Is Pickleball a New Way to Stay Fit or Just a Craze?

It’s the latest fad to hit the courts — but will it last?

Photo by Ben Hershey on Unsplash

In 2013 I made an acquaintance with a woman married to my husband’s friend.

During dinner, she asked if I played pickleball? What the heck is pickleball?

Carol explained it was a cross between tennis and ping-pong and maybe a bit of badminton thrown in, too.

How the heck did this game come to be, and why the silly name?

The story is that in 1965, three dads tired of hearing their children complain of boredom created this game for them. They loved it.

There are two versions of how the name came about. The wife of one of the men coined the term as the game is a combination of three other sports, referencing the second-string crewing the “pickle boat” in rowing.

Another understanding is that the game was named after one of the creator’s dogs, “Pickles,” as she loved chasing the ball.

Learning

Carol is several years older than me and reported that the game is perfect for older adults as the court is smaller than a tennis court, approximately one-fourth the size, and the game is usually played with doubles.

Clearly, not as strenuous as tennis, yet still enough movement to get quality exercise.

Another six years after first hearing about this game, I ventured out to give it a whirl.

My friend Shannon and I signed up for lessons through the local Park and Rec, and I have never looked back.

Shannon suffered tendonitis the first month of play and decided it wasn’t her favorite sport.

I love the game. It’s challenging, fun, and a great way to develop new neural pathways in the brain. Just try remembering who served last or what the score is! Fortunately, four of us are playing, so between us, we usually come up with the answers.

We also must learn to serve, return the ball and remember the rules — and there are a few.

I started playing late in 2019 and have advanced slowly but steadily in my skill level.

Individuals can take lessons from private coaches, and the cost is reasonable, or many communities offer group lessons.

I am involved in league play — all-women teams are my favorite. Depending on where you live, you can play the game all year.

In Arizona, the winter months from October through April are ideal for outside play. The summer play takes place very early in the mornings or indoors. 

Quite a few gyms have added pickleball courts or marked basketball courts for pickleball play, too.

Nationwide, tennis courts are being converted into pickleball courts — requested by those who live in those communities.

Over 9,500 pickleball courts throughout the U.S. prove this game is here to stay.

Anyone can play

Pickleball is not only for older folks, as it appeared in the beginning. Men and women of all ages are now playing. Many have tennis backgrounds and are transitioning as fewer injuries occur with pickleball. 

Children are getting into the act, too, and some schools have added the game to their Physical Education programs.

Celebrities have also joined in on the craze. Ellen DeGeneres, George Clooney, and his wife, Amal, Matthew Perry from “Friends,” Leonardo DiCaprio, Stephen Colbert, and Brene Brown, author, and speaker, are among the devotees.

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To say pickleball has changed my life is not an overstatement. 

Before learning this game, my exercise activities consisted of hiking the hills, walking my Golden Retriever, taking various exercise classes and yoga at the gym, and a bit of strength training at home. Yes, a considerable amount, though, of course, spread throughout the week.

I still do those, except for the gym classes I eliminated because of Covid. 

Adding pickleball to the mix has significantly improved my fitness level. I play three to five times a week for one and a half to two hours each time.

The best part of pickleball? I have made amazing, kind, supportive friends who have become very dear to me. 

The bottom line — I have not one negative thing to say about pickleball — okay, one — we need more courts! 

Pickleball is a craze — a healthy, fun, exuberant sensation that is here to stay. Give it a try — you’ll love it.

Can Brad Pitt's Latest Revelation About His Alcohol Addiction Help You?

 Does telling our stories about our addictions help others? —Maybe especially if you're a celebrity.

Photo by Sicong Li on Unsplash

Handsome, talented Brad Pitt was addicted to alcohol just like millions of ordinary people. 

I'm not saying you and I are ordinary in the sense of being average or unremarkable, so don't be offended.

He's a celebrity, and we often put them on a pedestal. Frequently, they fall off the darn thing only to reveal their humanness. 

If they're brave enough, they also are willing to be vulnerable.

Brad Pitt dared to do just that. And not just once. He's given multiple interviews where he admitted he was addicted to the drink.

It took Angelina Jolie filing divorce papers and a drunken altercation on a private jet with his son for him to sober up.

Pain and alcohol

What's up with these celebrities and their addictions, you might ask. They have fame and fortune. Most of them have great looks, often beautiful spouses and adorable children. They have the wherewithal to buy whatever they desire. 

Why do they turn to drugs and alcohol? 

Many of them, Brad Pitt included, are reminders that alcohol addiction does not play favorites. It can impact people from all walks of life, and it does. No one is bulletproof to alcohol's assault.

Pitt has revealed:

"I have always felt very alone in my life…alone growing up as a kid…alone even out here. And it’s really not till recently that I have had a greater embrace of my friends and family."

How many of us can identify with that feeling of loneliness. We can feel alone even when surrounded by many people. Sometimes, being with others and perhaps not feeling as though you fit in exacerbates the feeling of aloneness.

Pitt also said he suffered from depression and was unsure who he was.

