So in the spirit of trying new things, I am now learning how to skate. As a new-ish Canadian, and original mountain girl from Virginia, I have never learned more than going in circles and maybe a slow, plow stop. It is a little embarassing actually that I cannot skate with any proficiency. I spend so much time at the rink and on the ice watching and taking pictures of hockey, that I feel I should at least be able to skate. So I've jumped in with both feet (and a helmet, and hockey equipment, and a stick).
I am taking skills plus hockey lessons and I am in way over my head. While everyone else is learning to polish their puck handling and skating skills, I am using every muscle in my body trying not to fall. It is a very difficult hour and while I am slowly seeing progress, it is a battle every class. Even with extra practice the other days of the week by myself, progress is slow. Class day is hard. The rest of that day I am exhausted. Honestly, I consider quitting at least 3 times during the session, every session. But how can do that? How can I quit, just because it is hard? I tell my daughter to always try her best and to not quit something solely because it is hard. So if I quit, I wouldn't be setting a very good example. So each time, I feel that way, I take a deep breath and keep going.
Don't get me wrong, I believe it is ok to stop doing something if you learn it isn't what you want or you have good reasons for changing your plan. But I really want to be able to skate; and well. So for now, I will press on. I will fall (based on recent past, I will fall a lot). I will silently, or maybe not so silently, swear with each failure and then try again. I may not be joining any leagues any time soon, but I will be a better skater. And I may even be able to join a game of shinny by the end of winter.
See you at the rink! And maybe on the ice.
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carolinewiley almost 5 years
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Please let us know why you believe this item is in violation of our Terms of Use. We'll investigate and take action as necessary.Great story Michelle. I love that you’ve been so honest with what goes through your mind each time you get on the ice. #seewhatshecando :)
tinafinelli almost 5 years
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Please let us know why you believe this item is in violation of our Terms of Use. We'll investigate and take action as necessary.This is so very awesome. Thanks for sharing. Hang in there! I started hockey at 40 and could barely get across the ice! I started in a skills program too! I now play on two leagues and love my hockey friendships. They are golden. I’ll be cheering you on from Aurora!!
Focus Sport Fotos (FSFotos) almost 5 years
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Please let us know why you believe this item is in violation of our Terms of Use. We'll investigate and take action as necessary.Thank you. It is harder than I ever imagined. My balance isn’t good to begin with, so this is really testing my endurance and patience. On the plus side, I’m burning a lot of calories. :)