A few weeks back, one of my coworkers told me that she was organizing a disc golf tournament for charity. She has organized the event for the past 5-years. She invited everyone in the office out to play. I told her that even though I had no idea how to play, I would try and make it.
This week has not been one of my best weeks. In fact, it really sucked. On Friday, my coworker reminded me about her disc golf tournament. I told her I would do my best to make it. Even though I said this, inside I knew that I probably would not show up mostly because my heart was just not in to it.
This morning I woke up about 530am. I remembered the tournament. As quickly as I remembered the event, my internal dialogue began to bring to light all of the reasons why I should not go. First, like I said, this week sucked and besides that I can’t throw a Frisbee good enough to play in a tournament. Next, I don’t know the rules of disc golf. I don’t know any of the people there. I would probably just slow everything down. I don’t own any equipment. Most likely I would end up looking like a fool. The weather forecast was calling for cool temps with rain and then to cap it all off, I have a ton of “work” that I need to do.
Ultimately, it is for all of these reasons that today I played in my first disc golf tournament.
Yes, the weather was cloudy and overcast. Yes, I felt like a total idiot playing in a tournament for which I had no skill. Yes, I felt lost and out of place when I arrived. With the exception of my coworker, yes, I did not know anybody. Yes, folks did initially look at me kind of weird; and why shouldn’t they. After all, I was the only person who showed up to a disc golf tournament with no disc. I borrowed some from my coworker. Every time someone would look in my direction I would smile and say hello. Well, it did not take long before I was involved in some conversations. The people I talked to knew I didn’t “belong” and they could probably tell I was a little nervous. I was there about 20-minutes when a couple of guys offered to take me out to show me a few things. Real disc golf players have elaborate packs that they carry all of their equipment in. As for me, I just carried my 3 discs in my hand. While I was out on the course being taught the rules and better throwing form, I discovered I had met one of the guys before. He works at the shop where I take my road bike. We practiced for about 30-minutes and then returned to the park pavilion to start the match.
The scorecards were passed out and I was paired with Eric and Corey. We shook hands and I told them I was new to the sport. When one of them asked how new I told them my story. They laughed and thought it was kind of funny that I was playing in the tournament. Both of them said very nice reassuring words like, “Just enjoy yourself and have a good time. We will help you out.” They did. And yes, I did have a good time and I did enjoy myself. I had a terrific day. In the raffle after the tournament, I won some discs. I think I might start playing.
I still wonder why it is I still have to force myself out of my comfort zone. You would think that by now I would know that life outside of the comfort zone is usually never as uncomfortable as I imagine it to be. Just showing up remains the toughest part of getting outside of the comfort zone.
Today, I could have just sat at home by myself doing some work, but I am glad I didn’t. I learned a new sport, I made some new friends and I once again experienced personal growth by stepping outside of my comfort zone. When you really don’t feel like stepping out of your comfort zone is probably when you need to the most.
PS – Thanks to Tammy, Chris, Lewie, Lana, Corey, Eric and Ninja Bob for making me feel welcome.
PPS – I hope you find your adventure and Live Your Life.
PPPS – I shot a 97 and got last place. That’s okay. #BMFAdventure Club