The moment I got the invitation from H5G and PBAJr to bowl on the PBA Jr TV Show, I felt so honored. And, immediately nervous. We’re talking months ahead of the event! Most people assume anxiety pops up just moments before something big happens, but mine was an early arrival—an unwelcome houseguest who decided to set up camp in my mind long before the lights, cameras, and pressure of TV bowling.

Why the nerves? I mean, it wasn’t an actual bowling tournament that I made the finals for on TV. But, I did have someone counting on me. I’d be paired up with one of the PBAJr bowlers who finished in the top 2 of the national PBAJr final. I knew I’d only have two shots in our first baker-format match, which meant no room to get comfy and certainly no space for error. The pressure was real. I feared letting down my partner and imagined people watching the broadcast wondering, “Why is she the pro here instead of someone currently competing full-time on tour?”

Anxiety has this sneaky way of presenting itself in familiar yet unsettling ways: racing thoughts, creeping doubts, vivid scenarios playing out in my mind where things inevitably went wrong. Physically, it felt like a subtle but relentless tension, the kind that quietly whispers reminders of what’s at stake. Even during everyday activities, I’d catch myself drifting into worry, picturing all the ways my two crucial shots could go sideways.

One particularly challenging aspect was that I couldn’t easily talk myself out of these anxious thoughts. Rationally, I knew I was skilled enough, prepared enough, and had experienced similar pressures before, yet emotionally, the fears persisted. Anxiety doesn’t always respond to logic —it’s driven more by emotion and expectation than clear, rational thinking.

But here’s the thing: anxiety doesn’t have to take center stage, even if it’s lingering in the wings. The beauty of knowing an event is coming is that you have time to prepare—not just physically but mentally and emotionally as well. I took advantage of this window to address my anxiety head-on. I practiced EFT tapping—a powerful technique that blends gentle tapping on specific points of the body with affirmations—regularly in the weeks leading up to the show. It was like sending calming signals directly to my nervous system.

Visualization became another key strategy. I imagined stepping onto the lanes, feeling the floor beneath my feet, the ball in my hands, my breathing controlled and deep. Each mental rehearsal was another brick in the foundation of my confidence. Breathing intentionally also played a major role. With each slow inhale and deliberate exhale, I quieted the internal chatter, silencing the noise anxiety loves to amplify.

Additionally, I leaned into gratitude as a powerful counterbalance to my anxiety. Every time anxiety tried to convince me what could go wrong, gratitude reminded me of how lucky I was to be in this position. Instead of being overwhelmed by the pressure to perform perfectly, I chose to celebrate the rare opportunity to compete, connect, and inspire on such a unique stage.

By the time I stepped onto the set and into the spotlight, something shifted dramatically. Was the anxiety completely gone? Let’s be honest—does it ever truly disappear? Not quite. But it faded significantly into the background, enough that I felt fully present and authentically confident. More importantly, I knew I’d prepared thoroughly for this moment. I consciously chose joy over perfection, reminding myself I wasn’t there to prove my worth. Instead, I felt lucky—fortunate for the incredible experience and grateful to be chosen to share it.

Reflecting afterward, experiencing and managing that anxiety made the event deeply meaningful. It wasn’t just about bowling perfectly; it was about handling the nerves with authenticity, grace, and honesty. It meant being brave enough to openly admit how I felt without masking or minimizing it. The extensive mental and emotional preparation I had done didn’t just translate into better bowling—it reinforced my emotional resilience and felt validating. 

So, the next time you’re facing something important that brings butterflies—or maybe an entire zoo into your stomach—acknowledge the feeling. Don’t push it away; embrace it. Prepare yourself mentally, physically, and emotionally. Step forward with courage, choose joy, and ground yourself in gratitude. Trust me, your future self will be incredibly proud you did.

Catch us on FS1 April 4 at 5:30pm central!