I've been thinking a lot about derby and why I not only play but have a tendency to volunteer for everything and accept leadership roles I really don't have time for. What I am getting in exchange for a hobby that is an incredible time, physical and financial commitment and how my motivations have changed in the 3 years I've been skating.
When I started I had seen women on tv doing it and they seemed so strong and cool and I thought if I could be a fraction as cool or strong I would be such a more interesting person. After my first few times on skates I started to think of it more as a break twice a week from my otherwise sedentary lifestyle. A chance to work up a sweat doing something that wasn't standing behind a hot espresso machine slinging lattes or stocking the shelves of a wine store.
Time passes and slowly I am not too shy to go to practice when the one person I know isn't there because I am *gasp* making friends with girls. Slowly derby life replaces most of my social life and good riddance because I needed the change.
Despite the fact that I have made many friends and continue to through derby, it is not what keeps me going. At some point I realized "Holy shit. I'm good at something". Finding a natural aptitude for something has inspired me to put a substantial amount of work expanding and strengthening my skill set. Desire to play and competitiveness spurs me to be involved in multiple aspects of the sport and league. My relationship with the sport is anything but casual and when I finally have to decide to stop playing the decision will not be made lightly.
But I am not going anywhere, anytime soon.
