By: Kelly Thompson
Updated: Dec. 26, 2015
Originally Published: Aug. 9, 2015
Choosing to stay on the fringes of California life, I opted for a brunette look and avoided those trendy happy hour sushi gatherings. Yet, this self-imposed isolation began to wear on me, and I yearned for a stronger sense of community. I realized that the best way to connect with others was to dive into group activities, but what would that be? California is predominantly populated by vibrant, youthful twenty-somethings, and here I was, approaching 40. What could I do without coming across like I was trying to relive my twenties?
On weekends, my couple friends often pulled me into beach volleyball games, and I could see the eager anticipation in their eyes as I arrived, hoping I would join in. Standing at an impressive 6 feet tall, I understood their excitement. However, I always smiled politely and responded, “Maybe later.” When I said “later,” I really meant “never.”
My height led many to believe I had a natural talent for tall sports. During high school, I was even approached by coaches from small colleges who were eager to recruit me for their volleyball teams. After a brief glimpse of my spiking skills, they quickly lost interest, leaving the gym with hurried steps, clearly reconsidering their offers.
But my perception of volleyball began to shift as I attended games with friends. Typically, I would lounge on a towel, engrossed in a beach read while waiting for them to finish. However, I often found my attention drifting to the volleyball courts. I noticed how players greeted each other with warmth as if they hadn’t seen one another in ages, even if it was just a week. Their camaraderie was palpable; high-fives were exchanged after every point scored, and there was an easygoing attitude about missed plays. To see a group enjoy themselves without the pressure of competition was refreshing. They played with the stunning Pacific Ocean as their backdrop, soaking in the beautiful sunsets.
Inspired, I decided to take the plunge and looked online for beginner beach volleyball classes nearby. After a short search, I signed up for one, eager to prove my seventh-grade P.E. teachers wrong and show that I could spike the ball like a pro.
On the first day, we gathered in a circle for introductions. To my surprise, I found that only one other girl had signed up alongside me. When the instructor asked us about our volleyball experience, I was taken aback. I thought we were all beginners, but apparently not. The men in the class boasted about playing for four years. Four years? When the other female participant was asked, she claimed to have played four times. I immediately chose her as my partner, thinking if I was going to embarrass myself, I’d prefer to do it with someone equally inexperienced.
Our instructor began with a simple exercise of tossing the ball around one-handed. I found myself struggling and tried hard not to feel self-conscious. The hot sand burned my feet, and I could feel patches of skin turning red from a lack of sunscreen. After several attempts, my arms ached, and I noticed some small bruises forming. But more than anything, I realized I kept saying, “sorry” for every mistake I made.
By the second class, I arrived with a fresh mindset. I silently repeated to myself, “I am good enough” every time the ball went astray. I focused on standing tall, with my chest out and my posture strong. Standing at 6 feet, I embraced my height with pride.
The result? It worked. I began hitting the ball harder and higher. With each small victory, my confidence blossomed. I stopped apologizing for my mistakes, and I could sense the respect of my teammates growing. Even the instructor remembered my name this time, which was a marked improvement from the first session.
Gradually, I developed a newfound appreciation for volleyball and my modest skills, all while noticing a shift in my self-perception. I no longer slunk away off the court; instead, I stood tall, both literally and figuratively.
As I approach 40, I’ve learned that there’s truly no expiration date on acquiring new skills. If you’re interested in exploring more about the journey of learning and self-discovery, check out this insightful post on Cervical Insemination. And if you’re considering at-home insemination options, Cryobaby offers a reliable selection of syringe kits. For more information on pregnancy and home insemination, the Cleveland Clinic provides an excellent resource on IUI.
In summary, age shouldn’t deter you from trying something new or challenging yourself. Embrace every opportunity that comes your way, and you might just surprise yourself.
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