wasatchgal

Last week, I talked about my son. This week, I get to talk about this beautiful girl I grew to love more than life itself. Her name is Alexa. I was given this blessing the same time my son came into the picture. She is his biological sister. 

She came into my home at 6 years old, in 2012.  Alexa was a tiny little thing. So precious.  Nothing could be more perfect than her.  You could just squeeze her and love her to pieces. And, I did. 

We had her room already with her own little bed. She didn’t have much to put in it. But, what she did have was an imagination that filled the house. She is so full of energy! Except, for reading. She hated reading. I showed her the joy in reading by sitting with her every night reading with her. Boy, was “No, David” getting old. I think I could’ve repeated the whole book without the words. 

Over the next few months, I realized their is something wrong with this little girl. She’s very angry. She’s very depressed. Talks about how much she hates herself. Hurts herself when she feels helpless. She won’t eat, saying she’s fat.   I thought, how can a 6 year old hate herself so much?  It was as if she couldn’t find love in the people around her or herself. It was very sad. 

We started therapy with her, after much fighting with the state. I don’t know why they tend to push these foster kids aside. They would say, this is what you get when a child is feeling abandoned. Especially against the foster mom because, she feels all moms abandon her. And you know what?  She is sorta right. Every mom before me gave her up. Now, don’t think the worse in people.  Their are always reasons for hard decisions. I won’t explain every situation. Just know that things happen for a reason.  And, certain decisions had to be made for the better of my daughter. But, as much as she went through, I know Alexa is my daughter and I will get her help. That’s what moms do!  We don’t give up on our children. They always come first. 

She turned 7 and was doing so well. The light was coming back into her eyes. This fun girl is a joy to be around again. I adored every waking moment with her.  She started tumbling. She enjoyed art and learning to read.  Things were going well for this beautiful blue eyed blonde little girl.  I was super excited to adopt her, in May 2013, with her brother. I thought, she is mine forever. 

But, something happened when school started that year.  She got angry and sad again. She even tried committing suicide. We took her to the hospital. They checked her into the behavioral unit there. After all the treatment and medication management, the psych doctor said she has ADHD, depression, RAD, and possibly schizophrenia. 

We started a different kind of treatment for her along with medication because we were forced to use a certain type of med management based off her insurance. It is called nuerofeedback. I was a little skeptical about this type of treatment. You hook someone up on a mapping system of the brain and try to get the brain to calm down in areas that cause these types of disorders.  But, it seemed to work. 

We also went and seen a nuero pychologist. He did an extensive test. His conclusion was ODD. How to fix this? You can’t. She will struggle her whole life. Talk about feeling helpless. The only thing we can do is give her medication that helps. We can do therapy and behavior modification. But, we can’t fix her. 

This all sounds depressing, right?  It can be. But, even with all this going on with Alexa.  I wouldn’t change her for anything. We just learn to adapt and over come any obsticles as they happen. Everyday is a different adventure with her. 

Now, she is 10 years old. My little girl is the sunshine on a cloudy day. She is so funny. Alexa is smart. She’s beautiful. She’s an amazing cheerleader. And, those you meet her adore her. She has so much love to give others. 

I know we will have our difficulties. But, I really cannot wait to see her become a strong, independent, determined, and loving woman. My Alexa is and will be GREAT!  She is one of the people I look up to when things are tough. She is a survivor!! 

#Alexa, age 10

Today, I decided to talk about this amazing young man who came into my life at the age of 12, almost 13. A young man who didn’t really know where or what his purpose in life was.  Who came from the rough streets of survival to the suburbs of thrive. His name is Cruz. 

You see Cruz never got to stay in one place for very long. He moved around. He changed from one school to the next. And, from one home to another. Cruz had many who loved him before me. I hope they still do. But, he also had some who didn’t. He never had the feeling of stability with his lifestyle. Not because he didn’t want it. But, because he wasn’t provided it. Until he met me. 

