I did a thing… 🛹
My 10 year old daughter and I recently started doing a mother and daughter between you and me journal and one of the questions for moms was “what is something you would do if you knew you wouldn’t fail?” My response was “I would learn to skateboard and write a book.”
Skateboarding has always been something I’ve wanted to try but I’ve never attempted out of fear of falling. The more I thought about it thought about it though I realized how cool would it be for my daughter to go back and read these journal answers and to be able to think “wow, Mom actually did that!”
So last Saturday, I set off to thrift a skateboard. I figured if I absolutely sucked, hated it, or gave up nothing would be lost. I found a longboard for $24 and practiced balancing in my kitchen that night. I took it out on the open pavement the next day to practice balancing while moving. Very slowly. Then by day 3 I was able to scoot and ride, again, extremely slowly. Four days in and I’m skating parking lots and maneuvering around easily.
I’m 33 and FINALLY learned how to do one of the things teenage me wished I could do!
Trying something new like skateboarding as an adult can be both exhilarating and intimidating. When I first started, I was nervous about falling and getting hurt, but I realized that progress comes from pushing through discomfort. Practicing balance indoors helped me build confidence before moving outside. Taking small steps, like gently scooting on pavement, made the experience manageable and fun. Another important part of learning was having a supportive reason to keep going. For me, sharing this journey with my daughter made it even more meaningful. It’s empowering to realize that stepping out of your comfort zone can set an inspiring example for the next generation. Many adults hesitate to try physical activities they missed in youth, but learning a new skill like skateboarding not only offers physical benefits but also boosts mental resilience. Moreover, thrifting for equipment is a great way to start without a big investment. My $24 longboard was perfect for experimenting before deciding if skateboarding was right for me. This approach can apply to any new hobby — start small and affordable, then progress as your skills and passion grow. If you’re thinking about trying something you’ve always wanted to do but felt too scared to attempt, remember: it’s truly never too late to learn. Embrace the possibility of failing because failure is part of growth. By sharing my story, I want to encourage others to chase their own dreams, no matter their age or previous experience. The joy of mastering a skill and the memories created along the way are worth every fall and wobble.
