I forgot to add that, my reasoning for walking away, is my body has broken down to the point, of potential disability, (My right leg has SEVERE chronic, that has gotten where, I can barely walk or sit comfortably, and I have several arthritis in my bowling, where I can barely hold anything, and it’s horrible as well. 

Sorry that you have to walk away.  You have years of experience you can share with others.  I understand though.  I'm turning 60 soon and have had both shoulders repaired.  Some nights I know I'm a better coach than bowler, which gives me some satisfaction.  Other nights I'm competitive. 

My advice is for you to let all your hard earned experience help others, because you can stay close to the sport that you've invested so much time loving.  Help others to avoid doing things (mechanically) that shorten their time in the game. 

Either way, best of luck to you moving forward.  Your self-esteem should never depend on your most recent scores.  Time to look "outward" instead of "inward" and you'll find great joy even without a ball in your hand.

One of my students shot her first 300 game last spring, and as happy as she was, I might have been happier for her.

This is a sad day for me as one week ago I decided to retire from the game of the 29 1/2 years, and with much thought, and the likelihood I can still play at a high level (Which I no longer can for several years now, too many things to write.)

The last several years (really bad this year almost  to the point of death, scary 😞).
I’m gonna miss game so much, but your mind, body, and things that happen in life let’s you know when it’s time.  The saddest part is that, I’m only 45 years old, but unfortunately, too many years in the past, I played the game all messed up mechanically.

Once I fixed my mechanics properly, my body was too far damaged (Even with physical therapy, exercises, working out, etc).

I will miss all of you, as I learned so much from you all. If you guys have any words of encouragement, please send to me. Btw, I’ve been depresssed over this decision, although I made the right decision.

Continue to enjoy this great game guys’ as you never know when it’s time, to hang up your shoes. Take care all.

WOW!!!  I am so sorry to hear this.  I know this is a very difficult decision for you.  However; you can still find happiness around the sport you love.  Have you tried looking into coaching and/or volunteering with youth leagues?  I know as I have gotten older, currently 48 years old, I have learned so much that I find more happiness passing along that knowledge to other bowlers and helping them to become better.  Most times; there is no better feeling than offering advice, then seeing their reactions when it comes into fruition. 

EX:  One that stands out to me, is a met this lady when I was subbing on their team and upon watching her, she had pretty good fundamentals but her average was only around 170.  My thought was something wasnt right about this.  At one point she asked for some advice on what she should do.  First thing I did was checked her fit/span to find out her span was almost 1/4 inch too long.  So we fixed that first before anything.  Once she got comfortable and was rolling it better, I suggested a couple balls to look into from the pro shop.  So I laid out a ball for her (blue/black Track Arsenal).  Over the course of the next 4 weeks, she had averaged 210 with the new ball.  Seeing her reaction was worth more than any honor score I had.  Quite a few years later; she has had an honor score and a high series of 779.  Currently she is still holding around a 205 average and pushing around 50 years of age.

You being just 45; you have a lot of time to make an impact in the lives of other bowlers.  If you do truly love the sport as much as you say you do; become more involved in that aspect.  It is extremely gratifying making a positive impact in something that you absolutely love.  Sometimes that impact can create a tighter bond between you and that person/other people which ultimately can be more rewarding than any personal achievement you may have had.  Keep your head up Lefty!  We are pulling for you.

lefty, You need some help.  Guys on here have been good.  But what I'm talking about is medical help.  I bowled constantly and good, well into my sixties.  Your medical problems you talk about are all fixable.  I bowled with two knee replacements and one hip replacement on my sliding leg.  I will say the replacements were better than originals.  Anyhow, good luck.  Don't sit around feeling sorry for yourself.  Like the man said, a whole world out there besides bowling.