I was more of a Dance Team type of girl growing up…and yes, I’m still that chick. Not that I didn’t like or appreciate the Cheerleaders, I just went the Dance Team route and then when I moved mid-way through high school, the new school didn’t have a dance team and by then I was an angry teenager because my parents made me move 9 hours away from all my family and friends.
But the idea of Cheerleading and the Dance Team for that matter, cheering and routing for the team, the school or a friend to win, is everything in my opinion. Maybe not in the context of high school or even team sports being the end all be all. Duh. But the concept of cheering on another to reach their goals or their dreams is EVERYTHING and so very critical and so few people realize it.
I started this blog this time last year. Maybe not the content such as this post, but the concept of the blog, developing the logo and creating the site. So now that I am reaching the ‘year’ mark with this little project I have come to the realization that cheerleaders’ matter.
I have kind of put myself out there with this blog, making myself and thoughts vulnerable. I struggled so many times with having the guts to do it, the energy to battle the tasks, and the fear of being criticized or not being accepted as my authentic self. I have stepped off the diving board and dove in headfirst and thank GOD, I have had such great support in doing so.
I started with one follower, my husband…lol…, to now a few thousand reading my posts. I have had strangers approach me thanking me for my words or seeking advice, which was scary but cool. I have had cards of encouragement sent to me by friends routing me on and gifts of Sparrows from loved ones reminding me that they are IN MY NEST. I have had one very specific ‘superfan’ (I see you Auntie Brenda) who has been the first to like and share religiously every post I have ever written. Every single one. Even more so, she responds with her favorite parts reminding me that she genuinely enjoys my writing, actually reads them, and that is definitely not the case with everyone in my family. And that is okay, it just emphasizes just how much she truly is in my corner because of it. She has never once doubted my capabilities in this venture and encouraged me throughout this process. Most importantly, she has proved it by never letting me quit or say anything negative about myself. She gets me and somehow innately knows what I need to hear, what I need to feel, and when and does so every time.
Her support, my friends and loved one’s support, and your support, means EVERYTHING to me. It has helped me to continue going when I was too tired or too shy to speak out about something that was hard to write about. It has motivated me to keep making myself vulnerable, raw and uncut, and to keep putting myself out there. It has reiterated that LOVE can grow, and that kindness can be passed along and just how very critical it is.
This year has taught me that everyone should have a cheerleader in their corner. Whether that be in their career, if they are going through a major life change like a divorce, battling cancer, starting a new venture, or shit…staying home with the kids for a full year as they attempt remote learning, working and quarantining together every day of that year.
Our minds can so easily get bogged down with doubt and self-sabotage that we need at least that one person who is no matter what, going to help pick you back up, dust you off and give you that 1,2,3 pep chant to keep you going.
That cheerleader who roots for you from the beginning, through the rough patches and to the end. That one or in my fortunate case, many who see you for who you are and all the good that is in you. That one in your corner who believes in your worth and your capabilities. And it is especially great when you have cheerleaders who go above and beyond to support you in the process. I hope they feel the same in return, because I want to show love even more than I receive it.
So, just as this past year has been a year of firsts for me, it is the first for me to realize that cheerleaders’ matter in life, and they have made such a huge difference in mine. So, my little sparrows…go out there and assess just how many cheerleaders you have then ‘thank’ them, get out there and find yourself one, or better yet commit to being one yourself and help someone else reach new heights and enjoy that view with them. Because this I know, there is no greater gift than love and you get double the reward when you are the giver. I want just as badly for all my peeps to succeed and to reach for their goals, as I do mine. I can genuinely root for my peep’s successes and my own, all the same time.
I now know how critical it is to have a cheerleader and how just one can make an impact. And as selfish as I may be, I want to make a difference in the lives of others not just myself and so should you. So, cheer on sister! Raw-raw-ooh-raw-raw! (like I said, I went the dance team route )
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