Well,
This year I wanna join my softball team at my school.
A meeting and little practice game is Sat.
I wanna make it so bad.
But it's like my grandmother doesnt even care.
She doesnt support me or anything.
She's all blah when it comes to softball.
Which I don't get cuz with volleyball she was so into it.
I'm also scared I won't make the team and my grades will drop.
What can do to make me calm bout this stuff?
It's driving me up the wall.

Thanks
Kendall**

Hi Kendall

Nerves and stress are always a problem when you want something so badly, it is natural.

The trick is not to think about it too much (which is very difficult and only comes with a few years practice) and remind yourself that it is not the end of the world if it doesn't work out for you. Try to have a "plan B" for example, if I don't make the softball team I will try again next year but until then I will try something else.

I'm sorry that your grandmother is not very supportive and it seems she doesn't care but sometimes it's difficult for older people to appreciate what you are doing as they don't understand what you are doing so would rather not talk about it (they may even feel embarassed by their lack of knowledge). But she should be able to empathise with you as she was into volleyball so to totally disregard you is unacceptable. Try talking to her about her volleyball experiences she may become more interested then.

As for staying calm try to fosus on something other than Saturday, eat and sleep well and have a long relaxing bath the night before to help you sleep. Deep breathing before the event will also help a little but learning to chill out about these things take a lot of years.

I am sure you will be fine and successful. I will keep my fingers crossed for you Let us know how it goes, good luck! xx