I finally took up a new sport: pickleball. I resisted for a long time because I had decades of skills honed playing basketball (the pandemic's shut down of the school gym where I played ended that sport for me). I really enjoy it, even though in the first few weeks I had a hard time hitting a forehand. I of course enjoy when I'm on the winning side (we get to stay on the court), but mostly I'm thrilled to see my progress. I will go to the courts early to practice my forehand because I want to improve, not because I have to "win" every game. Alas, there are some advanced players who are really obnoxious and try to not play with "lesser" players.

As an artist, I do struggle with my inner critic. I just this week finished a sketchbook page that I intended to look like the work of a collage artist I admire. Doesn't look anything like that, but actually I like it anyway! It is very helpful to focus on the process and what you learn from it, not the outcome. I'm retired now, no one is keeping "score"!