I knew it would happen sooner or later. When my daughter fell coming out of her back handspring at this past weekend’s cheer competition, and then her stunt group dropped their flyer, I held my breath and waited for her to move on. She, and her teammates did just that, finishing their routine with all the sass and kissy-face attitude they started with.
This cheerleading thing – I’ve written about it before…it holds it’s blog-worthiness every single time. Whether it be mid-stunt puking, or landing sideways on a ankle, it never ceases to amaze me how these athletes keep moving through their routines, stay mostly on beat and finish, still smiling.
I mean, I know their coach tells them to do just that. I know it’s part of the gig and that the judges and the world are watching…but Hell, watch me puke on stage and it’s not a smile you’ll see afterward. Seriously, what are these girls made of? That’s some kind of super-powered, green-food-infused sugar and spice.
I’ll never tire of talking about this – this way they keep doing their job when things go bad. I’ve seen it over and over again, in almost every single team in every single competition. I’m not sure I can think of anything aside from bones breaking (knock on wood) that would stop these girls (and boys) from finishing their routine, full-on lip stick smile included.
Makes me think a little bit about when things are tough in my day to day. And you know…perspective. Did I puke in front of hundreds of people? No. Did I fall on my face? No. Did my extra hair fall off and fly across the room? No. Did my shoe fall off mid kick and leave me with absolutely no traction for the rest of the routine? No. (I’ve seen all of this happen by the way.)
Now, comparing the determination and fortitude of cheerleaders mid-routine to the crap of daily, sometimes traumatic, life might not seem like a great comparison, but I’m thinking if you dig deep, you’ll see that there’ve been times you’ve been faced with less of a deal and decided to stay in your pajamas all day.
They’re fierce, these girls and boys. Fiercely awesome and mixed with their super bendiness, their all around amazing athleticism, and their bedazzles, I’m totally sold. These athletes are building a foundation of courage, determination and discipline that’s far above average…and when the time comes, they won’t be hanging around in their pajamas – they’ll be making sure everyone knows they haven’t given up, won’t back down and what exactly they’re made of.
Sugar and spice anyone?
