Learn to Roller Skate Without Feeling Silly

The number one thing that nobody talks about when it comes to learning to roller skate as an adult, it's not falling, it's embarrassment. And here's the truth, nobody cares what you look like on your skates. So if you have ever felt that way, worried about what people would think of you learning or just where to go out to practice, then we need to have a chat. And this video is exactly what you might need to hear. So when I got back on skates after 19 years off, I didn't even want to skate outside. I thought people would stare, people would laugh, judge me. I felt silly. But here's what happens when you actually stop caring what others think and start skating. So a while ago, I went down to the marina near us with my partner, our two kids. He was on kid duty. My sister had the drone and we went down there to get some really cool content of me skating along the marina. Now, when I'd finished skating, my partner came up to me and he was like, Trace, you should have heard what everyone was saying. And I instantly thought it was bad. So he heard comments like, oh, I remember skating as a kid. Oh, I remember the days back at the roller disco as a teenager. And he said that people were just smiling. So my skating was just making people smile. It was taking them on a trip down memory lane. And there were people that were saying, oh, that looks so cool. I wish I could do that. So these are the things that go through people's heads when you're out skating. So it's not that they're staring at you and thinking, oh, my God, she's an adult woman in her 40s, 50s or 60s learning to skate. They're actually having these memories. I like to think of it as if I go for a walk and I see somebody meditating on a cliff at sunrise, I think, oh, amazing. How do they find the time to do that? Oh, that just looks so peaceful. I wish I could have a piece of that. I'm not thinking as I walk past, oh, that looks embarrassing to do. They couldn't care less. And then within one minute, I've completely forgotten about that person. Right. So stop worrying about what people think. It's actually bringing them more joy than what you think. And here's the thing. People are just way too busy these days. We have podcasts in our ears. We're chasing kids. We're doing groceries. Nobody's analyzing your every wobble. And the ones that do notice, like I said, it puts a smile on their face or they're cheering or they come and say, oh, that looks so fun. I remember doing that as a kid. At the end of the day, reality check, nobody cares what you're going through or how embarrassed you feel. Everyone's living their own life and life can be tough, can be completely unfair and exhausting at times. But I guarantee you there are people out there that would kill to have the opportunity to learn how to roller skate. So if skating is something that brings you joy and happiness, hold true to that. Do what feels good for you. I know if I'm having a rough day and I put my skates on, I'm instantly happier. I feel lighter. And I see this happen with my students, students who are in their 30s, 40s, 50s or 60s. They're having the most fun that they've had in years. Some students turn up to class, bit of a funk, and they say things like, I didn't know if I felt like coming to class today. And by the end of the class, guaranteed they've got a smile on their face. And they say to me, I'm glad that I came. But yes, roller skating can be challenging. You might fall. Actually, not might. You're going to fall. You're going to slip. But so what? I see skateboarders falling all the time outdoors. And we don't stop and think about how silly they look. So why should roller skating be any different? And if you're thinking about learning to skate, that means you're somebody that is up for a challenge. So don't throw the towel in. Stop sitting on the sidelines watching everyone else succeed and have fun. Commit, make it a habit, and go for it. So if this hits home for you and you're ready to start skating, I've got some free resources down below that is going to give you the tips and guidance to get you started safely. And if you have ever felt this way, I'd love for you to pop a comment down below. I'd love to connect and chat to you guys to see if I can help and give you any more tips. Nobody cares what you look like. So you've got nothing to lose. Just get out there and have fun. That's what skating is all about.