I really miss the Seinfeld television show! I am a huge fan of the comedian/actor and Thursday night was definitely "must see tv" for me for many years. There was so much to love about the show - the fabulous actors, the ingenious and clever writing, and the adept way that each and every episode of the "show about nothing" reached out and connected with the viewers through their depiction of everyday life.
If you are missing the show as much as I am, or have yet to discover Jerry Seinfeld's brilliance, then you may want to head on over to Netflix to watch"Comedians In Cars Getting Coffee". The premise of the show is that in each episode, Jerry Seinfeld picks up a celebrity-comedian in a vintage car and they make their way to a local coffee shop where they share conversation over espressos, cappuccinos, and lattes. One of the episodes from several seasons ago really stands out in my mind - the one with Chris Rock.
In the episode, while Chris Rock is eating his french fries, Jerry Seinfeld starts talking about skateboarding. He says that "one of the great activities is skateboarding." In typical Jerry story-telling fashion, he goes on to explain his thoughts about the recreational action sport turned art form."To learn to do a skateboard trick, how many times do you have to do it in order to get it right?" Chris agrees with Jerry that in order to get it right, you probably have to hurt yourself many times along the way. Jerry says "whenever I see those skateboard kids, I say 'those kids are going to be alright'".
What a life lesson learned over french fries and coffee! If you try hard enough at something to be considered a success, you have very likely put in many many practice hours and have attempted it incalculable times, you have proven that you are passionate and determined, and you have displayed the perseverance and persistence that speak volumes about your character.
As the kids go back to school, and this time of year feels like rebirth and renewal akin to the turning of the calendar back on January 1st, we should think about the skateboarders when we tackle the things we have been hoping to accomplish. In the contest of time vs. talent, if we put in enough time, our talent will have a chance to fully develop and shine through. The next time you try something new or decide to finally master something that has long been on your "bucket list", think about the skateboarders. If you work as hard as they do and are as determined as those kids, you are going to be alright!