I skate for me. Other people on the ice are great, and I encourage all. But, why I come to the rink is purely selfish. I love to skate. I love to glide. I love to jump. I love to sweat. I love to learn new things. I love a challenge. Monday, I had a tough day in my "real" life. I went to the rink at lunch, no matter what. I got totally lost in skating, and realized afterwards that I had not thought AT ALL of my other troubles for that entire session. I am "in the moment" on ice. i had a rough upbringing, and the ice skating rink was my playground. Like that Madonna song from the baseball player movie. This used to be my playground. Well, it still is. I'll have to do a routine to that song.
A very long time ago, my old coach "Bob" from Miami, Florida's Polar Palace skating rink told me something, that I carry with me today. He told me to skate for me. because, he said, it's very unlikely that you'll be the best skater in the United States or the worst skater. He said to not worry if I think I look silly learning something, that we all look silly. Bob said, "Even the best fall, just work hard and enjoy it." Bob moved to Sunrise Skating, I think he opened the rink. Wish I knew Bob now, or remembered his last name. My other coach in Miami was Red. He was an older man then, and skated with Sonia in movies. Wish I knew him today too. But, he's probably passed away. :-(