Bowling Strikes Back
Over this past weekend, I found myself in the midst of what can only be described as a complete disaster, embarrassing, and an overall bowling nightmare. I decided to bowl a Women’s tournament even after second guessing myself. As I entered the alley, all I could think of is how much I didn’t want to lose money, but at the same time my confidence in that alley has never been higher. My scores are usually pretty good, spare shooting is a lot better, and I feel more free. As practice begun, I was able to strike majority of my shots. I thought to myself ‘damn this shit will blow open so quick’. And unfortunately, my intuition was spot on. The pins seemed to mock me as my balls consistently missed their mark, leaving me with a score that felt more like a slap in the face than a reflection of my skill.
But the disappointment didn't end there. Just when I thought things couldn't get any worse, I faced a similar struggle during league last night. It was like déjà vu, except this time the frustration was amplified by the weight of consecutive defeats. Bowling, a sport that had brought me joy and satisfaction in the past, suddenly felt like an insurmountable challenge.
In moments like these, it's easy to succumb to self-doubt and despair. I questioned my abilities, my dedication, and whether I had what it takes to bounce back from such a demoralizing slump. But amidst the turmoil, I realized that setbacks are an inevitable part of any journey, whether on the lanes or in life.
It's during these rough patches that we truly discover our resilience and strength of character. Instead of dwelling on my failures, I chose to embrace them as opportunities for growth. Every frustrating day, every bad shot, every split, served as a valuable lesson in humility and perseverance. After all, it's easy to be a good sport when you're winning, but true champions are forged in the crucible of defeat. I can honestly say I did not get hot headed and remained leveled for the most part.
I remind myself that this bullsh*t will pass. Bowling is a game of highs and lows, even when you feel like it’s the end of the world after a bad day. I tell myself to let it go, keep pushing forward, to trust in the process, and to have faith that better days lie ahead. As frustrating as it may be, these moments of adversity are what make the victories all the sweeter.
So, if any of you are facing your own trials and tribulations, I offer this simple piece of advice: keep your head up, keep grinding, and never lose sight of why you fell in love with the game in the first place. Remember, it's not the defeats that define us, but how we rise from them that truly matters.
In the end, it's just a bad day not a bad life.
