Golf Bunker
This is a sandtrap. It’s not actually called a sandtrap in golf, but rather a golf bunker. Truthfully, I think sandtrap is a much better term.
After all, when you hit a golf ball into one of these, it lands in sand and gets trapped. Also, these buggers aren’t easy to escape from, unless you’re Tiger Woods.
Many times when I go with JC to play golf, if one of these sandtraps is around it becomes a magnet for his ball. He’ll hit this beautiful long drive and boom, the ball lands in the sand!
Cuss words
Usually, when this happens and JC sees where his ball is, I get to hear colorful language like, “Oh, shit.” Now, these are mild cuss words from JC, but I won’t embarrass him by sharing any of his stronger “terms of endearment” about landing in a sandtrap.
On the other hand, because he’s landed in the sandtraps a lot, he’s gotten much better about getting out of them. Experience IS a good teacher.
Part of life
Sandtraps are part of life. Even if we could care less about golf, we all have our own versions of them. You know what I’m talking about; those times when something we’re trying to accomplish goes a bit off course and gets stuck in the sand.
Photo challenge
So, here’s your challenge. You are standing on the course of life. You’ve just hit what you hope will be a winner, but it lands smack in the middle of this sandtrap. As you are walking up to take your next shot at the ball, consider the following questions:
(Choose one or answer them all – it’s your choice.)
What is the voice in your head saying to you? Remember, this is a PG blog site…most of the time:~)
What have you done before to get out of life’s sandtraps?
If you could have anyone walking with you giving advice, who would it be and why? (Note: this person does not have to be a golfer. Pick anyone you think could help you at this minute.)
Have fun, be creative and enjoy yourself!
{ 17 comments… read them below or add one }
I love the analogy of the sand trap! Mine seem to always be filled with quicksand
Sometimes I just have to stand back and do nothing, while life sorts itself out, or while I wait to hear my intuition. If I had anyone to be with me, I would choose my coach, because she would kick my butt! (butt is pg, isn’t it?)
.-= Carol´s last blog ..The Dark Side of Cardio =-.
@ Carol — QUICKSAND!!! That’s kind of scary. Just be sure your intuition keeps a strong rope nearby! When you are talking about a coach, use of the term “kick my butt” is acceptable because…well, it’s TRUE! That’s what’s so great life coaches, they give you lots of support and encouragement, but they also speak the truth when you’re dodging something:~)
I love the association you made between life and the sandtrap! I am quite happy where I am in my life right now but there have definitely been times where I have thought things would go so well and I’ve been so horribly disappointed. I think at times like that, I first need to accept it, and then I need to figure out how to get myself out of whatever is keeping me trapped in life and find a way to find the perfect swing to clear myself out of it!
.-= Caity´s last blog ..Facebook applications will be the death of me. =-.
@ Caity — I like the idea of finding the perfect “swing” to clear yourself from the sandtrap. I bet you have a pretty good swing:~) On a separate note, I laughed when I read the title of your last blog about Facebook applications. I will have to visit your site because I totally AGREE. The applications drive me crazy. I think I’m getting too old to handle Twitter and Facebook:~)
Hi Sara – Great analogy! I have only a little golf experience, but if my ball landed in a sandtrap I think what would be going through my head would be two-fold. First, I might think something like JC would say, as you mentioned in your post. But, then I would start thinking about possible solutions for getting that ball out of that trap. At first, we are often focused on only the problem, but if we focus on a solution we usually find our mood improving.
.-= Amanda Linehan´s last blog ..How To Discover Your Greatest Gift =-.
@ Amanda — “…we are often focused on only the problem, but if we focus on a solution, we usually find our mood improving.” These are words of wisdom that we should all keep in mind:~)
I haven’t played golf in a long time. I would have felt embarrassed in the past for my lousy shot. Should it ever happen again, I hope to tell myself that it is okay and try my best to get my ball out of the sandtrap. I will probably want to solicit the advice of the guide next to me and listen very carefully to it. Love your analogy about the sandtrap!
