Finding Purpose Through Life’s Twists: A Lesson from Golf and a Rideshare Incident
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s not uncommon to have moments of reflection that challenge our perceptions of life and purpose. Recently, I found myself immersed in such a moment while on a rideshare journey with my 17-year-old nephew. The car was filled with remnants of fast food and beverages, certainly painting a picture of a casual trip. Yet, as we drove towards a college golf visit, my nephew posed a question that resonated deeply: “If I’m just playing golf for fun, what’s the point?” This query echoed sentiments expressed by world-renowned golfer Scottie Scheffler at the recent Open Championship, where he examined the very nature of competition and passion.
My nephew was grappling with not just the weight of an impending decision about his future but also the larger existential question many of us face: What drives us to pursue our passions when their outcomes feel uncertain? As a budding golfer himself, he wondered if the stakes were truly worth the effort if joy was the only reward he sought. His cynicism was relatable, especially for anyone at a crossroads in life, struggling with the balance between aspiration and satisfaction.
In encouraging him, I shared a philosophy that I genuinely believe: “You always get another shot.” Whether it’s a bad drive that needs to be recovered, a poor hole that can be redeemed, or a woeful round of golf that can be improved upon the next day, each moment offers an opportunity to begin anew. Much like golf, life is replete with chances to reflect, recover, and persevere, even if they come alongside moments of uncertainty.
Little did I know as we were having this reflective dialogue, my own life was about to take a severe detour. Just hours earlier, as I settled into a rideshare for my trip, the driver’s calm demeanor was abruptly tested when we were struck on the driver’s side by another vehicle that failed to stop at a sign. The car flipped onto its roof and skidded over a considerable distance, ultimately landing back on its wheels in a ditch. Thankfully, I was still able to narrate this story, but the incident left me with a fractured rib and various scrapes, serving as a stark reminder that life can change in an instant.
In the aftermath of the crash, a flurry of questions arose. Was I alright? The pain in my left side indicated otherwise, but as I assessed my injuries, I remained grateful that the outcome wasn’t worse. The other driver required medical attention, but there was a strange twist: since I was reporting this story, I was able to turn my focus towards the experience and what it could teach, both to myself and to my nephew.
Once the chaos of the accident subsided and I was finally able to breathe, I thought about the small details that made a difference that night. The delayed flight, the unusual route the rideshare driver took—a series of seemingly trivial choices wrought with significance when they culminated in a life-threatening moment. I had hesitated to latch my seatbelt initially, but in a fortunate stroke of luck, I rediscovered the latch just as we pulled away. That simple act may well have made the difference between walking away from the wreck and being severely injured.
As I stood outside the car, disoriented and recuperating from the shock, I felt a profound sense of clarity amidst the messiness. How we survived that impact and what lay ahead became an amalgamation of thoughts focused on resilience and recovery. The power of preparedness—like having the right safety equipment during a game of golf or ensuring you’re making safe choices—played an undeniable role in my survival. For my nephew, it became a metaphor for confronting challenges in sport and life, understanding that while not every shot you take may land, the opportunity to swing is a vital component.
The following day, sore and bruised, I resumed my plans in support of my nephew’s big college golf visit. He expressed a blend of excitement and uncertainty, concerns that mirrored my own thoughts before the accident. But as we attended the college’s orientation, the whirlwind of events began to materialize into a clear outcome—he was offered a spot on the golf team, solidifying his passion for the sport. Together, we realized through shared trials and unpredictable moments, life offers a tapestry of opportunities that weave purpose into our experiences, both on and off the golf course.
Ultimately, this experience reaffirmed a powerful message: every challenge we face, every moment we embrace, becomes part of our own journey. Just as golfers find joy in their game even amidst failures, so can we find meaning in navigating life’s complexities. The crux of it? Take every shot you have, owing it not just to yourself but also to the lessons life throws at you—regardless of how confusing or daunting they may seem.
In this precarious balance between life and golf, my nephew’s question about purpose became a catalyst for reflection. The accident was a reminder that while we may not always be in control, we can choose how we respond to our circumstances. Every shot, every second becomes a learning opportunity that leads us down a path we may never have anticipated. So swing your clubs, chase your passions, and face each new day armed with the wisdom that comes from your experiences, both good and bad. After all, that is where the true spirit of both golf and life lies.
