The speaker reflects on their childhood experiences with various activities such as soccer, boy scouts, aikido, and playing musical instruments. They express gratitude towards their parents for enrolling them in these activities, which helped them discover their interests and skills. The speaker also talks about the importance of balance in life, emphasizing the difference between hobbies and addiction. They encourage their audience to try new things, explore their passions, and maintain a balance between leisure activities and responsibilities.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Children at the age of 7 prefer watching videos on YouTube to learning to play the violin.
2. The author was forced by their parents to participate in various activities.
3. The author was enrolled in soccer at a young age and didn't enjoy it.
4. The author's friend, Mike, was good at soccer and continued playing it.
5. The author was signed up for boy scouts and enjoyed it.
6. The author was enrolled in a martial art called aikido, which they found boring.
7. Aikido is a form of martial arts that focuses on self-defense and not hurting the attacker.
8. The author was forced to take band classes in fifth and sixth grade and chose percussion.
9. The author played the drum and found it easy and enjoyable.
10. The author's parents tried to get them into other activities, but they didn't pursue them.
11. The author used to play a lot of Neopets and ROMs.
12. The author thinks that there's a difference between hobby and addiction.
13. The author believes that balance is key in life, and people should have time for sleep, work, socializing, and other activities.
14. The author thinks that childhood is the best time to learn and discover one's passions.
15. The author wishes they had tried more things in their childhood, such as skating or playing the flute.