Week #26 – “There’s always…BOWLING?!”

(Photo credit: Grace Church)

(Photo credit: Grace Church)

Week #26 – “There’s always…BOWLING?!”

As Rob and I got older and started palling around as adults…bowling became one of those things we could do together regardless of skill or conditions.  Raining at the beach…?  How about bowling!  Sub-zero temperatures up north?  Bowling!  Need something the entire family can do together?!  LET’S GO BOWLING!

Rob always had a second and third contingency plan up his sleeve.  If the waves weren’t good, he’d take a walk on the boards.  If it was too windy for a walk, he’d go to the airport.  If the weather was bad, he’d go to the gym.  If he’d already worked out, he’d take a long drive instead.  Rob always had an arsenal of happy places at the ready…

…what about you?

Bowling can teach us a lot about life…because none of us waits until conditions are perfect to jump in and take a turn.  We gather up anyone between the ages of 5 and 105 who can roll, push, bounce, or sling a ball down a lane and go…and just expect to have a good time!  Because (for most of us), bowling isn’t about the score…it’s about having that thing we can do, with people we enjoy, knowing we’ll have a good time.  I mean, seriously…when have you ever had a bad time bowling?!

Your assignment for this week: Start building your arsenal of “Happy Places.”  Survey your family, your kids, your coworkers, your loved ones, your parents…find out what they like to do.  And don’t forget to make your own list, too!  Then look for common denominators.  Pitch-n-Putt?  Driving Range?  Amusement Park?  Beach Day?  Sleigh Riding?  Camping?  Long walks in the woods?  Picnic in the park?  Collect all your ideas in one place…so when you’re stumped for something to do or that first choice doesn’t pan out…”there’s always (fill in the blank)!”

Years ago I got my family matching bowling shirts for Christmas.  We’ll use them again this weekend as we gather once more to spend time — not necessarily doing something we’re good at — just doing something fun together.  Rob will be missed…as always.  But his lessons…they are a new kind of happy place.  I hope they are for you, too!

Spread Happyness — share your “happy place” ideas in the comments!  (And if you’re stumped…”there’s always bowling!”)

3/13/15 by Grace Church
© Grace Church

4 thoughts on “Week #26 – “There’s always…BOWLING?!”

    1. Grace Church Post author

      Thanks for following along, Marlo! Our shirts are ready, too. See you SUNDAY!

  1. Gina Buongiorno

    Church family bowling…some of the greatest memories around. Have a wonderful birthday bowling bonanza!

    I have many happy places. Some are mine alone and some are shared. Some are physical, like the Lord & Taylor shoe department. Some are because of special meaning, like any Starbucks but particularly the one in Rockaway which holds such special meaning to me and my beloved. And some are more mental, like the latest issue of InStyle (this can occur on the beach, on a plane, but most enjoyed on my very own sofa).

    Love this idea of having the tried and true arsenal of happy places ready at the waiting. Spontaneity with a little bit of planning!

    1. Grace Church Post author

      Having seen you on the beach many times with your copy of InStyle…I can attest that this is DEFINITELY one of your “Happy Places!”

      I like that you fine-sliced the many ways we can experience a “Happy Place” — physical, mental, emotional — all very rich landscapes to explore while forming our “Happy Places” lists!

      Thanks, GEE!

Comments are closed.