By: Lisa B., Transformations Alumni Coordinator
Bowling has never been my thing. The smelly shoes, the greasy food, and my deep legacy of endless gutter balls. There was a time when I may not have shown up for an event that I knew I would not be good at. There was also a time when the idea of going to any type of event sober sounded more far-fetched than a strike, especially an event on St. Patrick’s Day. Yet a few weekends ago, I found myself wearing green in a bowling alley in the afternoon, sober, and having the best time ever—a bowling alley filled with pitchers of beer and people drinking to celebrate the holiday.
Today, I can find fun in any activity I try. It is no longer about being the “best” at something but instead about showing up, being with good people, and not taking myself too seriously. I have learned that I can go anywhere in sobriety, so long as I have the right intentions and so long as I am with supportive people with similar goals.
And a funny thing happened when I let my guard down. I not only went from being the queen of gutter balls to getting my first TWO strikes ever! I may not have won the game, but I left with a newfound appreciation for bowling and feeling like I had won at life, as I had made it through my 11th St. Patrick’s Day sober.
More importantly, I got to host an event for individuals who may still be struggling with their sobriety or mental health on a day surrounded by drinking. It may not count as “service,” as I am an employee, but I sure left the alley with the same high I feel when I work a 12th step.
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