The 10 Pins Of Life The Ten Pins are the obstacles we face every day which are set before us to challenge our aim and form. Of course the object is to Bowl a Strike, but picking up the Spares is equally important. As you come to know yourself through the practice of Bowling, you will know which of the Ten Pins are your most common Spares. Be aware, fellow Bowler, for as you begin to consistently pick up the Pins which are most troublesome, new Spares and Splits may become manifest in your life. Be not discouraged, however, for the Master Bowler is with you and, as you apply yourself faithfully, will give you guidance and wisdom to Bowl a Perfect Game. As we examine each Pin individually, we will see how one leads to another, which is why you cannot consider picking up just one Pin out of the Rack, and leaving the rest. Rather, seek to let the momentum of your Ball carry through to knock them all down. 1. Fear - Who has not felt the cold touch of this Pin in their life? The dry mouth, the sweaty palms which require us to nervously rub them above the hand dryer as we  contemplate a seemingly impossible frame; these are familiar to every Bowler.   2. Doubt - This is the feeling of inadaquacy that comes from comparing ourselves to other Bowlers. Remember, gentle soul, that there will always be greater and lesser Bowlers than yourself. The key is to be the best Bowler you can be. 3. Anger - This Pin is often the manifestation of holding oneself or other Bowlers to an artificial high standard, which will always frustrate. The aspiration toward perfection is admirable, but without the Hand of the Master Bowler in our lives, it is a vain aspiration. 4. Pride - The Pin of Pride arises when small victories begin to infect our self-esteem with the disease of superiority. This keeps us from feeling compassion for our fellows, Bowlers or not. We should never forget that we all were born into this world not knowing of the mysteries of Bowling. 5. Jealousy - This Pin is manifested in the covetous look toward another Bowlers ball, clothes or shoes. Perhaps it is their score you desire. Regardless, it is a manifestation of both Fear and Pride (see above). 6. Lust - The consuming Pin of Lust has brought many a good Bowler to their knees. It may be a desire for another burger from the snack shop, another beer from the bar,  just "one more cigarette" before bowling your frame. Do not play near the flames, my friend. You will get burned. 7. Negativity - This Pin casts it's shadow far, covering not only you but the other Bowlers in your League. It can drag down the best of us, and  destroy our desire to excel. 8. Inertia - The power of this Pin is to leave us standing at the foul line, unable to release our ball. We are frozen by it as others await our follow-through. 9. Apathy - The Pin of Apathy is what keeps us on the outside of the Alley, content with the comfort of the couch. We lose direction and purpose in our Game, and defeat ourselves with a yawn. 10. Deceit - This is a Pin which causes one to pad the score when no one is looking. It is fueled by the desire to win at any cost, even the terrible price of losing the trust of our League. The Master Bowler loves an honest Bowler, but a deceitful one will be spit out like warm beer. These Pins are not so much the enemy as they are there to challenge us. By knocking them down, we knock down barriers within us that keep us from bowling the Perfect Game of Life.