I spent part of the first day of 2012 Ice Skating. It had been years since I had done it and I was feeling really excited and a bit nervous.
It was my last day in New York city and the past few days had been beyond perfect. I got to spend some time with my sister and friends from Chicago and also met some pretty cool people. I was having the time of my life. We welcomed the New Year dancing the night away. Ice Skating right in Time Square in Bryant Park was just the perfect way to end the trip.
I had no idea how much it, that ice rink and everything within it, would show me; maybe be more of a reminder of what 2012 will have in store for me.
As I was putting on the ice skates, I began to feel pretty good about it. I remember the last time I ice skated and I remember doing it with confidence. So I just kept telling myself “oh yeah, I got this”….
…and then, my skates touched the ice.
As soon as the second skate touched the slippery ice, an announcement was made that it was time to resurface the ice. I was on the ice for about 5 seconds, but it was enough to realize that I did not “have this”.
Everyone rushed to the nearest exit. I stood there watching, a bit terrified. “OMG! Am I going to be able to do this?! What if I fall?” I stopped myself. I knew fear was taking control over me.
I kicked fear in the back and punched it in the face last time it got in the way. I told myself I was not going to let it get in between what I wanted to do and that it was not going to be present when it was time to make a decision.
So I replaced fear with excitement. I looked all around me. Took everything in. I was in NYC! Surrounded by such a diversity of beautiful people, my friends included. I felt so grateful to be able to experience that and I wasn’t going to let fear ruin it for me.
It was time to go in!
I went in and immediately reached for the rail. I took a few steps and said to myself, “No. Let go.” I did and I slowly began to skate. I couldn’t pick up my feet so I was using only my leg muscles to push myself. I did an entire lap this way. My legs were burning, but I did 3 more. During my 4th lap I began lifting my feet to push myself. By the 5th lap I was beginning to gain my confidence.
Once I was able to let go and feel comfortable, I began to notice the people. The ice. The buildings. People outside the rink taking photos of their friends and family. Lap after lap I was just taking it all in.
…and then the rink began speaking to me. It said:
I had no idea how much it, that ice rink and everything within it, would show me; maybe be more of a reminder of what 2012 will have in store for me.
As I was putting on the ice skates, I began to feel pretty good about it. I remember the last time I ice skated and I remember doing it with confidence. So I just kept telling myself “oh yeah, I got this”….
…and then, my skates touched the ice.
As soon as the second skate touched the slippery ice, an announcement was made that it was time to resurface the ice. I was on the ice for about 5 seconds, but it was enough to realize that I did not “have this”.
Everyone rushed to the nearest exit. I stood there watching, a bit terrified. “OMG! Am I going to be able to do this?! What if I fall?” I stopped myself. I knew fear was taking control over me.
I kicked fear in the back and punched it in the face last time it got in the way. I told myself I was not going to let it get in between what I wanted to do and that it was not going to be present when it was time to make a decision.
So I replaced fear with excitement. I looked all around me. Took everything in. I was in NYC! Surrounded by such a diversity of beautiful people, my friends included. I felt so grateful to be able to experience that and I wasn’t going to let fear ruin it for me.
It was time to go in!
I went in and immediately reached for the rail. I took a few steps and said to myself, “No. Let go.” I did and I slowly began to skate. I couldn’t pick up my feet so I was using only my leg muscles to push myself. I did an entire lap this way. My legs were burning, but I did 3 more. During my 4th lap I began lifting my feet to push myself. By the 5th lap I was beginning to gain my confidence.
Once I was able to let go and feel comfortable, I began to notice the people. The ice. The buildings. People outside the rink taking photos of their friends and family. Lap after lap I was just taking it all in.
…and then the rink began speaking to me. It said:
Do you see these marks on the ground? They were made by all these people, including you. Do you notice how it’s easier now that the ice is not as smooth. They represent experience. As you can see, you have some. If your experience is not enough to guide you through the year and life, look at the other marks, learn from them. It will help you.
And do you see these people falling and getting in your way? Sometimes you’ll have to ignore them. I know how hard it is for you to do that, but if you don’t, you might trip over them and hurt yourself. You might even hurt them too in the process. Other times though, you will find yourself just in the right place to be able to give them a hand. Also, some will just be obstacles and you seemed to know just how to move around them.
Do you notice how when people fall, some cry and others laugh? It is ok to do both. Sometimes we have to laugh off our failures, other times crying is more comforting. It doesn’t matter how you react, because if you fall, you will get up and you will continue and finish the lap. You’ll just keep getting better at it.
I noticed you were beginning to gain some speed there. Did you notice how you had to slow down a bit sometimes. It is a good thing. Live to the fullest and do as much as you want, but make sure you take the time to slow down when needed. You’ll know when.
Also, notice how some people insists on skating together. It makes them feel safe. It is ok to do it on your own. Sometimes the person who you think is supposed to be there to support you, just gets in the way. This time, you’ll know when to let go.
And do you notice how even though everyone is supposed to go in one direction no one is in sync. People are all over the place. It makes things harder, doesn’t it? It is your job to lead. To organize. I know you have it in you. You will succeed.
Most important, did you notice how you overcame fear? Right now as I’m speaking to you, not only are you smiling, but you’re taking the time to appreciate your surroundings. You don’t take things for granted, but it’s an easy thing to do, so just remember to always take the time to appreciate everything you have.
Just like in this rink, you will encounter obstacles and fear, even doubt, but you will overcome them. At the end of it all, you will succeed with a smile on your face.
I left the rink feeling better than ever. Hopeful. Grateful. Excited.
