I’m mid 40s now, retired with a disability. I can still move and do 90% of everything I used to do, but only for about 30% duration of time. I can still walk but not long distance, I can still lift weight but much fewer reps.
I used to be very active in a particular hobby, won several state championships and while I never was a contender for a national or world title, I did compete at that level a couple times. It’s not a very physical hobby but I realized my skills there have declined and I’m struggling knowing my best performances are behind me. I’ve never been a very competitive person but it’s been tough seeing that I can’t do what I used to do from both a physical and skills perspective. (This hobby is roughly 20% physical and 80% skill based)
Do I step up practice and fully dedicate myself to getting it back?
Do I accept I won’t ever get back to X level and still try anyways because there is some honor in the effort made in pursuit of a goal?
Do I accept that those times were great and just find a way to be ok with the idea that my best days are behind me?
I realize an answer may be super individually specific, but I’d appreciate hearing from other fellas that have been in a similar spot.