I have adopted ice skating as an outdoor winter hobby during this pandemic. I was never that good at it, and stopping was always an issue for me. However, I really enjoy the smooth movement my skates make with the ice, as I listen to music. I skate three times per week at my local outdoor rink. Over time, my skills have improved, and at last, I can stop without crashing head-on into a wall or an unsuspecting person.
When I skate in the morning I am careful not to hit the senior skaters. They skate ever so carefully as they are aware that a fall may result in months of healing. In the afternoon I am on alert from the flying projectiles that are also known as kids playing on the ice. At first, I was so annoyed with these kids. They are in their own world of playing with one another. Nothing else exists to them. They will cross my path at a whim with no notice just because they are playing tag.
After a while, I learned to appreciate the kids’ play. As they play, their ice skating skills get so much better! All their focus is on having fun. Becoming natural-born skaters is a byproduct. They don’t care if they fall, and sometimes they fall on purpose, as they slide across the ice like a bowling ball. As my skills improved I began liking skating when the kids were on ice. It became a game for me not to crash into them as they zoom by.
I think adults need more playtime. Not to have goals or the desire to be productive, which creates the fear of failure. I know that my business was the most successful when I played with developing baked goods. I was in the moment and nothing else mattered.
I know that one day I will hit one of the kids by accident. I have practiced my nod of disapproval that I will give their parents as I scrape myself off of the ice, but inside I will probably smile as my body slides on the ice without control.
Much love!