.-= Evelyn Lim´s last blog ..Create Powerfully In Pictures =-.
@ Evelyn — You should see me try to play golf. JC gave up and now just lets me come a long with my camera! Thanks for comments about the analogy. By the way, I was completely impressed by your artistic talent. Everybody should take a look at what you created with the dolphins…it is beautiful:~)
Hi Sara,
What has worked best for me when a “ball of life” lands in a sand trap is to stop, access the situation and consider all of my options. I’m very analytical, so that trait kicks in, and then I hope I don’t over analyze to the point I don’t make a decision.
I’m kind of in that situation now as I’m wanting to repaint the kitchen and can’t decided on a paint color. I’ve looked at dozens, taped some on the wall, and still wonder if I’m picking the right one. I do remind myself “it’s only paint”, but prefer not to do the job more than once.
If I could have someone to consult with when I find myself in a sand trap of life, the first name that comes to mind is Dr. Wayne Dyer. I’ve been reading his “Excuses Begone” book and his wisdom is truly inspiring.
BTW: I do hope you’re feeling better after your fall. Ouch!
.-= Barbara Swafford´s last blog ..He Said, She Said, They Said =-.
@ Barbara — I had a friend who was struggling with the same issue about paint. She drove her husband crazy about it. Then one day she came home and he had taken her favorite colors and painted them in swatches ON THE WALL. Needless to say, it didn’t take long for her to decide which color because she couldn’t wait to get the stripes off her wall. Truth be told, though, she loved the color she picked! Mind you, I’m not recommending that you do this:~)
Yes, Dr. Dyer would be a good one for getting out you out of life sandtraps. I like his blog. For a long winded writer like myself, I’m impressed that he can make his point in so few words and do a good job!
Thanks for asking about the fall. I was so lucky not be more seriously hurt. I am better now, except that my stitches itch a lot!
Aww, sympathies to the magnetic force of the bunker for JC! As a golfer, I can sympathize.
What a great analogy. As a golfer, I practice my short game a lot and have become pretty proficient at getting out of the sand. In life, the sandtraps have provided some of the most interesting, frustrating, and important lessons on my life.
.-= Talon´s last blog ..Our summer project =-.
@ Talon — JC will very much appreciate your sympathy! It cool to know that you’re a golfer. He loves the game and I have developed a greater appreciation by watching how hard he works at it. I agree with you about life’s sandtraps. They do provide us with important lessons:~)
Good one!
So what do I say Sara? Well, being the optimist that I am, I say something along the lines of “great, I get another shot to perfect my desires, to perfect my “swing”"
I truly feel we always are exactly where we are meant to be, there is a lesson in everything that can help us grow and evolve. So perhaps I rushed into this swing, perhaps I did not think it through, perhaps it needs a little longer gestation period before it is what it needs to be…
Bottom line, there is never a failure, but all is a mix of sacred moments that allow us to grow and evolve to become the highest versions of ourselves that we can be!
.-= Evita´s last blog ..Pausing Time =-.
@ Evita — I want you to come golfing with us! I like the idea of thinking “Great, I get another shot!” Wow…what beautiful words. They deserve repeating, “…there is never a failure, but all is a mix of sacred moments that allow us to grow and evolve to become the highest versions of ourselves that we can be!”
What a great analogy, Sara.
Hmmmmmmm……
When I get myself in deep do-do, I generally have a good cry first and then, I will pick myself up and start taking the problem on, a small step at a time….having a sense of knowing within that, this too, shall pass. Not sure who I would want advising me….for support and encouragement, it would definitely be my Mum.
.-= Serena´s last blog ..photo-a-week and the artist’s way check-in =-.
Life is full of metaphorical sandtraps. As you choose to awaken, you become more aware of the proverbial ‘sandtraps’ or distractions to what makes you feel good. You also become better mentally equipped to avoid them. The choices you make become more focused on joyful feelings, uplifting individuals and you choose to manifest events that empower yourself and others.
.-= Liara Covert´s last blog ..Attend night school in another dimension =-.
@ Liara — Your words are wise and true:~)