On a roll

Bowling has been a real up-and-down journey for me. Sometimes I feel like I'm winning and throwing it great, but other times, I can't seem to get it right. But there's one special night each week when everything clicks: Wednesday night league.

Last Wednesday, and probably the past 4 or 5 Wednesday nights. I went in feeling exhausted and just ready to get it over with, like usual. But this time, things just seemed to go my way. Although I tried out new balls, it seemed like I still had it figured out. We bowled three games, and I was able to still shoot a nice 690 (would have been higher but we had already lost). All in all, the last couple of Wednesday nights have been great for me.

But here's the wild part—when I bowl in tournaments or other places, it's like I forget how to throw a ball. The things that work for me on Wednesdays suddenly don't work at all. It's super frustrating and disheartening.

So, why is there such a big difference? Well, I think part of it is because Wednesday nights are just more fun. I'm with friends, and there's no pressure to be perfect. Overall I am more relaxed since I am surrounded by good company and maybe have a drink or two. But in tournaments, it's a different story. Despite being able to throw it well I feel like I have to be amazing and continue that same feeling. That pressure messes with my head and definitely does not help when sometimes there is money on the line.

But maybe it's not just about the pressure. Maybe it's also about how I think about things. Instead of focusing on what I'm doing wrong, I need to focus on what I'm doing right and learn from every game, good or bad. I think there shouldn’t be any reason why one day I feel good then the next I am uncomfortable. Sticking to what feels right and keeping it simple will help to remain in the moment and focus on the present.

So, even though bowling can be tough sometimes, I'm not giving up completely. I'll keep playing, keep learning, and keep getting better. And who knows? Maybe next time, I'll win something again.