Some Hits Are Harder Than Others

In derby, you learn to take all kinds of hits. If you play derby long enough, you'll eventually get hit on every part of your body. Sometimes it's intentional, sometimes it's not. These are the figurative hits. Then there are the hits that you can feel in places others can't see. You take hits to your ego, your character and your personal goals. It's not a surprise they say that you have to grow a thick skin to play derby...and if you have a thick skin, you better grow a thicker one. The hits that are hardest for me to take are more literal...they are the hits to my heart.

You know the ones I'm talking about. These are the ones that literally break your heart a little. Whether it be finding out you didn't make the team you wanted (or a team at all) or making a mistake in a bout that left you feeling like you were the reason your team lost by one point. These hits are hard because they can shake the very core of you and leave you doubting yourself.

The hardest hit for me is finding out someone is not who I thought they were. I'm very careful in choosing friends because I've been burned quite a number of times. So when I feel like I really know someone and can call them a friend, it's been after spending time with them and feeling like I really know what they stand for. Unfortunately, sometimes I'm wrong and it leads to disappointment, sadness and a little (sometimes not so little) crack in my heart.

HOWEVER...all you can really do is accept that there are times when you will be disappointed in life and move forward. "But Jedder," you ask, "It hurts so much I can't stand it. How am I ever going to move forward?" This is when you really need to focus on appreciating what you have NOW and not dwell on what you have lost. Look around and count the things that make you smile. It won't take long before you see that you are surrounded by people and places that make your heart sing. Start vocalizing your gratitude and appreciation for the positive people in your life, encourage others to do their best, and dance with them when they take a step toward reaching their goals. CELEBRATE life and all the things about it that make you happy. Most of all, be true to yourself and you can get through anything.

Peace, love and happiness!

Becoming Jedi Nightmare

Every skaters' journey starts somewhere. For me, it started with watching a bout in a nearby city. I sat in the stands, drank a beer, and was completely engulfed in the moment. I, like so many other skaters who's dream started this way, was immediately hooked. It was like I suddenly realized the meaning of life!

I joined the newly forming local league before I even had skates. I just wanted to be at the practices, interacting with my future team mates. When I got my first pair of skates a month later, I felt so free. I was excited, nervous, optimistic and scared out of my pants all at the same time. I knew it would be hard work, but I would do everything I could to be the best skater I could be.

Two years later, and through a few setbacks and new opportunities, I am well on my way. I've met many people along my journey, learned something from every one of them, and know that I still have a long way to go. Through this blog I plan to share pieces of my journey and the lessons I have learned along the way. My hope is that other skaters will be able to learn from my lessons as well, and that non-skaters can apply those lessons to their lives.

We are all working to be a better version of ourselves. Through skating, I am accomplishing that.

Peace, love and happiness!