would be despondent for days after ND's first loss or some other big loss. Over the years I've come to understand that I have no control over what happens on the field. I can cheer for the Irish and I can revel in their success. I decided, however, that I won't let them ruin my day or my weekend or my week. Truth be told, I don't even watch the games live anymore. I record them and then, if they win, I watch at my leisure. If they lose, I don't waste my time and just delete the recording. Sunday night I took my wife to a concert (Rob Thomas/Counting Crows) and had a great time. I saw on my phone that the Irish lost and I was momentarily bummed but was having too good of a time to really let it bother me.
I will admit that I am certainly not the type of passionate football fan common to this board. This process, however, allows me to retain my remaining sanity and has likely helped my marriage. Life is too short to engage in activities that cause undue stress and disappointment. I will continue to root for the Irish and hope they win out. If they don't, however, I'll move on and find other things that make me happy.
As we all have, I have suffered certain losses and have found a way to restructure my priorities. This won't work for everyone but it works for me.
