Quiet…

Miss left for the weekend to be with Krit at her baby shower. I had just been to KC the week prior so opted to stay home. Worked out with friends on Saturday and the rest of the time mostly invested in time alone. A little music. Only TV has been a few sports shorts. Lots of reading, writing and reflecting. Breakfast and lunch alone. Dinner alone even in crowded restaurants. Sunday night the exception as Lil Jeggie called for some 3rd & Hollywood dinner. 

Alone. Long walks. Quality time alone. Sometimes you gotta go alone to get to allONE. Damn. 

Sunday Mom and I did Church together. 800 miles apart. Together, online – allONE. The sky was blue and the temp approaching 70. I headed to Muirfield for a round by myself. Love this. Called my son, Jordan, to give him an update. We shared a laugh and then back to a beautiful walk around a beautiful course. Birdie on 9. All smiles. Made the turn and make an insane shot from the fairway bunker on ten. Another near bird from the ball washer. Smile widening. A twosome on twelve lets me hit and then play through. As we walk together toward 13 tee, the dude asks me if my name is Chet. Somewhat surprised, I reply yes and before I can say much more he turns to his son and tells him this is the dude who did the podcast with Jeg. He loved it and it was obvious he loves Jeg. We stopped and talked golf and Lil Jeggie for five good minutes. He said he’s getting my book and I told him I’d leave one for him in his locker. We waved goodbye and my smile now creased my entire face, you know – ear to freakin’ ear. 

As I finished the round enjoying the sun and walk beyond belief, I reflected back on days long gone playing this game as a kid back in Salina. I would often play alone but not by choice. There was a group of kids I had wanted to play with but often I was the odd man out. Now, fifty plus years later, I savor the walk alone. It’s sacred walking and reflecting on the beauty and demands of this great game. I just lipped out my birdie attempt on 18. Tapped in for par. The epic round was over. Said a brief prayer of gratitude thanking my dad for turning me onto this game at age nine. Forever thankful for him, you know. So many kind words left unsaid…

As I walked to the clubhouse my only thoughts were simple – I cannot wait to do this again. Was a quiet weekend. Can’t wait to see Miss tonight. Can’t wait to get back after it on Monday. A lone time’s been good. The truth is together we transform. Always together. And, sometimes you gotta go it alone. Don’t be afraid of a little quiet, in fact, build it into your routine. Before long, a lone time will be sacred not scary. Slow down. Reflect. Pascal was right, you know…

When was the last time you enjoyed quiet time, friend? 

Live hard. Love ❤️ harder…