Fore!

About a month ago I had a moment of reflection and wondered, “Am I doing enough with my life during this crazy time? What will I remember when I look back on 2020?”

I have mentioned before that I believe each year of our lives (even those in quarantine) are meaningful and we each have an opportunity to write the narrative that will dictate how we remember each chapter of our life. I want this chapter, unexpected as it is, to be one of optimism, special family memories and growth.

Believe me, a lot of days don’t really reflect any of those goals. But I do believe in intentionality – particularly in challenging times, we have to make an effort to create the life we want to live.

So I did my self-reflection. Considered a few things to adjust. One of those things is writing more – hi!! Another ongoing goal is pushing myself to learn new things.

So I signed up for golf lessons.

Now, this may not be what you had in mind for a blog with an existential intro. But here we are. Quarantine times may not lead to a Pulitzer, but surely I can learn a new skill.

So golf it is.

I have wanted to learn how to play for years. My husband is a big golfer. I have lots of friends who golf. We are fortunate to have two homes on golf courses. Golf is a good, social game that I should be able to play for years.

I didn’t learn when I was younger because I was a very one-dimensional and focused runner from childhood through college. I wasn’t that interested in accumulating other skills – what a shame. And I probably would have been worried about straining my back or some other nonsense injury-prevention.

After I first moved to Seattle and was in the throes of the honeymoon stage, I did take a series of group lessons at the local university. This was over 20 years ago. I can’t remember anything.

Then we had kids. One, two, three. And golf was not how I wanted to spend my precious little free time. And with my husband really enjoying golf, someone had to watch the kids.

But now we are in quarantine time. I’m home. There is a club house with instructors a half mile away. I have time.

So I went to my first lesson with instructor Grace. She was lovely and calm and very good at instructing (socially distanced while wearing a mask). She also was really complementary about my first lesson. Seriously. She said I was her best student ever! Couldn’t believe I hadn’t played before! Promised she wasn’t just saying that.

To give you insight into my optimistic and competitive brain, I actually thought, “I probably have missed the LPGA, but maybe I could be a competitive club player.” I am not kidding. Keep in mind, I hadn’t been off the driving range or the putting green. But I was wondering if I had missed my calling as a golf prodigy.

Then I went to practice by myself one day. Hmmm. I was shanking balls to the far right. Hitting others like a grounder in a baseball game. I did not look like a prodigy.

I went for a second lesson with Grace. She helped correct some of my form mistakes. She was still patient and kind. And I am humbled by this intricate new sport.

I am enjoying this new challenge. I no longer think I am on the cusp of winning club championships. But I am on the path to being able to play a round of golf for fun. That is good enough for me at this stage.

Quarantine goals don’t have to be significant. But they can still add joy to your life.