Get Out of the House!

In the past, I had a hard time being selfish with spending time out of the house. I always felt guilty leaving my husband and kids home while I went out to do anything. I could have been at a Toastmasters meeting or going to the gym. Maybe I spent an occasional night out with a friend. In any event, it took all my effort to make it happen. Sounds silly I am sure, because I tell people all the time that they need to have things outside of the home that makes them happy.  A little space and independence are good for partners and families.

Thank goodness I actually started doing that, because I now find myself home alone – a lot. I have grown children and no spouse to hang out with. It is ok to be home alone for a bit, but it was beginning to become unhealthy.  I was drinking wine by myself while watching TV. I was getting sad and then very lonely. On occasion, I reached out to family or friends, but there is not much anyone can do to soothe that feeling of helplessness. It can be a slippery slope sometimes. That is not what I wanted to be doing.  So, I decided to join a social circle that will help me stay off the couch and do something much healthier. 

I have joined a local pickleball club! Yep, in addition to going to the gym 3 days a week, I am now playing pickleball. This is a sport that I really never considered until I got my first lesson. Actually, I decided I was going to give it a try and already bought my paddle before I even knew I would get a lesson. Ahhhh…. The Universe works in mysterious ways. After having one lesson on how to play, I was hooked. Now this is something I can play for sure. There is also no doubt that the exercise this sport provides will allow me to lose the few pounds that I would like to get off. (No comments from the peanut gallery on that.) 

 This is a whole new group of people from a different town. My comfort zone of being surrounded by friends and neighbors is now being stretched. That is not a problem at this club apparently. After my inaugural lesson, I was introduced to every single person that arrived to play. If I wasn’t introduced by my instructor, the individuals just took it upon themselves to take a minute to greet me and welcome me to the club. This is going to be very good for me and just what I need to get out of the house. However, I am still feeling a bit uncomfortable with the idea of finding people to play with despite being an extrovert. I am a newbie and feeling a little out of place at times. 

So, in order to get over myself, I am doing what I do best- just jumping in! I have taken lessons, participated in mixers, exchanged numbers with other players and have reached out to them to schedule practice dates. Of course, I decided to tackle this new adventure during the hottest summer on record, but what the heck- no better time like the present. I am so happy to be part of this group and grateful for the other club members. This is just the ticket for me to be part of an active and dynamic group of people who just want to have fun and exercise at the same time. I now know that this club will help keep my mind and body active and focused on the positive. Watch out Southern Vermont Pickleball Club, this gal is going to become a regular face on the courts. 

I can do this just for me and I am grateful for this healthier outlet. Another step along the path of my new, independent life.