A guest blog post by Randy Ladiski…

So I learned an interesting fact the other day. Apparently, in the 1950’s bowling alleys were among the fastest growing industries in the United States. Those of you that have been following this blog, are probably wondering what in the heck bowling has to do with mental health awareness and support, but bear with me for a moment here.

Right around Summer of 2012 or 2013 (they say the memory is the first thing to go) my brother, Kevin approached me about becoming the fifth member of their bowling team. I was not, at the time, adept at all at bowling, which could only mean one thing. They were really desperate. I reluctantly agreed, and that began what has consumed my Monday evenings between early September and late April ever since. I wish I could say that I have gotten way better at bowling since then, but I aim for honesty in these guest blog posts.

Over the years of bowling, I have made some great, lasting friendships, and that is what brings me to how this particular leisure activity can have a positive impact on mental health. In today’s day and age, we’re (I include myself in this, for sure) so caught up with maintaining our image on social media, and getting those dopamine hits from “likes” and comments, that we tend to not look up from our phones long enough to develop real relationships with people. In the context of something like a bowling league, it gives one an excuse to get out, hang out with some folks that you may not generally interact with, and have some friendly competition as well. It is these very social gatherings, that I feel like we are lacking today.

In a day and age when things are being designed specifically to limit face to face human interaction (i.e. Amazon, drive-through windows, Little Caesar’s pizza portals, ordering kiosks at McDonald’s etc.) it is important to seek out excuses to have those face to face interactions with people, and build relationships. I use bowling as an example, but it could be anything. Step out of your comfort zone! Get involved with your church, volunteer somewhere, join a softball league. (Shoot, I have a friend who is involved with a pipe club through his local tobacconist.) Whatever your interests are I bet there’s an activity for you.

I’m not trying to get too preachy here, but the bottom line is this: We as a society need to be more deliberate about getting out there and interacting with one another. It’s so easy to sit in the comfort of our homes and encounter a Pasteurized version of our culture through screens. But I have no doubt that this attitude toward human interaction is what has led us to live in perhaps the loneliest and most disconnected time in history. I also have a feeling that seeing only these images, and not getting to know the real people behind them, is what leads to such tribalism and divisiveness.

So take some advice from your old pal, Randall. Ask your cashier how his day is going. Talk to that guy in the MAGA hat and see where he’s coming from. Heck even smiling at someone who looks like they’re having a bad day might be enough to brighten the day for both of you. Just get out there and get to know the people in your community, I promise you won’t regret it. And who knows, it just may help that feeling of loneliness you may be experiencing. I know it has for me.

Thanks, everyone! Have fun.

My brother isn’t nearly as dumb as he looks. 🙂 In all seriousness, this is some really good and practical advice; and quite appropriate for our present culture. Thanks for sharing, Randy!

Be well…

P.S. If you have a story to tell and would like to join Jim Ladiski Writes as a guest blogger, please contact me!