Passion and Fire on the Ice

How great is it to say you’ve been in love for 30 years?  How many people can honestly say that they’ve been passionate about something for 30 years or more?  I count myself lucky to have found true passion just shy of 3 years old.  While I don’t remember how I felt the first time I was introduced to ice skating, I know how I feel every time I set foot on the ice for practice or competition.  I’ve heard the stories from my grandparents and parents about the first time I saw an ice rink and people skating; it was love at first sight, according to legend, and I was insistent on ice-skating, unrelenting in my requests to try it out until my parents acquiesced. 

These days, people don’t follow their passions nearly enough.  We rationalize our decisions, often sacrificing following our passions and dreams by choosing what we feel is the more responsible choice or by doing what others expect us to do.  But, does the responsible choice make you happy?  If you answer with something along the lines that you’ll learn to like it, or it won’t seem so bad the longer you do it, you’re only fooling yourself.  Over time, you change and lose sight of the person you once were.  Rarely, it’s for the better; often it’s for the worse.  Everyone needs to do at least one thing they are passionate about.  You need to indulge yourself in that one thing, whether it’s a hobby, job, or activity.

I took a break from my passion for the past 5 years; although not intentional nor planned.  It just 'happened' when I moved to Seattle.  But looking at who I am today, I miss the person I was when I was skating.  It’s indescribable.  Friends even notice that I’ve changed, but can’t pinpoint exactly how I’ve changed.  There’s a certain feeling you have when you do what you love.  Putting that feeling into words doesn’t work; nothing comes close to the emotions you feel when you follow your heart.  Even your worst day is still better most people’s best days.  And that feeling translates into all aspects of your life.  It’s subtle and you may not even realize you’ve changed as person, but you have.   My best friend knows just by talking with me on the phone when I’ve been skating and when I’ve been off the ice for an extended period of time.

 

After a 5 year competitive hiatus, I lace up the skates again next week.  Just thinking about getting back out there gives me a sense of excitement and nervousness.  But the smell of the ice and sound of my blades cutting through the cold, smooth, glass-like surface will welcome me back like it does every time and everything will be right with the world.  And more importantly, everything will be right with me.  What amazes me the most is the passion and fire I feel on the ice, as strong as it was 30 years earlier.  Not a lot of people can say they still do what they loved doing when they were 3 or 4.