I remember being in 1st grade and going to the roller rink on a field trip. I didn’t know how to skate, and I hugged the edge the entire time while watching classmates skate around and have fun. I was determined to learn how to skate. I went home and asked my parents for skates, which they got me. My dad taught me how to balance and soon enough I was practicing in our long driveway, falling but never stopping. Then I “graduated” to the sidewalk, and got so good that I could skate backwards. When my class went back to the rink in May, I was out there having a great time. I remember how proud I was of myself. It’s my first memory of feeling that kind of accomplishment, and since then I’ve gone after every single goal with the same determination.
I’ve done lots of great things in my life since then – experienced first love, graduated college with a BA, been engaged, survived devastating heartbreak, received a teaching credential, worked at a startup (now a major Internet company), taught for 13 years, earned Masters degree, travelled a bit, etc. Lots to be proud of. Yet the main goal that has eluded me since my mid-20s is weight loss. Getting to and maintaining a healthy weight (no longer being obese or even overweight) is the penultimate challenge that I’m long overdue to put a check mark next to.
After remembering how much fun I used to have roller skating I started thinking about the fact that I should buy myself a pair of skates so that I can start it up again. One of my ultimate “that would be awesome” fantasies is to join a roller derby league. Of course, I’m getting older and I’m not sure I could Whip It like those ladies do, but it’s fun to dream. Plus, I don’t get any broken bones or bloody noses in Dreamland (on the rink things might be different).
Since roller skating symbolizes such pride and accomplishment for me, I decided to buy a little something to remind myself of how that little first grader felt. I went on Etsy and found a cute little roller skate charm bracelet that will be here soon. I’ll wear it as a reminder of my first major fitness accomplishment to encourage myself to continue on with this one.
My 6-year-old self is tickled pink!
This is one of my favorite posts ever of yours!
Wow, thank you. Since you read (and comment) on almost all of them, this really makes me feel great.
I completely agree with Carina, this might be my favorite blog post of yours. It’s so relatable.
PS-How did I not know that you were engaged at one point? I’m a bad friend!
Thanks!
I don’t talk about my engagement much, and I don’t think I’ve ever mentioned it on here. I was with the guy from 18-23, he was my first true love, and we had a wonderful time together. I was shocked he broke up with me, because it came out of the blue, and I was devastated. I gained A LOT of weight after that. I’m sure I’ll uncover a lot about this relationship, and how it still affects my weight, in therapy.
I was affected by the end of a relationship like this too – very hard, but it looks like you overcame! Loved this post and learning more about you!
Romantic relationships play such a pivotal role, don’t they? Thanks for your comment.
That is adorable! I have a feeling doing something that makes you happy will also lead to increased motivation!
I agree! Now I just need to find some affordable skates. I had no idea how expensive they’ve become.
OMG I love this post – it is SO relatable. I too have been engaged and know what that devastating heartbreak can do to you both mentally and physically…
Thanks, Jamie! I was actually hoping to submit this to Fit Approach, if you think it would work.
That is such an awesome story. I think the charm is a perfect way to have a gentle reminder at all times.
Thx, so do I! I absolutely love the charm bracelet.
I love this post! I was also engaged to someone and then it ended….I wasn’t sure how I was going to even put one foot in front of the other. Thanks so much for sharing Bella!
My brothers and I used to rollerskate together all the time during the Summer! 🙂