To me, the most important aspect of life is growth. Of course, growth happens for a variety of reasons. I grew as a professional when I took a class in technical project management.  Having a child has taught me patience and acceptance of not having control. 

Yet, you might be surprised to learn one other place I learned life lessons—on the pickleball court at Omega’s Rhinebeck campus. Pickleball, a sport that is part tennis, part badminton, and part ping-pong, is both fun and challenging—putting me in situations that have brought up things to consider. Here are few insights I’ve gathered. 

Accepting Either Outcome

If I can accept either outcome, I can relax. I often would get really tense as a game neared its end if my team’s score wasn’t ahead. This affected my gameplay since I would hold the paddle tighter, making it more likely I would pop up the ball, allowing the opposing team an opening to attack. I would also become more desperate in trying to hit winning shots, instead of waiting for the right opportunity.

I discovered that if I instead opened up internally to accepting we might lose, I was able to relax and play better, which sometimes—to my delight—would change the trajectory of the game. 

Unconditional Self-Acceptance

I also found that I was defaulting to thinking that the outcome of the game reflected on who I am. If I won, I felt more powerful, skilled, and lovable. If I lost, I felt like a jerk. Once I became aware of this, I started reminding myself during the game that I was lovable no matter what happened, even if I somehow fell over the net and landed on my face (which thankfully has not happened). It seemed silly and simple, but it really helped me relax and enjoy the game more. 

Grateful Just to Be in the Game

Sometimes I would find myself in a local recreational game that felt more high pressure because I was the lowest skilled player and really wanted to do well. I would think of the Billie Jean King quote: “Pressure is a privilege, and champions adjust,” which reminds me pressure is an opportunity to grow. But even more than that, it’s a privilege to be in good health and be able to spend time doing something for fun. If I take a moment to have gratitude for the challenge and just getting to play, I enjoy the most difficult games.

I have gained so much satisfaction from noticing these insights, as well as my evolution in the game. I’ve gone from learning how just to hit the ball, to learning different shots, to really thinking about strategy. The insights I have gained along the way have not only helped me become a better player, but also a better person on and off the court.

Kristen DeFilippo LaBarca serves as Omega's Information Technology Associate Director.