Pickleball, Perspective, and Choosing Joy
This is me last week.
Pink skirt, pickleball paddle in hand, sunshine on my face—and a heart full of gratitude. I’m 78 years old and I play pickleball three days a week. Not because I’m chasing youth, but because I’m choosing life.
When I step onto the court, something magical happens. I’m often playing with people much younger than me, and instead of feeling intimidated, I feel incredibly blessed. My body moves. My lungs work. My legs carry me. I laugh. I compete. I belong. And in those moments, age fades into the background.
The world has a way of trying to bring us down—especially as we get older. We’re told to slow down, sit back, “be careful,” or quietly accept that our best days are behind us. I don’t buy that for a second. Yes, I’ve lived a full life. Yes, I’ve had heartbreaks, disappointments, and chapters I wish I could rewrite. But here’s the truth I’ve learned: we don’t get to redo the past—but we do get to decide how we live today.
Pickleball isn’t just exercise for me. It’s community. It’s purpose. It’s a reminder that movement is a gift and attitude is everything. Some days I win, some days I don’t—but every day I show up, I’ve already won. I’ve learned that staying active isn’t about perfection or performance; it’s about participation. It’s about choosing joy over regret and gratitude over worry.
At 78, I’m not trying to prove anything to anyone. I’m simply living my life—fully, intentionally, and with appreciation for every single day I’m given. When I play, I feel strong. I feel present. I feel incredibly thankful for the health, friendships, and opportunities I still have.
If you’re reading this and wondering if it’s “too late” to start something new, move your body, or reclaim your joy—let me say this clearly: it’s not. Life is meant to be lived, right where you are, exactly as you are.
So lace up the shoes. Pick up the paddle. Take the walk. Join the class. Laugh with younger people. Be proud of the years you’ve lived—and excited about the ones still ahead.
I know I am. 💕