Catching a break…
Looking back… 35 years ago I walked into my parents bowling center excited about the 1st night of league bowling. It was one of those moments in time that marked my life is such a special way for me… it was the beginning of new bowling season and we drew lanes 3-4 and they was my favorite. I had bowled youth bowling before leaving for college and this was my first adult league since moving back from college to work for my parents while starting a family.
You see, most nights were spent working at the bowling center, but this was a night to enjoy competing with friends…Church, Wainwright, McKinsey, Callaway, Bowen, Nix, Padgett, Dodgen, Craton, Cornelison, Billie, Hardin, Connor, Poff, Henson, Davis, and so many more. So, there I was in the opening game with 9 strikes in a row getting ready to bowl the 10th frame - staring in the eyes perfection. As I approached the lane in the final frame, my legs felt shaky - like the first time I was asked to read my paper in front of everyone in my speech class - but found a way to step up and roll a solid strike in the 10th and 11th. Then… it was time for the final shot - the 12th frame… and remember feeling so much pressure and quietly whispering to myself “now is your time”, but when I stepped up to roll the ball down the lane, it felt slow and thought “oh noooo” as it started hooking into the headpin and then crossed over at the last minute for a strike - 300 game! Whew… I caught a break!
I remember being so excited… and others being excited for me as walked over to congratulate me! I remember not wanting to leave the lanes that night so I could savor that feeling … I can still feel that moment today. I’m so grateful for that season in my life, and for all of the great friendships that were built on the lanes…
As I reflect, I think about so many breaks I’ve received in life and other times when I didn’t get the break I was hoping for… but it’s what has shaped my life today.
A lot of people will share advice not to look back in life, and that’s true in a lot of cases. We only get one chance in life, so we need to make the best of it. But introspection- taking a look back to reflect on life is so good for the soul. So always keep your eyes ahead - but look back in gratitude from time to time and you’ll live an inspired life!
“Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.” (Theodore Seuss Geisel)
Look back and think of that time you caught a break or maybe a time when it didn’t go your way but led you to a better place. Share the story that has shaped your life with your co-workers and friends… it will inspire you!
This is “Move to Inspire” with Bruce Waller! For more information, call 972-389-5673, or email bwaller@goarmstrong.com or check out my social media Facebook and Twitter page. Also, check out www.BruceWaller.com to review my leadership books “Life in the Leadership Lane”, “Find Your Lane” or pick up a copy of my journal “Milemarkers” to start recording your everyday. All books are available on amazon. Be sure to subscribe to my YOUTUBE channel to watch the video podcasts and other messages to help you lead in the workplace! “Life in the Leadership Lane podcast is available on your favorite podcast platform including APPLE, GOOGLE, and SPOTIFY. Interested in a book club? Join our book club “CLIMB” on Facebook.