By Tina Mickelson
September always seems to feel like a month of duality. We are sad that summer is over, yet excited for UGG boots and pumpkin spice everything. More free time is appreciated when the kiddos go back to school, but the house feels empty without them.
However, I think one of the most duplicitous elements of late summer / early fall is the dreaded (and exciting) act of children starting college. Many friends and colleagues are dropping off their oldest children at college right now and each one of them is experiencing a mixed bag of emotions that I can only imagine. It’s exciting to think of them embarking on the college experience; all the wonderful memories created, meeting lifelong friends, acquiring knowledge that will lead them into their careers and developing crucial life skills. All of this is awesome! But my friends say that if they are being honest, it also feels like they are being left behind. That can be a tough pill to swallow, even though we are beyond thrilled for them.
I know my day will come, and I am already thinking about what I can do to ease the blow. We are often told that it is especially important to lean on our community when we experience a life changing event. And since many of my friends play golf, they have said that it’s their golf community in which they have found the most solace. The game itself requires concentration and focus, which helps take the mind off anything else that might be taking up space in there. Spending time with friends who are supportive and uplifting multiplies the benefits of this great game. Because think about it: you are outdoors, in nature (which is so grounding), the sun is on your face (hello, vitamin D) and your endorphins are kicking in after getting some exercise. All of these great benefits comprise the “wellness salad” that is going to be what fuels you and keeps your mood strong. And this goes for any difficult situation life throws at us. Because golf is more than just a game. It is a practice in self-care. It is a soft place to land. And even when kiddos have the audacity to go out and live their best lives, the game of golf will always be there for us.