The first serve came in fast and off the glass.

Ooof.

I had a padel match last night, and I could give you a list of excuses. City traffic turned an hour drive into an hour and a half. The match started eight minutes after I walked in. I was up first, with barely a warm up and my head still stuck in traffic.

But the ball doesn’t know you sat in traffic.

The first set went by fast. Somewhere in there, I told myself what I’d tell my kids. You’re out there, so do the best you can, and have fun.

The have fun part is what I held on to. It kept us in the game a little longer.

My opponents were good, and they came prepared. I did my best in the moment. Not my best showing, but the best I had that night.

This morning I was back at it. Not to prove anything. I just have a lot more to learn, and when another chance comes, I want to walk in ready.

Next time, I’m leaving earlier. The have fun part, I’m always bringing with me.