I found out real quick how intelligent and talented this kid is. Cruz is an artist in many ways like myself. He can draw. He can sing. He can dance. He is also talented in the athletic department. Not with a ball, but with his ability to do flips. 

I watched Cruz flip his body in ways that looked unnatural to me. Instead of being weirded out, I put him in power tumbling. He took that opportunity and grew to be an amazing tumbler. Most kids take years to accomplish what he did in one year. People called him a natural talent. 

One day he went to a cheer clinic with his sister and found out how much he liked the sport of cheer. Not the Pom Pom Raw Raw kind. I’m talking competitive show cheer. With tumbling, stunts and dance. Now, he’s 16 years old and is on a level 5 world’s team. He’s an elite cheerleader. 

When Cruz was almost 14, he texted me one day to let me know he is gay. I said to him, “I know.”  I don’t know if he was shocked or not. But to me regardless of who he is attracted to, he is my son. And I love him no matter what. But, those men who are interested in him better be prepared to accept me in their life as well. Because I will always be in my son’s life. 

Cruz does well in school too. He even took two AP classes next year. He will start his Junior year of high school this August. I know he will have his moments where he thinks it’s too hard. But, I also know he will push through. He is a lot stronger than he thinks. 

I can’t wait to see what my son, who I admire, become an adult. He will go to college. The first one from his birth family to do so. He’s going to have a career, where he will never have to worry about stability. Cruz is gong to be AMAZING!  And maybe one day, his future husband and him will let me love their child as much as I love him. 

#Cruz Greene Age 16

So, I got the privilege to turn 40 this past week. June 3, to be exact! Happy Birthday to me! Yes! I made it!

I remember as a kid thinking how old 40 was. Those were the wrinkled up old farts who look and smell weird. You never imagine being that age as a kid. Even my own children think that’s old. But, I am here to tell you that 40 is the age to be. I am in the prime of my life!

Sure I have to do a few extra old fart things now. Like wear glasses. Get annual mammograms. Pluck a few gray hairs. Oh wait!  I don’t have gray yet!  Right Sabrina?  My sister who’s a hair stylish can’t wait to find one on me. I am more cautious when I drive. I think their is an extra break on the passenger’s side when anyone else drives.  These kinds of thing. Take extra vitamins. Watch my blood pressure and sugar levels. Run out of breath walking up my stairs. So yeah, I am old compared to my kids. 

But, I also have the best of both worlds. I can still be young enough to go on adventures.  I like to drive fast. And I even like a good drink every now and then. I also have my life settled. No more worrying about gas money. Or being told no. I can do anything I want.  And, I look good too!  What more can I ask for, right?

So don’t be afraid to turn 40. Be excited!  Now, I can’t wait to be 50.  So here’s to another 40 years. I hope I get to tell you about my 80th! 

Have you ever thought about what service means to you?  Many of us serve in a simple but, meaningful way.  We take food to our neighbor who just got out of the hospital. We help an elderly woman load her groceries up in the car. We even make people smile by taking the time to ask how they are doing and if we can help in any way. These seem like small ways. But, the impact these small gestures have helped someone in a much grander way than you can imagine.  Have you ever had a bad day and for some reason a stranger says hello?  How did that make you feel?  To be noticed on a day you feel down on yourself can in fact change the way you feel about yourself in that one moment.  

Others dedicate their whole life to serving. Look at our military, police, firefighters and emergency and medical crews. They spend every day of their lives helping others. The military give us the freedom we have her in America. The police protect us from harm and keep order in what is a chaotic world. Firefighters save us and guide us to live in a more secure and safe environment.   Our medical and emergency response individuals not only clean us up when accidents happen, but they save lives everyday without blinking an eye. 

