The Power of Community: 3 Lessons from the Pickleball Court

In the exhilarating world of pickleball, I recently embarked on a journey filled with highs, lows, and invaluable life lessons. I recently found myself on a rollercoaster of emotions - a mishmash of excitement, anxiety, frustration, anger, pure joy, and everything in between. I was at a pickleball tournament over the weekend, and the experience was nothing short of thrilling. The twist? I managed to win two bronze medals, one with my wonderful friend, Lisa, and another with my incredible husband, Chuck Vitello, CAEP .?

First, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to both of my partners. You both were incredibly supportive and brought amazing pickleball skills to the court. Your unwavering patience, strategic thinking, and relentless effort were invaluable. You kept me on my toes, both mentally and physically, and made this weekend unforgettable. Thank you both for a fun weekend!?

I also want to thank my community of pickleball friends at The Hasentree Club . Their texts and congratulatory messages meant the world to me. You know who you are, and you've got a special place in my heart.?

And a special shoutout to my teenage son, Andy Vitello , whose surprise appearance warmed my heart more than any victory on the court. He not only stopped by to show his support but also sent texts to ask how we were doing and shared our excitement.

Now, let me share three lessons that emerged during those intense matches. This isn't just about pickleball; it's about the incredible power of community and how it extends beyond the boundaries of the court.?

Lesson 1: Discovering Community Interconnectedness

• The pickleball community highlights the importance of interconnectedness; it's a reminder that in our professional and personal lives, we are often only one degree away from valuable connections.?

It's a small world, indeed! I met players who knew some of my friends (talk about being just one degree away), and the camaraderie was heartwarming. We'd wish each other well, even if our teams didn't come out on top, and we'd stick around to cheer each other on in the final matches.?

It's fascinating how this new network feels different from my professional and personal circles, yet it's just as important. I have a hunch that these new connections might soon become a part of my friend network and perhaps even my professional network. You never know when and where these worlds will cross paths.?

Lesson 2: Managing Emotions and Adaptability

• Acknowledging the challenge of controlling emotions during intense matches teaches us the value of maintaining composure and emotional intelligence, both on and off the court. Additionally, embracing adaptability and collaborating with partners emphasizes the importance of staying flexible and seeking innovative solutions when faced with challenges.?

When you step onto the pickleball court, the adrenaline kicks in, and the competitive juices start flowing. You may tell yourself, "It's only a game," but that notion quickly disappears when you're in the thick of it. Emotions run high, and it's a constant battle to keep them in check.

?These skills are not only invaluable on the court but also in handling challenging situations in our everyday lives

?But here's the most enlightening part of my weekend: once you step off the court, it's like magic. People regain their composure, and the intensity of the game doesn't define them. I've had my share of heated moments and intense rivalries, but after the game, it's like we're different people. You start thinking, "Hey, that person isn't so bad off the court. Maybe I could see myself hanging out with them - just not on the court, of course!"

?Lesson 3: Taking Things One Step at a Time

• Learning to take it one point at a time teaches us the value of staying focused on immediate goals and not getting overwhelmed by the big picture. This lesson applies to various aspects of life, where breaking tasks into smaller steps can lead to success.

?A couple of specific moments will forever be engrained in my memory: (1) Lisa reminded me to take it one point at a time when my nerves were getting the best of me, and (2), in a moment of genius, Chuck suggested we change our strategy and try something new when things weren't going our way. These adjustments not only transformed our gameplay but also showcased the importance of adaptability, strategic thinking, and resilience in pickleball and beyond.

?My key takeaways:

• Cherish your communities, whether they're on the court, at work, or in your everyday life.
• Stay open to new connections, as they might enrich your journey in ways you never imagined.

?Thank you for sharing in my pickleball adventure, and I look forward to connecting with you all in new and exciting ways.