My whole life I have been a bowler. It is something that has been ingrained into my identity. I do not know myself without bowling.

I started at age seven and still to this day, at age 22, I am involved with it. I grew up in junior leagues on the weekends, joined the junior high bowling team, then the high school bowling team, then moved on to college bowling. Bowling is something that I have always loved, something that I have always done. I could never get enough of it. It was always on my mind and I was always doing it. While other kids in high school went to parties on weekends, all my friends and I would spend our days and nights at the alley. I spent all my free time practicing on the lanes trying to get better. The bowling alley became my second home. It pretty much felt like I never actually left that place because day after day I would be back.

Bowling was my life.

But, one day I lost all the love that I had for the sport. Poof, just like that. This past year randomly one day I realized that my heart just wasn’t in it anymore. I had grown apart from the thing that had been part of me for 14 years and I couldn’t put my finger on why this had happened. I no longer wanted to spend countless hours in the alley practicing. I no longer bowled singles tournaments for fun. I no longer looked forward to bowling. It felt more and more like a chore with every passing day.

When the 2015-2016 college season ended in April, I decided I would take a much needed break. I haven’t touched a bowling ball in three months and I can honestly say that this decision has been one of the best things that I could have done for myself. After this time off I can actually say that I missed it. I haven’t had much time to do anything this summer and being so busy has definitely made me miss the days that I spent all my time in the bowling alley.

I have had time to think about all that bowling means to me and I have found out that it really does mean a lot to me regardless if I hit a rough patch with my love for the sport. Bowling really does hold my heart. All those countless hours spent practicing, the weekends traveling, and the memories made are irreplaceable. Bowling has given me something to be proud of, something to look forward to, and the chance to be able to meet some of my best friends over the years. That is what I am most thankful for, the lasting friendships I have made over the years that will continue through the rest of my life.

It is normal to lose the love you once had for something, it is a part of life. Not all things last forever but I can honestly say that without a doubt that my love for bowling will always be there. After a summer off to take time to myself, I cannot be more ready to finally pick up a bowling ball again and get back into it. This 2016-2017 season will be my last and I intend to make it count for something.