Ten Things I Love About Pool

© August 2010

I recently started keeping a Gratitude Journal. This means that each night, I commit to reflecting on the positive thoughts from that day that I am grateful for. This can be anything from winning a tournament to having a wonderful, loyal dog to being thankful I have internet access. No matter how tough life may seem, there is always something we can be grateful for. That’s the objective of the journal, to train your brain to reflect on the positive, because it can get so easy in life to only remember the negative.

Keeping with the theme of “Gratitude” here are ten random things that I love about pool and why I’m grateful for the game. I encourage you to make your own list.

1. I love the sound of the balls hitting the back of the pocket! There’s no other sound quite like it. It makes my heart smile.
2. Making a plan and following through with it gives me a great sense of accomplishment. It’s a great feeling to choose your pattern and execute it just as you intended.
3. Sharing the game with others is incredibly rewarding. I love that I am able to teach and share the good word of pocket billiards with so many players. And, when I see their improvement, it’s very gratifying.
4. I like cracking the puzzle. One of my favorite games is bar table 8-ball. I love working through the rack and solving the mystery. Many have compared it to a chess match.
5. Getting dirty can be fun. After a long practice session, I can measure how hard I played by how covered in chalk my hands and clothes become. I love practicing in white for this reason.
6. I am a performer. Like an athlete or musician, I have worked very hard to polish my skills and am extremely proud to be able to perform for myself and others. I do not take this opportunity for granted.
7. Break out shots make me happy. I love nudging the balls right where I want them. What can I say? I’m a straight pool player. Blasting that break ball can also be quite exhilarating.
8. I love my equipment! I couldn’t be happier with my Chris Byrne Custom Cue and Jim Murnak Case. If you’re privileged enough to have good stuff, you want to use it and show it off.
9. I’m always learning. It never ceases to amaze me how much there still is to learn about this game. I’m constantly discovering new things about my abilities and about the history of the sport. It’s a wonderful thing to keep your brain stimulated.
10. Meeting other pool nuts! One of my favorite things about being so deeply involved with pool is meeting other players that are also as passionate about the game as I am. It certainly is an amazing bond that we all share.

Once you put your list together, keep it in your case. The next time you lose a match, miss an 8 ball, or just feel like retiring your cue, take out your list and remember why you’re playing. Remember the ten things you love about pool.

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