Ah, LIFE

My good intentions were thwarted last week by something that was not in my hands. One of my favorite uncles passed away suddenly. It wasn't something unexpected, it's just that we never get to 'plan' for this to happen in a certain moment in time. That's a good thing.

However, I did not plan ahead and bring my computer along with me, so, I am starting over with the blog today. 21 days in a row. a new habit.

Oddly enough, it gave me plenty of time to reflect on things that are important. Family, for sure, from the most elderly, with whom I have lots of history, to the most tiny infant (2 months old, but not tiny by any stretch) with whom I just began bonding. I loved being around each of the people there, some with whom I talk daily, to those I hardly recalled, to some I had never actually met. Memories swirled around all day. We were able to watch a beautiful memorial video of Uncle Paul's life. Photos from his life as a child, a young adult, the wedding to my beautiful Aunt Ellen, some of their escapades before children and after, his travels around the world as a Rotarian and more recently with his beloved grandchildren. In every instance, it was about the smile, ever present and speaking volumes. He lived with a joy of life, a need to make a difference and to act beyond himself to help make the world a better and more beautiful place.

How does this experience affect golf? No, he didn't play golf, he played life - all of it! And he played it to leave the world a better place than he found it. One step at a time, one day at a time. How many of us can take those messages to heart regarding our golf game? What happens when we get ahead of ourselves, and begin to think out in the future? What kind of story do we tell ourselves? Can we step out and play with a constant smile? Do we begin to worry about an upcoming hole and forget to focus on this shot?

Stay in the momnet - do what is in front of you know - and keep smiling. We only really have THIS moment.