Figure Skating

Figure Skating

This semester at Utah State University, I was enrolled in a beginning figure skating class. I wish I had a video of us on the first day to show you for comparison. The majority of my class could barely skate forward without holding onto the wall. By the end of the class, we could do all kinds of fun tricks.

Below, I'll address some of the benefits of figure skating. But first, I would like to share a video of us performing in the local club's spring show. The theme was "Celebrations." Each group represented some occasion that we celebrate throughout the year (Easter, Valentines, Christmas, Birthday, Wedding, etc.). As we were performing as a group, we had to have a relatively simple routine that only included moves that everybody in the class could do. Maybe I'll post some footage of just me some time in the future. I start in the back of the line on audience left. White sweater, black vest, red hat, scarf, and gloves.

 
Benefits I have seen from participating in figure skating:

1. Flexibility - The last time I was able to touch my head to my knee while stretching was almost 10 years ago. Just skating (with no extra stretching) for about 3 or 4 weeks got me to that point again.
2. Strength - It takes some amount of strength to skate forward/backward. Even more strength is needed for skating on one foot, spinning, and performing other tricks.
3. Balance - I notice a significant improvement in my balance. Even off the ice. It's something that I can feel, but it's hard to explain.
4. Confidence - There is no other activity I have ever participated in that has increased my confidence more than figure skating. Watching myself improve so much over such a little amount of time has been very rewarding.

Happy People

22 Things Happy People Do Differently

I originally saw this article on Pinterest. The picture led me here. I am not sure of who the author is, but I liked a lot of what they said. I will share part of the article below, but if you want to read more, you're going to have to click the link above and read it from where I got it. 

"There are two types of people in the world: those who choose to be happy, and those who choose to be unhappy. Contrary to popular belief, happiness doesn’t come from fame, fortune, other people, or material possessions. Rather, it comes from within. The richest person in the world could be miserable while a homeless person could be right outside, smiling and content with their life. Happy people are happy because they make themselves happy. They maintain a positive outlook on life and remain at peace with themselves.

The question is: how do they do that?
It’s quite simple. Happy people have good habits that enhance their lives. They do things differently. Ask any happy person, and they will tell you that they …

1. Don’t hold grudges.

2. Treat everyone with kindness.

3. See problems as challenges.

4. Express gratitude for what they already have.

6. Don’t sweat the small stuff.

7. Speak well of others.

8. Never make excuses.

9. Get absorbed into the present.

10. Wake up at the same time every morning.

11. Avoid social comparison.

12. Choose friends wisely.

13. Never seek approval from others.

14. Take the time to listen.

15. Nurture social relationships.

16. Meditate.

17. Eat well.

18. Exercise.

19. Live minimally.

20. Tell the truth.

21. Establish personal control.

22. Accept what cannot be changed."