Am i too old to skateboard?...no way GF! | Emotional Wellbeing

Watch Gina's Video On this topic Here

 "I have definitely felt like I was too old to skateboard."

I have felt afraid to try something new because I thought I would be the only one older than 18 at the class. I would feel odd and the kids would look at me like "why are you here?!" The example I am thinking about is actually not for a skateboarding class it was for a dance class. Googling hip hop classes near me can lead to a bit of disappointment as an adult as when you realise the class is for 12-17 year olds and your 28. It can be discouraging when you decide you want to do something but then you get blocked by a limiting belief because you can't find any examples of someone like you wanting to do the same activity as you. The limiting belief says this is not for you, see there is no others who are "like you" doing the same. As I write this many examples come to mind when things like this have stopped me from doing what I wanted. 
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However when it came to skateboarding I started when I was 22 so older than a lot of the skateboarders I saw around and now at 28 it is the same. The age thing didn't personally stop me at first as thankfully an awesome friend of mind invited me to go with her and her friends who where also all in their 20's so it gave me the opportunity to give it a go and see if I liked it without even thinking about my age. I am so glad she did because now having made skateboarding a large part of my life Im sad at the thought of that not happening for me. I do however still have thoughts that I don't fit in at the skatepark as there are not many women there and prefer to go to the skatepark with friends as apposed to by myself.

So often in life we are blocked by invisible/visible barriers "negative beliefs" that can stop us from trying new things or doing the things we love. But thats all they are beliefs they are not physical beings holding us down saying we can't do that. We can break through them/ create new positive ones. Because when we think about it you are never really too old to skateboard and what I have learnt from incorporating skateboarding into my life is that if you are having fun doing it then you are doing it right and it is right for you.
It does help when you see examples of others like you doing the thing you want to do as its kind of like evidence that it is possible and a part of what Wellness Riders is about providing those example for wahine of all ages and to see that skateboarding is for all beings regardless of age.
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But I feel like we can all do better than rely on the outside world to show us examples of what we want to see or achieve. I think there is so much power and empowerment through visualising this for ourselves which helps limiting beliefs dissipate.

So I encourage you to (at whatever age you are) close your eyes, put your hand on your heart and stomach, and with a few deep breaths visualise yourself as you want to be.

It could be cruising along on your skateboard or flowing through a dance routine. Repeat this as needed until you feel empowered and ready to take action. We decide what we want to do and be and once we decide things start to more in that direction. 

So yes, be you, enjoy your age and enjoy your life. If you feel the interest in learning to skateboard it is for you. You go sister!

We are here to support you. If you would like us to be a part of your skateboarding journey you can look through our website for more skateboarding information.

👇For more support on your boardsports journey...

✨ See Our Ebook - Using Skateboarding For Your Wellbeing

Arohanui - Big Love

Gina 
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Gina Reed

Co-Founder Wellness Riders
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Snowboard & Skateboard Instructor. Qualified Personal Trainer and Yoga Instructor. Gina is passionate about creating opportunities for wāhine to SHINE through boardsports - Surf, Skate, Snow!