Over the course of these 41 years, I’ve tried my hand at any number of hobbies, crafts, and disciplines. A short list might include music lessons (voice, drum and piano), artistic endeavors (watercolor, acrylic and oil painting, ceramics, glass-blowing, glass beading, jewelry design, writing), physical fitness (swimming, capoeira, running, mountain biking, gymnastics, and weight lifting) and a slew of other random undertakings (community theater, podcasting, animation, photography, videography, origami, dog training, blogging).
This is not meant to impress. This is to give you some idea of the number of things I have quit, not the number of things I have mastered. The general pattern is this: 1. Find something interesting. 2. Do it. 3. Discover a certain level of talent for said thing. 4. Reach point where natural talent must be supplemented by will and determination. 5. Quit. This has happened so often and with such frequency that since childhood, I’ve heard a version of this criticism: “You’re smart/talented/capable, but you don’t have the passion/drive/commitment to make the most of it.” It’s the whole 10% inspiration, 90% perspiration thing. Perspiration has never really been my thing.
In spite of this potentially disheartening list of failures, I have realized that there is at least one thing that I have remained committed to for many, many years: Quad Roller Skating. (Insert record scratch here.)
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