Life, to me, is an acronym: Life In Full Expression. But somewhere along the way, I lost that full expression. My days became a cycle of responsibilities, running businesses, serving the community, and, most of all, being consumed by my love for my family. My husband and daughter have always been my world. But my daughter, now 21, a recent university graduate of Texas State University is thriving in her own life. She has solid job, a bright future in the land of the free, home of the brave and everyone’s favorite person in Austin, Texas. She tells me “Mommy, I can sense that you are exhausted, tired and bored,” and honestly, she’s right. I was.
I had to face it; I was addicted to her. To them. To giving so much of myself that I forgot to save a piece just for me. My knees, both literally and metaphorically, were giving out. I needed something that was mine, something that would shake me awake from the catatonic state I had drifted into.
Enter pickleball…. it’s not just a game, it’s an awakening. It’s easy to pick up, easy to learn, but hard to master. Once you catch the bug, you get it. “Pickleball is Life”. If it’s not about pickleball, I am not interested. My employees, the people who caused me grief and suffering are all dead to me, 😂! The court became my space, my movement, my fun. It gave me a reason to rise and shine again, to feel that spark of friendly competition and playfulness that had been buried under years of duty and devotion. It’s like going back to high school again. We found so many new friends from all walks of life, and different stages in their lives. It’s a sport where 70-year-old retirees will be playing and often even beating 15-year-old teenagers.
After playing for over 3 hours, we would often go out as a group for some burgers and beers, sushi, or Korean BBQ. Every day was different. It would feel like heaven. No drama, no pretenses, just pure good old fun. The sport brought back the pep in my step.
Next month, will be the grand opening of a two court facility called Canggu Pickleball Club, where there will also be a laid back healthy grill sports bar, therapeutic traditional massage, a pro-shop, shower and change rooms. The ultimate pickleball destination , every thing you want is there, everything you dream of is there! Imagine getting a Balinese massage after a game! Imagine eating and drinking with friends after hours of playing with cool grown up kids! Hilarious and sublime.
Now, I remind myself that Life is a dream, and because it’s just a dream, there’s only one thing to do; enjoy it! The time is now. Rise and shine, light hearted boys and girls, it’s our time to play!