DID I DO THAT?

Believe me, I have mimicked (quite a few times), Steve Urkel, the annoying but lovable character played by Jaleel White on the long-running late ’80s sitcom, Family Matters.

DID I DO THAT?

As if I couldn’t believe it (the truth is I couldn’t) but why shouldn’t I believe it. It happened, didn’t it. Of course it did. I have to belief it. Why? Because I did it. I hit a fantastic shot. So bring on the fist bumps and the high-fives. I’ll take it. And yes, thank-you. I’ll take my bow, for now.

When I think about, I’ve come a long way. I remember my humble beginnings; if you wanted a hole dug, just give me a pitching wedge and place a golf ball on the ground. I would swing, digging up a lot of dirt and grass, and the ball would still be laying there. It looked like someone came through with a backhoe.

Then I was told to keep my head down, keep looking at the ball until I hit it. So, I kept my head down ( praying the whole time) and I eventually connected and the ball finally left the ground and flew. I also took lessons. The more I practiced and played my game improved little by little.

PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE

Like anything else in life, nothing is handed to you. Why would it be any different in golf? I know I have to put in the work if I expect to get better. But being too hard on myself can be self defeating. I have to REMEMBER TO THINK POSITIVE AND RELAX.  Don’t over think and have confidence.

If I own my bad shots, well then, I certainly must accept and own the good ones as well.  When I hit a good shot, I hit a good shot. Even if it’s not a good looking shot; whereby the ball doesn’t fly in the air but crawls through the grass (what’s typically called a worm burner) up to the hole like a centipede. Great!  I’ll take. Skill? Luck? Who cares at this point. Pride takes a back seat. I’m interested in results.

When we put in the practice to get better, we should expect to be better; shifting from the unbelieving question, “DID I DO THAT?” to the more soul satisfying, “I DID THAT! “

UNTIL NEXT TIME.

PEACE, LOVE AND LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE.

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PHOTO BY LUCIE LIZ

The above photo is a picture of a golf green; commonly referred to (by some golfers) as the ‘DANCE  FLOOR’.  The ultimate goal is to eventually end up on the dance floor in order to putt the ball into the hole. The length of time it takes to get to the dance floor is determined on a person’s level of skill.  If you a more experienced player, it usually doesn’t take as long to get to the GREEN.  However, the rub is that there are so many things to navigate, both internally and externally,  just to get to the dance floor.

When I was a lot younger, single and going to clubs dancing was a way to meet women. The dance floor was an ice breaker. I also learned a valuable lesson in life, sometimes you have to hear a lot of no’s before you hear a ‘yes.’  So even if I don’t do as well as I expected, there are always some great shots I can put into my memory bank.

Most writers (poets) have a treasure chest of metaphors waiting to be used like different colors to an artist or various spices to a chef. So when I first heard of the comparison of a GOLF green to a dance floor, it made sense. I finally arrived at my destination. I’m in the club and it’s time for a few dance moves, however; this time the putter is my partner. Eventually, all golfers make it to the dance floor.  If you putt well, you’re a good dancer. But if you don’t there is always a chance for redemption on the next hole.

Okay. I’ll just come right out with it. I have a confession to make. I’m having an affair. I’m a little embarrassed to put my business out there. When I’m not with her I’m thinking about her. My wife knows about it. In fact, she knew long before I made the confession. She doesn’t mind the affair. She encourages me. She’s good with the relationship as long as I keep things in perspective.

You may have guessed who I’m having an affair with…your guess is right…GOLF.

Golf is my passion. I love the game. I just wish I wasn’t so obsessed with it. But I can’t help it. I play a lot of golf (not as much as I’d like to), watch a lot of the golf channel (watching different tournaments and lessons from the pros), I have a good swing coach (Mr. Horn) who is a phenomenal person. I’ve learned a lot from him.  I go to the driving range about 2-3 times a week, have a subscription to GOLF DIGEST.  I have written poetry about the sport and even wrote a bluesy song about my golf journey.

Sometimes I feel I’m in a ‘she loves me, she loves me not’ relationship. Then I realize that she loves me when I do the right thing. When I relax, don’t try too hard, trust and have confidence in myself ; she will usually  meet me where I’m at.  And when that happens…what a feeling of joy.   I FEEL LIKE DANCING.

Until next time. PEACE, LOVE  AND LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE!

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