I started because I was nervous about it. It wasn’t in my comfort zone. I have a quirky and beautiful flaw: If something scares me or makes me apprehensive, I want to actively conquer it. (It’s not always easy, but there is very little I am afraid of anymore). At that time in my life, my kids were becoming more independent and it felt like the right time to try something that wasn’t conventional. Other than the vague memories of watching roller derby on TV in the early 80’s, I had never even seen a game. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I first walked into House of Derby, and I wasn’t at all disappointed.

Definitely. Derby now gives me the opportunity to zone out, de-stress, and focus to live in the moment. I am not thinking about all those little things that run through a womans head at any given moment, like remembering to get milk at the store, who needs whatever appointment scheduled, deadlines, or what’s for dinner the next day. I don’t have to think about the nuances of life. I get to be mentally numb and I can push all the “mom things” and work B.S. out of my mind. I can just skate.
Aside from the therapeutic release, I also get to meet and socialize with a variety of women outside of my family and inner circle. The women I’ve met over the years range from professionals to housewives to single moms to unpolished dreamers, and with each strong woman I have encountered, I have gleaned from each of them some gem of knowledge or insight that empowers or enlightens me in some aspect.

1. Never turn down an opportunity to try something new because you’re scared of failure. When I think back on all of the missed opportunities from my younger years, I cringe. Our time in these bodies is limited and the time to live life is NOW.
2. When someone gives you a compliment, whether it’s on your skills, your looks, your shoes, whatever, look them in the eye and say THANK YOU. Don’t try to downplay your greatness because it feels uncomfortable to shine. Also, you never know if that person giving the compliment seized an opportunity themselves to get out of their own comfort zone to compliment you.
3. Never take anything personally. Nothing others say or do is because of you, but instead a projection of themselves. People will come and go out of your life within a blink of an eye and not look back. Don’t take it personal when they don’t look back.
4. I’m not sure whose quote this is, but it’s an empowering one: “Never worry about what anyone thinks of you; their opinion of you is none of your business.”  Even the nicest of women can be catty b’s, but strong women don’t worry about it.
5. You’re stronger than you look, smarter than you give yourself credit for and it’s ok to be down sometimes, just don’t stay there. We are humans, full of self-doubt and insecurities, but don’t let those bad feelings dictate your life. “People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is light from within.” Elizabeth Kubler-Ross
6. If you lose, do it without whining; if you win, do it without bragging. No one wants to hear either. 
7. STRETCH! Dynamic warm ups! Build your foundation and strengthen your core!!! HEED THIS!! 
8. If you’re living life to the fullest, skating in derby and it’s all happening within childbearing years—use birth control. Or don’t. It happens, just sayin’….however, no regrets.