It’s funny how we use the word freedom. The key word free isn’t what we are given. It’s something we earn. So why do we call it freedom?  Those who have freedom fight and strive to keep it. It’s not an easy task. If it was, we wouldn’t need to protect or fight for it. By serving others we keep the idea of freedom in our hearts.  We also set examples to others to continue the work on serving. One great think about this country is those who serve do it without the expectations of something being returned in exchange for what you did for them.  This makes us stronger. 

With service of others, you can achieve anything. You can accept life as a challenge and work through it. Service makes you a better person. I challenge you to serve. It may be small. It may be grand. Either way it will make you the best!

My Grandpa, Arthur Amos March 12, 1928 – August 28, 2015  Sargent First Class in the US Army 45th Infantry, Thunderbird Division in Korea. Received the Combat Infantry Badge, two Purple Hearts and numerous other awards and achievements. 

I’ve decided I’m the worst mom ever. Know matter what I do, it’s going to be wrong with my children.  I don’t know why. And I don’t know how to change it. Lately my emotions have been up and down like a roller coaster.  One minute your standing line waiting for the ride. Then the next thing you know you are holding onto the bar and screaming as you see your life flashes before your eyes. Sometimes the Rollercoaster scares you to the point that you will never stand in line for that ride again. While other times, you can’t wait to stand in line for the same ride over and over again. Right now I’m dreading the ride. 

So what made this Rollercoaster so bad, you might ask. Well I’ll tell you. When I decided to become a mom I was in high school thinking, I’m going to have a huge family. I want 5 kids. I want to be a stay at home mom and be involved with everything my children do. I was going to be involved with the schools and my children’s after school activities. Yes! I’m going to be the COOL mom.  Here I was waiting in line for that amazing Rollercoaster I’ve heard so much about!

I soon realized as an adult that wasn’t going to happen. I had tried for years to conceive a child. I traveled up the ramp in hopes of what was to come at the top. I tried all kinds of fertility treatments. We found out I have PCOS, polycyclic ovarian syndrome. But women have children everyday with this problem. So I did everything my doctor instructed us to do.  It took until I was 34 years old to finally conceive. I was so excited. I’m going to be a mom! I can see the slope now. I have all these dreams as to what my child would bring in the ride. It was exhilarating. I was smiling with my hands in the air filled with happiness and joy. Nothing could be better than this moment!

As I hit my second trimester I started to bleed. This can’t be good. I’m scared.  The doctor said this is normal just take it easy. So I went home and went down a steep drop. It happened so fast. Next thing I knew I was in full blown out labor. I delivered my son at home at 2 am in the morning. I was destroyed inside. I had to go to the ER and watch my beautiful baby boy be placed in a bottle. I was told he would be sent to pathology and then thrown out with the rest of the bio hazardous material to be insinerated. He was the size of my husband’s hand. Luckily my regular doctor called the pathology department and asked them to take feet prints of my son for me before they cremated him.  He never received a funeral. Most people didn’t even know he existed. We named him CJ after his dad, Christopher James. Just short and simple like him. 

About a year later, I rounded a corner and finally things got fun. It was exhilarating to know changes were about to happen. Since I couldn’t carry children we decided to foster to adopt children. We chose to allow our case worker to find children who could have siblings and from the ages of newborn to 10 years old. It came to a surprise that we would accept a 6  and 13 year old.  This came with it’s own ups and downs, turns and flips. But in the end, I was blessed to know I get to me their mom. My husband and I adopted them.  They became ours forever. They will no longer have to worry about who will raise them because I get too. Can you imagine the fear in a child not knowing if their home is permanent?  I took that fear away. 

