Moving into 2022
5 things I learned in 2021
December to January always seems like a good time to review the last year and make a plan for the next year. We set goals or resolutions for things we want to accomplish or change. We make a promise to do something different. Hopefully we also review what did work and what we want to see more of too.
There were many highs for me in 2021. I returned to work for a company I highly respect. I was able to see family at a wedding. I got to visit my nephew and go on vacation to Florida with my friend and sister in law. I taught my first continuing education course online regarding evaluating and treating injuries in cheerleading. I finished my book on strength and conditioning for cheerleaders and started the editing process. We got 2 new kittens who brought a lot of energy to the house.
There were also some really tough lows. The kittens knocked over a glass of wine and took out my computer which had not been backed up. Time to start over on the editing process of the book and to build a new course. My dad ended up in the hospital after a couple falls and Covid..and he is still there now. And the worst, my best friend’s 25 year old son passed away unexpectedly after injuries sustained in a car accident. That was a really low point of 2021 that we will have a hard time recovering from.
These highs and lows have taught me some valuable lessons that I will work on remembering as we move full on into 2022. I think they are highly applicable to the cheer world and hope they are able to help your team move thru the inevitable highs and lows too.
1-Cardiovascular exercise actually IS important for cheerleaders.
I used to think that cheerleaders only needed high intensity interval training (HIIT)to train their heart and to do well in cheer. This is because the length of a cheer routine is only 2 minutes and 30 seconds of high intensity activity. Yes, I know cardio is important for overall health, but the fitness of cheer seemed more HIIT based. What I realized is that while competitions are more HITT based, practices are more endurance based. This means we need more long duration, moderate intensity exercises to be able to get through a practice. Suddenly, things like running, cycling, swimming or even walking seem just as important to train for and work into our exercise plan.
2-You need to do the work to see the results.
This year I joined a health challenge in an effort to get myself feeling better and to lose some weight and fit in my clothes. What I learned was when I keep track of what I am eating, and when I am consistent with my exercise routine, the number on the scale changed and my body composition and shape started to change too. I started to have more energy. When you put the work in and you stay consistent you will see change. Whether working toward improving your body composition or achieving a new skill like a handspring or double-down, you need to have a plan, keep track of it and stay consistent. Watching your effort and progress will keep you on the path toward progress even when times hit a bump. This will also make it easier to get back on track and help you keep moving in the direction you want to go.
3-Communication is the key to every relationship.
I struggle sometimes to communicate how I am feeling Usually, I keep it bottled up until I explode. This never ends well. This year I worked on expressing how I was feeling before it got to the blow up point. I planned out what my key points were, and also recognized areas that I needed to work on. When I did this I was much more clear with communicating my own expectations and it made for a much less angry conversation. I learned that once I stated my grievances, I needed to let them go. Dwelling on how we’ve been hurt only breeds more anger and hurt. When your team, or a friendship, is struggling, take a moment to talk through what you are hurt by and move on. Not every thing will be solved, but communicating and releasing will help to move forward.
4-Take each day as it comes.
I do like to set goals for the future. 3 months, a year, 5 years etc. But really, all we have is today. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. Yes, plan for tomorrow. Do the work. When you don’t hit your goal, start again. Every day-every minute-is a new chance to start over. Appreciate the moment and the work you are doing. Appreciate those who support and encourage you. Maybe you have a plan for a big event that doesn’t happen the way you wanted. If you dwell on the negative and the failure, you may miss out on the amazing things that did happen along the way. My husband teaches me this all the time. When I stop expecting things to go exactly as I think they should, and start enjoying the process and the way things do happen, I am much happier overall. Unexpected days create the best memories for sure!
5-This too shall pass.
I’ve learned this lesson a lot through my life. The grief of not making a cheer team followed by the joy of nailing a tryout and excelling the following season. The joy of finding out I was pregnant followed by the heartache of miscarrying. Joy and grief go hand in hand. For every up there is a down. I think it’s important to allow ourselves to experience both, but also to remember that this too shall pass and to then refer to number 4…take each moment as it comes.
Life has a way of reminding us of these lessons every day. Maybe it’s challenging to walk up stairs after some time away from exercise, or your jeans don’t fit when you stop doing the work. Maybe life kicks you in the teeth a few times after you had some amazing moments and nailed all your dreams. Reflecting on them and talking about it is good. It helps put everything into perspective.
We are only in this life and body once. Our family and friends are here as part of our journey for a reason. Showing up and being present and aware whether you are on the cheer floor or at home helps make the journey through the years memorable.
I wish for you a memorable 2022.