The Community
The community I built through my 15 years of gymnastics was made up of individuals who I considered family. My teammates, my coaches, my role models. They all brought a tremendous amount of light into my life and to this day I deeply care about those who made such a thoughtful and long-lasting impact on me … they know who they are. The people I was surrounded by day in and day out at the gym were a part of my safe haven. I would do my best to bring a positive energy into every practice, meet, etc. and those around me would bounce off of that, and we all just thrived as a unit. Now of course, not every day was picture perfect or great, but there was something great in every day. My teammates and coaches would bring me up if I was having an off day, and vice versa. We all truly cared for and loved one another. Our community was unmatched and I am beyond thankful to have had years of my life filled with incredible individuals, strong energy, and an outlet like no other.
The Challenge
I owe it to gymnastics for who I am today. I thrive under pressure. I yearn for a challenge. I crave the energy that lights up within me when I am determined to accomplish something. The sport of gymnastics truly shaped me as I exist today. The only person in my way of a new skill was myself and that fear that would creep up and try to stop me. I learned to push past that fear and instead listen to myself and go beyond the limits I thought I faced to get to the next level, to be where I wanted to be, to perform in a way that reflected my hard work and pure dedication. Gymnastics is a rigorous sport, and a lot of gymnasts start young and get burnt out by the time their college dream comes around. I was never the typical gymnast and being the outsider and underdog was undoubtedly my greatest challenge, but also my most powerful asset. I was never the best, but I was driven to become MY best. I did it for me, not for my coaches, not for my parents, for me. I wanted to reach my individual goals because I knew how proud I would be of myself once I got there. Me being the underdog and pushing and pushing and pushing until I got where I wanted to be was the most rewarding experience. Above all else, I made myself proud … and just so happens that along the way I was able to prove anyone who doubted me wrong, which was just an added bonus. The drive I put forth in gymnastics is reflected in who I am today, in my intentions, in my new goals, in how I carry myself. I am driven to get where I want to be, but for myself. And doing things for myself through my own hard work without anyone’s validation is the most important lesson I learned then and live by now.
The Release
I miss the release. The release of energy, emotions, stress, fear, everything. Although gymnastics is obviously physical, the emotional release that comes with pushing your body to its limits was the most incredible therapy. When I was sad or mad or angry or frustrated, gymnastics was there for me. I always had practice to look forward to to let it all out and in a way that was beneficial to me and my body. There are days where I miss the gym so much and my ability to flip around and try new skills and test my body’s capabilities. I miss it so so much. Gymnastics was my therapy, and it’s been hard to find new ways of release. But, I have been able to. Writing acts as a release for me, working out, cooking, cleaning, listening to a podcast, watching YouTube, etc. But no matter what, gymnastics will live on as my ultimate release. And yes I look back and miss it, but more than that, I am grateful to have had it for so many years of my life, especially the most vulnerable ones.
I hope everyone in life gets to experience something as powerful as gymnastics was for me. Once you find that something, cherish it, be thankful for it, and express the utmost gratitude for its impact on you.
xx,
Kay