 In Hollywood, it is often bandied about that one must be their "authentic self." He recently admitted he didn't know what his authentic self was.

"Out here in California..there’s a lot of talk about ‘being your authentic self’ it would plague me, what does authentic mean? For me it was getting to a place of acknowledging those deep scars that we carry."

We don't know how deeply others suffer — famous or not. No one gets through life without some degree of pain.

Alcohol is a common antidote to that pain. Ultimately, backfiring, as it did for Brad.

The demise of his marriage helped him see the harm his alcohol addiction was causing.

Being vulnerable

Pitt attended Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and participated in a men's only group.

He comments:

"You have all these men sitting around being open and honest in a way I have never heard. It was this safe space where there was little judgment and, therefore, little judgment of yourself."

He also was astonished and pleased that no one in the group sold his stories to the tabloids.

Pitt admitted that it was very freeing and of great value to disclose his ugly side.

Another significant facet for many who seek freedom from the drink is to embrace a friend.

Pitt has credited his buddy and fellow actor, Bradley Cooper, with helping him find sobriety.

Other writers and I on Medium have taken the leap and revealed our tales of alcohol addiction. It wasn't easy the first time I published my account of my addiction. However, it was a huge relief.

I have learned so much from readers' comments to my revelations. I also understood and had compassion when writers were brave to tell their alcohol nightmares, too.

Telling our dark secrets about addiction opens up the portal for others. We reveal our shame, and they may feel they can do the same.

The National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reports that millions of people wrestle with alcohol problems, but only a tiny fraction seek treatment, as Pitt did.

Brad Pitt’s revelations can help you give up booze. He didn’t say it was easy. He went to AA meetings and sought a therapist and the help of a friend. There is no need to go it alone.

Pitt summarizes his recovery humbly:

"I am those mistakes. For me, every misstep has been a step toward epiphany, understanding, some kind of joy."

If you're still drinking, why not join Brad and those of us who have quit alcohol? Be a part of that tiny fraction who have chosen the world of sobriety.

There is help out there. See your doctor or contact a treatment center, AA or start by Googling "help with alcohol addiction."

Your world and a better life are waiting. 

Are You Strong Enough to Face Your Difficult Emotions?

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We all experienced emotions we'd rather not have — but if you're alive, there's no alternative.

Photo by Lee Chinyama on Unsplash

Fear. Grief. Guilt. Insecurity. And their many cousins — frustration, loneliness, anger, and shame. Oh yes, then there's resentment, spite, and sadness.

Sounds overwhelming, doesn't it. 

Do you tend to run from these feelings? Or stuff them? Resist them, perhaps?

Attempt to drink or drug them away?

In the past, I drank some of these emotions away. Or instead attempted to. Other times shopping for unneeded items felt like a way to escape uncomfortable feelings.

Do you accept your challenging sentiments? Maybe even observe them with curiosity?

Resistance

There's a saying I remember hearing for years, and it speaks the truth:

 What you resist, persists. — Carl Jung, Swiss psychologist.

If you resist your emotions, they will not only persist but may enlarge, drawing energy into the resistance cycle, thus producing more resistance and problems.

Hiding, covering up, or denying your feelings is what resisting means.

I'm sure I've experienced all of the trying emotions I've mentioned at one point or another in my life. I've lived a long life.

What about you? Can you recall enduring these difficult conditions of the heart and mind? I know you have.

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My oldest son, Anthony, died six and a half years ago at age 36 due to complications of ulcerative colitis. 

Pain, anger, confusion, frustration, and grief were all emotions I had to face. Oh, and guilt. 

As mothers, we think there is always something else we could have done. 

Those of you who have lost a beloved know of where I speak.

Anthony was an adventurer, sailor, fisherman, and lobsterman. This beautiful soul also experienced myriad emotions in his short, bold, and brave life. 

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Acceptance

We need to allow these challenging emotions and acknowledge and observe them, not ignore, resist or numb ourselves to them.

Everyone has experienced challenging times. We must get to the other side; the only way is through. I know you've heard that before, and it's because it is a truism.

We need to feel every emotion before we can release it. The pain won't resolve until we turn toward it, not away.

And what happens when you get to the other side? 

You're stronger, more resilient. You learn from your emotions. You emerge forever changed by them.

Some of these emotions will stay with you forever, as in my grief over Anthony's death. A parent doesn't recover from a child's passing. 

We must stay open to what our complex life issues can teach us. We learn to accept it and grow from it.

We miss our beloved departed forever, and that love makes us more compassionate and grateful for every moment. That is, if we allow ourselves to truly feel and integrate the emotion.

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Anger, fear, resentment, jealousy — admit you are feeling these emotions. Don't shy away from them or feel ashamed. Face them, and you will become stronger by dealing with them head-on.

 Once you feel them, you will understand them. You will be able to discover the source. Some emotions, such as grief, are clear where they stem from. Others are not so obvious.

You will also develop a strength you didn't know you were capable of having. You will own your power.

All emotions are part of the human experience. They're normal. You are "normal."

Our fears, ignorance, misunderstandings, and insecurities are what bring on the emotions.

