What Cheerleading Has Taught Me

 I've noticed that some of my posts have shed cheerleading in a negative light.  Obviously there are some things about this sport that I don't agree with.  However, I wanted to take this time to go over all of the positive contributions cheerleading has made to my life.  I wouldn't be where I am today without this sport and the relationships I have made.  So here are three of the lessons I've learned from being a cheerleader.

1) Be confident.
Going out on stage with bright lights flashing on you in front of thousands of people is scary.  It's really scary.  I've never been a shy person, but this is daunting even to me.  However, knowing how prepared you are and how hard you've worked to get to that moment raises your confidence levels.  It's all in your mindset.  If you go out there afraid you're going to fall or forget where to go, that's what's going to happen.  However, if you walk on the stage with the expectation that you are going to succeed, you will succeed.  This is applicable in almost every life situation.  Attitude is everything.

2) Your team is behind you.
It's a great feeling to know that someone is there to catch you when you fall- literally and figuratively.  I have been part of a great team throughout my years as a cheerleader.  I can trust them all.  They've seen me frustrated and ready to quit.  I don't have to hide anything.  I am not generally a very trusting person, so to know that 15 girls have my back no matter what is something I wouldn't trade for the world.

3) Just because something scares you doesn't mean you should quit.
Tumbling is scary.  You see girls flip around in the air and you think it's cool and that it's fun.  It's terrifying.  Not being in full control of your body is definitely something that takes some getting used to.  Learning a new skill that goes against the laws of gravity is awful, to be honest. Sometimes I just want to stop.  However, the feeling that I get when I land a new skill for the first time is the most rewarding thing.  It teaches me that no matter how afraid I am I have to keep working hard because the gratification is most definitely worth it.