(broken bench in France. Photographer unknown, but obviously he or she got up!)
Yes, falling down is a good thing.
Ask any newbie skater in “Fresh Meat” derby training. The first thing you are taught is how to fall down. And how to fall down correctly. And how to get back up quickly without making a mess of everything and tripping everyone else in the process.
Oh, I can hear you now saying,” just keep from falling down!”
Or, second,” just stay out of roller derby”, you may be thinking.
But, as it is said on every derby track across the world, derby is a metaphor for life. And you WILL fall down in the process of life. In business, in love, in parenting, in…well just in everything.
So, best to be ready. Take some tips from the girls on the track.
GET PROTECTIVE GEAR. In derby that is knee pads, elbow pads, wrist bands., a helmet. In life it may be a circle of friends, good investment advice, some research, a good book to read on a lonely night, a little in savings, a faith in something bigger than yourself.
DON’T FALL BACKWARDS. Keep moving forward. it’s easier to use your arms and legs to get up if you are not flat on your butt. And also easier to break something really important (like your back or your tailbone) if you are hanging back. Easier to recover in life if you are looking forward.
FALL SMALL. This, my dear reader, is the most important. If you know you are going down, get ready. Knees, elbows, wrists (all padded) in a tight ball, and presto…you’re back up in no time. And you haven’t tripped up everyone around you or pulled them down with you.
And my favorite, THE BEST TIME TO START THINKING ABOUT GETTING UP IS WHEN YOU ARE HEADED DOWN.
In the meantime, Skate On!
Darla