Things I'm learning from longboarding

Sunday — August 18th, 2024

So here I am, it’s Sunday, and I just returned from practicing a new skill- longboarding. I’m 27 years old and I’ve loved skateboards, longboards, rollerblades — just anything I guess that has wheels but doesn't require an engine. LOL.

I’ve decided to re-teach myself how to ride one. It’s a very humbling process, especially teaching yourself and learning something new, all over again. It’s almost learning how to ride a bicycle.

The weather is humid today, my ideal weather, also with a slight breeze. It's about down pour, though. Every time it’s sunshine, and I'm carrying my skateboard, I get transported to a different dimension. It’s like I’m supposed to be living the care-free, Mexico beach life I desire, skateboard in hand, living in paradise, but with a creative purpose. (More on that another article)

I also finished Robin Sharma’s “The Wealth Money Can’t Buy”, which I think it’s superb. I’ve read it for the fourth time now. Easy read, but packed with concepts and ideas as to how to live a fully rich life, money being part of it, but not everything.

I’ve been thinking a lot about how to make my day to day seem less mundane, but instead more exciting. How to add some spice, and try new things. And well, longboarding was one of them:

As I was hopping on one foot trying to maintain my balance, I realized a few things about learning a new skill:

1. Acknowledge progress — any kind of progress and also reward yourself.

It's so funny because I work as a dance teacher, and me out of all people should know that we must always acknowledge our students' progress and accomplishments, however small. Last week, when I bought my skateboard, I couldn't even balance on it, and now I can, and push off with one foot (it’s not as easy as a video may seem). Mind you, I have done this before, but unfortunately, 7 years went by, and I didn't keep up with it. So I’m re-learning, and every so slightly acknowledging my progress. I am soon about to reward myself with some spiced ramen noodles and chickpeas.

2. Trust the process and be patient:

I’m an Aries, so I do get very impatient, again this is ironic because I am a teacher. But I was humbly reminded to be patient with myself. Anything I found hard, I now find easy — practicing takes time, and learning takes time. The same thing goes for learning anything. Put in the time, put in the effort and trust that if you really want to get better at something, the universe will meet you half way.

3. My inner child was happy:

Being outside in my shorts and t-shirt and hightop basketball shoes, made me feel like a kid again. I grew up in the early 2000’s, in a lower to middle class family, so being outside was sometimes my escape. Also our mom was strict when it came to how much TV we could watch. Maybe that's why at age 27, unless I’m sick, physically tired or on my period, I rarely watch TV for long periods of time. I’d rather read or do something else.

But that’s besides the point. It was fun to be outside, and learning something new with some music playing in my ear. A part of me came alive. That little South African indian girl, found her happiness again.

So that’s my Sunday. As I reflect on my day and close out the weekend, I am grateful to be able to learn new things. Grateful for the ability to do it. And soon I will be a pro skater. Hopefully, if I keep up my practice.

What are you grateful for today?