Used to bowl all over the country. Had a decent avg, multiple 3s and 8s. Had a stroke a few years back now left leg won't cooperate. Short version, avg is down about 60 pins. Just can't seem to find the desire to bowl when I can't be competitive.

The desire will return when it becomes fun again.  After a stroke your whole life changes, and so should your expectations with bowling. 

I'm sure this all takes time, but find enjoyment in the simple things like making spares and helping others, etc.  Bowl with friends who accept you for who you are now.  You are still you whether you average 175 or 225. 

Bowling for me is not only a way to compete, but equally as important it's a chance to be among friends, and joke, and laugh regardless of where my scores end up for the night. 

Try to make it fun again and your desire should return.  Best of luck to you as you continue your physical and emotional recovery from your stroke.

 SrKegler,

 While I haven't suffered a life changing stroke, I did suffer from an injury that has totally changed my bowling abilities, so I somewhat understand where you are coming from as far as the bowling goes.

 My average is currently at the 189-190 level. This is the first year in over 20 years that I have been below the 200 average level, and it has been very frustrating. Not only do I have higher expectations for myself, but I continue to get beaten by people who formerly had little chance to do so.

 But, as others have stated, the know how is still up there. I have found it quite pleasing to be able to help those around me who are just starting out, coaching them and advising them on improvements they could make, then watching them use that to improve their games.

 Time marches on, and waits for nobody. Just as I once replaced the best bowlers in our house, I must now realize that it is my turn to be replaced by the next generation of good bowlers. I had guys who helped me learn the ropes, and I feel the best way to respect them is to pass on what they taught me, and what I have learned on my own, to the next generation.

 My bowling prime is over, and I will never again be what I once was, but that does not mean that I cannot enjoy the phase of the game/sport that I am now at.

 Good luck with the future, and with your recovery, and remember that bowling isn't who you are, it is merely something you do. Enjoy it for what it is, and don't let your diminished abilities wear on you so hard, because father time does that to all of us in one way or another.

I do not post here very often, but my memory goes back quite a long time. For years there has been a desire to meet you at the tournament in North Carolina, but my schedule has always been too hectic.
It was not because of the 3's and 8's you bowled. Rather it was the type and style of posts you made, and what others said about meeting you. You are still that same person! Be encouraged and live each day as it comes. We sometimes put more expectations on ourselves than others do.
Your never met invisible friend, Charles

Thanks for all the kind words. Trying to work with some of the kids. My game used to be about accuracy, speed control, hand positions. Theirs is REVS and more revs. Little frustrating on both sides.

I'm planning on doing a bunch of open bowling this summer and see if I can find a rhythm to compensate for my left leg. It only drags a little and it seems like I should be able to get some kind of a repeatable approach. Either that or work on a one step.

 One positive note, at least I'm in a new town and can pretend I'm a beginner.

What's some good equipment to start with. The only good ball I have left is my thunder flash. It's probably older than most of the BR members.

SrKegler, good to see you back.  A similar situation happened to a director of our local association.  He is still active in the association and also bowls.  The key is finding people you want to bowl with.  A good time with friends is more important that the score you have.

Sr, welcome back! And please remember that there is more to bowling than a high average and awards. There is the enjoyment of challenging oneself to do the best they can, the friendships made, and it also is a form of physical exercise.

I had what amounted to a mini-stroke in my lower back area which basically killed the nerves in my left foot. Now I have to basically relearn to bowl as I lost any ability to slide, and have to plant. This is after having a very long slide.

I just recently bout a RG Shout, and it is a terrific ball for me as my speed went down and revs up. Slowly I am regaining the speed.

My best to you in your coming back, and keep the faith that you will master the game enough to enjoy yourself!

First let me say this with all honesty, I would be honored to have you bowl on my team anytime. Secondly as long as you bowl the best that you can that is really all that matters and as others have said you can certainly help others with the knowledge that you still have. In closing let me say this please don't give up and keep a positive attitude, enjoy the game and have fun. I will keep you in my prayers.

SRKeg, hope all works out well for you health wise.  I parrott/echo the sentiments expressed here of Riley's... Very classy, Riley.