Somebodyism at the Roller Rink

Anne Lamott, in her book Bird by Bird writes:

"I heard Ram Dass say on the radio once, about somebodyism, how most of us are raised to be somebodies and what a no-win game that is to buy into, because while you may turn out to be much more somebody than somebody else, a lot of other people are going to be a lot more somebody than you. And you are going to drive yourself crazy."

I was reminded of this again today. The children and I went roller skating today at Empire Roller Rink. I never was very good at roller skating as a child. But I have had a bit more practice now as a father. It’s sort of a rite of passage for American youth to experience the limbo contest, the all-skate, speed skate, the couples skate and all other permutations of this mating sport.

Today I was feeling pretty proud of my fluid movements. I felt unexpectedly agile and dexterous. Even the youngest two were impressed with their dad’s abilities; until, that is, a guy started motoring past Elly and me.
Elly said, “Look at that, dad.”
“Look at what?” I asked.
“That guy in front of us. He’s going backwards. Can you do that?”
“Uh, no.”
“Why not?”
“Because I’m not that good.”

Suddenly, somebody else was more somebody than me.

Any suppressed dreams I ever had of being an adult winner of the speed skate contest (with all of its attendant fame and its prize of a giant Pixie Stick) quickly faded today.

Posted on December 3, 2005 at 09:48 PM