It amazes me how rough certain corners take. You bounce back and forth, jerking your body until you feel whip lash. My daughter has ODD, oppositional defiance syndrome. This is a behavioral condition that requires a lot of therapy and medication for things like depression, anger, suicidal thoughts, self harm, and just plain defiance. It’s a condition where someone wants to be in complete control of their life without having control of themselves. Now just let that sink in. It’s like saying you want ketchup on your hamburger but not having ketchup in your fridge. She cannot control her emotions. The bad thing is I can’t control her emotions for her. You feel helpless and fearful for your child. The worst feeling a mother can have. I cannot help her. I cannot protect her. I cannot take away the pain. It’s heart breaking. I am the worst mom ever. It’s a mom’s job to make her children happy and feel secure. And guess what? I can’t. Not because I don’t want to, but because I literally can’t. At this point I cannot wait for the ride to end. But I keep going.  I’m completely drained. I’m exhausted. People tell me all the time, you are an amazing person. But I don’t feel that way. This ride is crazy. 

Now I have two choices. Do I go on the ride again because most of the ride was fun? Or do I say no way that was way to much?  I know I can walk away. But I want to stay. So, I say “bring on the Rollercoaster.”

I was driving to work today thinking, this is going to be a nice day. The sun was shining. The air was crisp. I woke up with a smile on my face. Everything was looking good! Until, I hit 5600 south and 2700 west in my town. Yup, red lights!  I was at a complete stop. No one was moving. I knew they had orange cones up for construction. But this was different. Was it an accident? I thought to myself. Was it the Air Force base checks? Who knows. All I know is, after 20 minutes of sitting in traffic not moving and only 3 blocks away from my home, my temper starts to flare up. Yup, “anger” is controlling my Brain console.  While “disgust” is his co-pilot.  Finally, I get to a place I can turn and go towards a different route. I travel down the side road and up to the main road. Okay, I got 10 minutes to get to work on time in a 15 minute normal time frame. I can do this! I think to myself, if I just add 5 more miles per hour to the speed limit I can get there on time and I most likely won’t be pulled over for speeding. So, I am cruising along.  And luck would have it……. Screech!  Stopped! Nope I didn’t get pulled over. But both lanes of traffic on each side are stopped.  Oh, like what the, swear word entered here!  Now I know I’m going to be late. So, I’ve already committed one crime by speeding. I’m about to commit another crime. No…… Not murder, even though I’m now angry enough to flip off the next person I see honk at the cars in front of me.  I open my cell phone and text.  Yes, text and drive. The one thing I harp at my son, Cruz to not do out of “fear”.   Boss, I’m going to be late for work.  Needless to say it took, what is normally is a 20 minute drive, an hour drive to get to work. 

Isn’t that how life is sometimes?  We schedule out what needs to be done and how long it takes. We rush here and there. People like me spend their whole day going somewhere. I get up and go to work. From work I go to the cheer gym to watch my kid practice. Or I go home and be a wife and mother by cooking, cleaning and helping with homework. And that is on a smooth day. Add other obligations, your children having moments that don’t work out for your schedule then everyone has to feel rushed and stressed to catch up. What about adding sometime in for a neighbor who needs help?  Most days I go on and handle my day without complaint or thoughts of it hindering my lifestyle. I try not to let “sadness” out. But today I realized I need to slow down for myself. Even now, I’m eating lunch at my desk and writing my blog because I didn’t have time to write yesterday.  I’m tired and worn out. 

So, how do I schedule time in for myself during days like today?  I’m not quite sure right now. If you have suggestions, I would love to hear them.  I think it’s time to find that “joy” again.  Some days I wish I had my own wagon to take to imagination land where I have no sense of direction or time.  But that isn’t how real life works. Maybe if I find my childhood “Bing Bong” friend again,  I could find the humor in all the stressful curve balls thrown at us. Who knows, maybe my imagination will show how I could be the next super hero mom. Know one can touch her!!! She’s amazing!!!!  Who knows……….

How often do you look back and think of all the people in our lives who have supported us in a Mother’s role? The ones who have contributed to our growth and love. We tend to only think of mom as the one who gave birth to us. But, I want to say that the term mom is much  grander than that. The definition of mother alone coming from the Merriam-Webster dictionary says, a female parent, a woman in authority; specifically : the superior of a religious community of women, an old or elderly woman, maternal tenderness or affection.  I have had many mothers in my life. So, in honor of Mother’s Day, I want to give thanks to some of them.  What makes me who I am as a whole is dictated by those women I have grown to love and admire. 

