Ironic?

Is it irony? I'm not sure.  Next month will mark my one year "derby-versary".  A year ago in May I joined an amazing group of women on a life changing journey.  We fought some hard battles, on and off the track, and I have personally struggled to achieve my goals despite injury after injury both physical and mental.

Now one year later, is it ironic that I'm starting all over?  Here I am poised to start over with a new team, back at my pre-derby weight, and out of shape again.  I can't help but feel like I've been skating in circles.  Hmm, wait a minute...

I definitely  have some things working in my favor as I start out on my new Derbyventure.  I know how to skate now, I have all the gear I need, and I know so many wonderful women within the derby community.  But I won't lie when I say that my faith in the sport has been shaken by my interaction with some mighty sketchy people in these past 12 months.  I won't let that deter me but I feel every ache in my jaded joints as I lace up on these sunny days lately.

What I've gained, however, outweighs any of the bad things that have happened.  The friends that I have made are more than derby sisters, they are lifelong friends, fellow travelers on the crazy road of life.  I would not trade them for anything.  I have also gained a confidence in myself that I had lost in recent years.  Derby gave that to me and now no one can take it back.  And it's that confidence that pushes me ahead and to keep up the hard work I know lays ahead.  To take back the love for derby.