So, you're Fresh Meat...again. Part II

In Part I we talked about feeling badly about STILL being Fresh Meat when everyone else has moved on. Hopefully you feel a little differently about your persistence, your tenacity, and your shear awesomeness for even attempting this sport. You are an athlete!! Anyone else feel weird thinking that word? It’s true, though! 

Anyways, if you’re still feeling in a rut about it all (which you might feel this off and on), it’s okay. Here are a few things you can do to try to help yourself through this seemingly awful period between “I can’t stand in my skates” and “Hey, now I’m draft eligible.”

Talk to someone. Find a buddy, a derby sister, a friend. Talk to them about your frustrations, your fears, your hopes—even if you feel like it’s all out of reach. Keep pushing. You are already 100% more awesome than people that won’t even try it. The best thing you can have is some sort of support system. For me, that support system was a group of other skaters struggling with their skills.*

Try not to be negative. “I can’t do the thing…YET.” The word “yet” will become your friend.  People will tell you not to say “I can’t!!!” It turns off coaches, potential teammates, etc. I catch myself saying it from time to time…then I yell the word “YET!” and go out there and try to do the thing I suck at. Getting down on yourself sucks, and sometimes it almost feels out of your control (darn brain). Tell your brain to SUCK IT. Sometimes you just have to tell your brain to shut up because you are going to do the thing. You give it your best mean face. RAWR! Then you fall down anyway. As long as you get up, you’re golden. Maybe you still can’t do the thing…YET. You will, though.

Pair with a vet that’s willing to help you. I’ll admit that some vets don’t want to bother with Freshies. Find one that does. Find one that was in your shoes. They don’t mind that you have to go slow, or you’re really afraid of being hit by them, or you can’t positionally block a jammer behind you (yet). They want to see you succeed! I’ve said “I’m sorry” to these people more times than I can count. I feel like I’m holding them back at practice. I’ve grown now to understand that I’m not. If they don’t want to be my partner, they would find someone else. Take advantage of their knowledge and kindness—and know that they care.

Practice. Do the thing you can’t do. Over and over and over. ONE HUNDRED BILLION TIMES. Okay, maybe not that many. But seriously, practicing will be the only way to get better. It’s scary going to practice with all the vets and all the teammates with their bonds and relationships. *Insert socially awkward me into situation*Insert yourself—even if it’s to wave awkwardly at people you barely know and then biff it when it’s your turn to do transitions. You’re there. TRYING. 

Show heart and dedication to the league. If they are upstanding people, they will accept you. They will cherish you and cheer you on! And when you finally do the thing, they’ll shed tears of joy. You’ll make them proud. They will be your derby family. Keep working hard and your skills will progress. As REO Speedwagon said, “Keep on rolling.” We’re all here for you. Cheering you on.

Keep pushing, and happy skating!

Bitter Sweets <3

*Part of my Wolf Pack. We lean on each other. Always.

(Also super proud my derby sister passed her endurance tonight after 1.5 years of training for it.)