My wonderful birth mother. She is the strongest, most driven woman I know. She taught me to be independent, strong, and self reliant.   She taught me cleanliness and the love of playing in the dirt. She taught me to grow my own crops and love my pets. She taught me it’s ok to make mistakes as long as you correct them and take responsibility for those actions. 

My vibrant liberal mother-in-law. She is one of the most accepting, understanding woman I know. She taught me to not care what others think when you know you’re right. She taught me to not take life so seriously. She helped me understand that acceptance of others will not only make others happy, but will make you happy as well. She taught me that life doesn’t always have to be in order. That being chaotic is sometimes a necessity.  

My controlled, loved sister. She is the person you come to when you need something done. She is the spiritual one. She reminds me to love my neighbors. She taught me dedication to my family. She gives me hope that there is more to this life than I know. She teaches me that family isn’t just about who lives in your home. 

My children’s birth mom. She is the most unselfish person I know. She taught me that people need help. She taught me trust. She taught me that not everything needs to be perfect because it’s not. She loved her children enough to let someone else raise them. 

Cheer mom and coaches taught me dedication, endurance, and support. I truly believe they have a very strong influence on how are children succeed in there adult lives. They teach hard work and loyalty. 

I could go on and on about the different moms I’ve had in my life. It would bore you. Just know without the influences of them I would not be the person I am today. 

Thank you so much for being my “Mom”. Xoxo

“My mommy”

Have you ever set the same goal over and over and over again. Only to see yourself give up on that goal. Our life changes so we can’t focus on that goal. It gets to hard. Or, how about, I can’t. Are these truly the reasons to not accomplish these goals. Sometimes. However, instead of making huge goals, focus on many small ones that can be used to create the main goal. Sounds complicated right?  I have said the same thing numerous times. And you are right I failed in accomplishing the goal. 

My mom has inspired me to set these small goals to accomplish the ultimate big goal. She started out as a wife at 15 years old. She gave birth to me at 16. I am lucky to say she decided being a wife and mother was far more important than finishing high school. Can you imagine how hard it was to find employment when my parents divorced? She wasn’t even in her thirties yet. Her resume didn’t have high school diploma.  I know if I would have seen that, more than likely I would not even have her come in for an interview. But, she kept her head up in the darkest times and did what she needed to do to eat. 

After all her kids graduated and moved on with careers, higher education, and their own families, she decided to go back to school.  Most high school students go off to college with some educational background where they can test out of certain studies to help them through their courses. My mom had to start at the very beginning. Many nights she sat at my kitchen table working on Math with my husband and kids. She would get so frustrated. “Stupid math!” She would often say. But she never quit. She even had an opportunity to study abroad in Ireland. Not an easy task when you have to come up with the funds to go on a very limited salary. But she did it!  Now she has seen more of the world by that one experience then most with an education. She didn’t give up. 

Just this last Friday she completed this one huge goal. It took many little steps to get there. But as she trotted with enthusiasm down the aisle accepting her college degree of Bachelors of Science in Anthropology and Archeology I can’t help but beam with intense pride as I yelled, WAY TO GO, THAT’S MY MOM!

I see my kids go through goal trial and errors too with cheer. Even though their goals aren’t as grand as my mom’s, I know helping them push through these little goals are not only teaching them to stay strong and be determined.  It also prepares them for much larger goals in life. Tryouts are Friday.  I cannot wait to see what is in store for them. My 10 year old pushed hard to get her tuck this year.  Now, we wait and see if she gets placed on a higher level.  My 16 year old just got his standing full. Both skills are required to move up in cheer. 