Remember, these emotions are the result of our circumstances. Often trauma from childhood or a relationship, illness, or anxiety will cause these emotions to appear.

Your life circumstances will be easier to deal with as you have conquered what may have been holding you back.

I'm not saying this is going to be easy. Many things worth achieving are difficult. 

You have mastered many challenges in your life — you can explore your emotions, question them and ultimately find peace.

Please seek help from a therapist if you find this confrontation is too hard to face alone. 

Does a Solid Daily Routine Help Creative People Achieve More?

Or would you rather just wing it — do whatever “feels” right?

Photo by Arnel Hasanovic on Unsplash

I love my routine. It helps me feel secure and calm and organized.

In July of 2018, I started The Miracle Morning a book by Hal Elrod, Anna David, and Joe Polish.

There is a variety to choose from such as The Miracle Morning for Entrepreneurs, for Real Estate Agents, one for Parents and Families, Network Marketers, etc.

Since I planned on quitting drinking I bought the one for Addiction Recovery.

I am still following this routine today — a full four years later and I must say it is an effective plan that has allowed me to realize a much more productive day and successful life.

Of course, giving up alcohol several months later, also added to my success. 

This practice is one I would recommend for anyone who wants to achieve improvement in all areas of their life.

The routine is one-hour first thing upon waking dedicated to focusing on positive LIFE SAVERS. 

The SAVERS are Silence, Affirmations, Visualization, (or meditation), Exercise, Reading (uplifting or spiritual works — whatever inspires you), and finally Scribing (or journaling). I have found it is a perfect start to the day.

Find the volume that appeals to you for your specific field of interest and learn how it can change your morning. 

Now that we’ve looked at the morning, it’s time for the rest of your day.

One routine doesn’t work for everyone

Now for the contradiction concerning routines. The Miracle Morning routine is a wonderful one for most — albeit not everyone. 

The good news is that this routine can be adjusted depending on your idiosyncrasies. 

If you’re not an early riser but rather a night owl, move the SAVERS to the evening.

What is crucial is that we implement a daily routine and stay with it. Our minds and bodies — e.g. muscle (or mind/body) memory — will fall into a rhythm if we repeat it every day.

If you love rising early — great. 

Is that when you are in your best mood or imaginative space? Or when time is available to you to write, paint or sculpt or do whatever is your creative activity? 

After my morning routine, I typically take my Golden Retriever, Merlin, out for a jaunt, returning home to a few cups of coffee and a light breakfast. 

Often, a few games of pickleball take place several mornings a week.

Daily chores are next and soon time for lunch. 

Finally, I get to create. Right now I’m focusing most of my efforts on writing for Medium. 

Occasionally, I will take the time to design and create a collage. It’s a much different artistic process than writing — yet a challenging exercise for my brain.

Many consider mid-afternoon as a vacant brain time.

Not me. Afternoons, beginning between 1 and 2, is the time my mind conjures ideas of which to write. 

It also helps to have a few inspirations jotted down ahead of time to loosen the juices.

I will be at my computer for the next few hours until the time arrives to begin preparing dinner. (Hubby gets hungry.)

By this time I have usually completed an article, including a photo, title, and subtitle and I’m ready to hit “publish”.

This is a very satisfying day for me.

Lists

A part of my routine are lists. As I mentioned I prefer having a few ideas for articles at the ready before I settle down to write.

I also rely on a weekly to-do list. This contains items I MUST do, those I SHOULD do, and those I WANT to do.

My list helps keeps my thoughts and needed actions organized. 

Each category contains at least three items to be completed. I love crossing them off as I finish each. So satisfying.

At the top of the page is what I consider to be my most important goal for the week. For example; this week's primary goal was to do something for me. 

I buy pre-printed pads that have the categories (Must do, etc.)listed for easy access. They are available online from the Living Well Shop. 

What about “you time?”

I was spending time in California, with my son, Nick and we decided we hadn’t visited a museum in months. Nick chose the Oakland Museum of California. There was a specific exhibit he wanted to view. It was the story of Edith Heath, the founder and creative mind behind Heath Ceramics in Sausalito. Fascinating. 

I’m so glad he chose that museum even though I didn’t know I would be interested in that exhibit. 

Edith was an inspirational individual — way ahead of her time.

 I am motivated to be more creative and look for other artistic outlets to explore after seeing her story.

Taking time for oneself is critical self-care, stimulating your mind, and satisfying your curiosity. Plus, nothing beats learning something new and interesting. 

You never know what may spring from an outing. It’s imperative to stretch and grow and with a routine in place daily, you will have more opportunities to find pockets of time to investigate new areas of interest.

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By the end of the week, I easily see what I’ve accomplished and what still needs to be achieved. The left-over tasks are moved to a new list that will be prepared Sunday evening. 

My routine helps me feel efficient and effective.

Do you have a routine that streamlines your day? Do you make lists? Do you find it helpful to have either?

Some people may feel stifled with a routine. They are more easygoing and carefree than me. This is fine, of course.

We need to know ourselves, what works for us and how we are most successful and happy.