I can’t help but beam with pride knowing that the ones I love so dearly are completing their goals. Let’s see what is in store for them next. Let’s just say I am a super proud daughter, aunt, mother and friend!

Keep up on your goals. Don’t give up. But also remember to make small goals that can add together to help you achieve bigger dreams. I believe in you. BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!!! Share your goals.

Wow! I totally missed my Monday post. So, now here I am writing it on Wednesday. I told myself if I was going to start blogging, I would make sure I post once a week.  So, even though I’m late getting this out I still kept to my word. This will be short, but important to help get my feelings out. 

Life hands us constant changes. From our style to our work to our home life. Personally I don’t like change. It screws with my daily need to have things in order. Some call me a control freak. I like to see myself as organized. 

I plan my day from sunrise to sunset. I know where I am supposed to be and what I’m doing. I keep the family calendar up to date. But, this week I’ve been thrown a loop in my daily schedule. 

This happens a lot in my life. As well as yours too. I don’t like it. But, it’s not about me not liking it. It’s about how I accept it and alter myself to embrace and accept the change.  Especially when I cannot control it.  These new changes I am facing will effect my home life, work, and my family. Some will be easy changes. Some won’t be so easy. In the next few weeks my life will turn completely around. 

In my children’s cheer they have annual team tryouts. This is coming up next week. As I see my children increase their skill level, I know they will advance to a new team.  Or they will be placed with other athletes who have. New friends are going to be made. New competition will come forth. And new routines that will push you even farther than you already are. It’s scary to know my children will have to come out of their comfortable position and start over again. I will have to rearrange my daily schedule to accommodate the new gym schedule. It is such a hectic situation that hundreds of moms do.  But we do it to help our children do something they love. 

I know I will be okay with these future changes I’m about to endure. We may not like change. But it’s inevitable. So go straight at your next life change like a bull. Take it on. Because we are stronger than we realize. Change isn’t always good. But it’s how we accept it. You can do it!

As I sit here waiting in the hotel lobby for the shuttle to take my daughter and I back to the airport after a 3 day trip to Anaheim, CA for a national cheer competition, I can’t help but wonder where the respect for other athletes went. I heard and seen some very hateful things yesterday. These things were directed towards a particular athlete. It effected many people including myself. I went to bed last night with tears in my eyes and a heavy heart. 

I try so hard to teach my children to be accepting in all things. And to find the beauty in something even if they hurt you. A rose has many thorns.  But those thorns protect a soft beautiful petal. 

So I think this weeks blog is going to be about finding the beauty in things. I want you to know about love not hate.  I am going to use the word respect. I’m going to point out the negative thoughts in each word.  Then turn them around and point out the positive things about them. I know this may offend some. I truly am not trying to do that. Remember these are my thought. My thoughts alone. Please keep an open heart and mind. I just hope that at least one person who reads this will change from hate to love. It’s all I can ask for. 

R- Rainbow

A rainbow is commonly used to represent the LGBT community. You hear the terms fag, queer, dyke ect. My son who is gay hears these remarks all the time. Even though he is strong, I hurt when I hear it for him.  But do you know what the rainbow stands for?

The colors of the flag represent diversity. A symbol of peace. Gilbert Baker has been known to say he got the idea for the flag of the human race from the Gay Pride flag. The original flag consisted of 8 colors. 

Hot Pink (Sexuality), Red (Life), Orange (Healing), Yellow (Sunlight), Green (Nature), Turquoise (Magic/Art), Indigo or Blue (Serenity/Harmony) & Violet (Spirit)

Can any of you honestly tell me that any of those aren’t beautiful?  

E- Eccentric

Being eccentric is commonly used as something odd or peculiar. You’re different so you don’t fit in.  

What do you think choreography is about? If all the cheer teams had the same routine it would be boring. Instead, we try to make something so different it makes the judge’s eyes pop. Big hair, lots of makeup, big bow, and lots of spirit is what makes cheerleaders eccentric. 

Do we hate it? No! We love it! We encourage it! 

S- Sexuality

Sexuality is always a touchy subject. Not because sex is bad. But because it’s private. It’s personal. It’s confusing. Remember when you went through your hormonal changes?

What I don’t understand is why is it bad to be attracted to someone. People say that’s disgusting  to kiss someone of the same sex. It’s disgusting  to go through an entire sexuality transformation.  And heaven forbid if you marry and have kids if your gay. And please don’t get me going about those kinds of people who aren’t attracted to anyone. 

In ancient paintings and sculptures human bodies were used to show off the nature of human sexuality. It wasn’t ugly or immoral. It was beautiful. We don’t look at those pictures as wrong. If it was wrong why do paintings cost so much. That’s because sexuality is priceless.  Love the person next to you no matter who they want to be with. 

P- Placement 

Where do you place in life? Are you poor or rich? Are you in the United States? Are you in first place or last place?

So often people are judged by their placement in life. If you’re poor you must be dirty or hungry. You can’t be around me because you don’t fit the social standard of your environment. You’re rich so you must be a snob. You live in Pakastan. So, you must be a terrorist.  You placed last.  You’re  a looser. You placed first. You must have cheated. 

I strongly believe your placement in life is where you want to be. In most cases, you can’t choose your path. All you can do is work for what you want. Your actions and behavior dictates your placement in life. You can be your strongest ally of your weakest link. It’s up to you. But, do you think that judging others is going to change the outcome of their situation? No! So, why put others down? 

E- Environment 

Environment can dictate your mood. Whether you’re happy or sad is determined more by your surroundings than your personality. If the people you surround yourself with are negative, demeaning and just plain mean then you tend to fall to the pressure of their attitude resulting in you, yourself being a “mean girl.” 

Don’t surround yourself with these types of people. Set an example and walk away. Be a leader! Others will follow your direction. I don’t think most people want to be mean. I think most are afraid to stop what’s happening. I can guarantee you, you will be a happier, healthier, and productive asset to society and your family. 

So, please stop… Stop, take in your environment and say is this who I truly want to be? 

C- Confidence

Confidence can sometimes be considered as being “cocky.”  Are you cocky or confident? Look at how you’re acting. 

Being cocky is saying you are better than someone else in a demeaning manner.  “I’m better than you, and I want you to know that.” It’s not only hurtful it’s wrong. You should never put someone down because they lack the same ability as you.  You should give them the encouragement to become better. Be a role model not a villain. 

Confidence is a flattering attribute anyone can have. When you are good at something, show off! Be loud! You know you’re good. Say thank you with grace. Be humble when someone fails. Pick up the group with your enthusiasm and support.  And most important encourage them to be their very best. You know you’re a super star. Now it’s time to bring other stars into your galaxy. The more stars the prettier the sky. 

T- Tradition 

Everyone brings in their own type of traditions. It’s up to you to accept them. Some traditions seem stupid. While others don’t. 

We have traditions in cheer. From the inspirational chant of the team just before they go on stage to stinky socks.  We clap when the dance part of the routine comes into play.  We give gifts to the teams for nationals. Some throw their birthday kids in the air. 

What kills me is when someone refuses to support those different traditions.  Does it hurt you? Does it hurt the team? No… Matter of fact if you gave it a try, you might be surprised at how much you enjoyed that. 

Keep your traditions. Even share them. But also accept others. It’s always good to embrace ideas and cultures. It just makes you a better person. 

In closing, I want you to know I too can improve. I find myself at times not following my own thoughts and ideas.  I’m not perfect.  I don’t want to be. Because perfect is boring.  I want to be me!  Thank you Sophie for reminding me of that this weekend. Girl you keep on being just the biggest you, you can be! Much love!

“People make mistakes and if I held onto every negative thing that was said about me I’d be miserable.” Sophie Hefner