A New Years Eve Reflection
It’s New Years Eve, the magical night filled with confetti,
cocktails and kisses at midnight; the time when the past can be forgotten and
the future looks bright. A night spent with friends celebrating the mistakes
and accomplishment of the passing year. For me, this year is an exception. Due to
looming weather conditions, I’m stuck in my dorm room on my desolate college
campus eating Chinese food wishing my night was not such a joke. To my dismay,
my parents have suddenly decided to use the Netflix account that our six person
family shares, so with two people (the other being my sister) watching, I
cannot even escape reality into the world of Manhattans Elite through watching
Gossip Girl. This leaves a lot of time for reflection- reflections of the events
and lessons learned in 2013 as well as thinking of my resolutions and goals for
the upcoming year. This may be a little long winded but whatever it’s my reflection
not yours.
Let’s begin with some of the standout events from 2013.
Running
How is running a standout event? I began my 2013 freshly out of wearing a large brace on my knee, post ACL/Meniscus surgery. In March I finally got cleared to run again. This was a big deal because I had not run since October and honestly my body seemed to have forgotten how to do so. So I began running following the progression I had been given, and then in the summer began to run every day. While I do not run every day (but will hopefully start again, seen resolutions), I found out that running was a great escape, a wonderful way to clear your mind, and could actually be enjoyable. So this moment/realization makes my list of standout events because it opened me up to a new activity where I find much joy.
How is running a standout event? I began my 2013 freshly out of wearing a large brace on my knee, post ACL/Meniscus surgery. In March I finally got cleared to run again. This was a big deal because I had not run since October and honestly my body seemed to have forgotten how to do so. So I began running following the progression I had been given, and then in the summer began to run every day. While I do not run every day (but will hopefully start again, seen resolutions), I found out that running was a great escape, a wonderful way to clear your mind, and could actually be enjoyable. So this moment/realization makes my list of standout events because it opened me up to a new activity where I find much joy.
HG’s Take Florida
A huge thank you to my favorite Aunt for taking my cousin, my sisters and I on a dream vacation to Florida. We had always talked about vacationing to Florida together but this year it became a reality. One whole week with my favorite family members shaking things up in Disney, Universal and on the beach, it was a vacation I will always remember. And we had achieved the impossible- getting yelled at by Disney workers three times in one day! Who knew you couldn't tumble around the park, take photos before a ride starts and try on the little girl princess dresses. We now know that you cannot. So many great memories from that trip made the summer of 2013 an unforgettable one.
A huge thank you to my favorite Aunt for taking my cousin, my sisters and I on a dream vacation to Florida. We had always talked about vacationing to Florida together but this year it became a reality. One whole week with my favorite family members shaking things up in Disney, Universal and on the beach, it was a vacation I will always remember. And we had achieved the impossible- getting yelled at by Disney workers three times in one day! Who knew you couldn't tumble around the park, take photos before a ride starts and try on the little girl princess dresses. We now know that you cannot. So many great memories from that trip made the summer of 2013 an unforgettable one.
Leah Gets Cleared To
Cheer
After 7 months, 31 weeks, or 219 days, on June 26th, I was finally cleared to cheer again. This was probably the happiest moment of my year. Although I was supposed to wait to do harder skills until August, I may have bent that rule a little early to tumble -but in my defense all the skills I threw before that date I had always considered to be easy, for me anyway. I have probably never smiled wider on that day any other time in my life.
After 7 months, 31 weeks, or 219 days, on June 26th, I was finally cleared to cheer again. This was probably the happiest moment of my year. Although I was supposed to wait to do harder skills until August, I may have bent that rule a little early to tumble -but in my defense all the skills I threw before that date I had always considered to be easy, for me anyway. I have probably never smiled wider on that day any other time in my life.
Abercrombie Summer
Folding overly priced but deliciously smelling clothes at Abercrombie marks my first real job. Working in retail was awesome and instead of elaborating I encourage you to scroll down until you find the whole post dedicated to my summer at Abercrombie Kids.
Folding overly priced but deliciously smelling clothes at Abercrombie marks my first real job. Working in retail was awesome and instead of elaborating I encourage you to scroll down until you find the whole post dedicated to my summer at Abercrombie Kids.
Fall Semester of Sophomore
Year
Sophomore year has already been great so far. New teammates, new friends and new adventures have added to all the fun. There is so much more to reflect on but couldn't be typed here without writing a novel. I look forward to for the spring semester.
Sophomore year has already been great so far. New teammates, new friends and new adventures have added to all the fun. There is so much more to reflect on but couldn't be typed here without writing a novel. I look forward to for the spring semester.
Leah’s UCA Staff
Tryout
UCA staff has been something I have always wanted to do. Besides being an ambassador to young cheerleaders nationwide, you get to continue improving and perfecting your cheerleading skills as well as making new friendships and connections in the cheer world. Although I was not able to attend the formal tryout, I was able to send in a video tryout. While I have no idea what the outcome may be, I really hope I do get this chance to become a UCA Staffer! If not, oh well, all things happen for a reason and at least I had a fun time making the video. Wish me luck!
UCA staff has been something I have always wanted to do. Besides being an ambassador to young cheerleaders nationwide, you get to continue improving and perfecting your cheerleading skills as well as making new friendships and connections in the cheer world. Although I was not able to attend the formal tryout, I was able to send in a video tryout. While I have no idea what the outcome may be, I really hope I do get this chance to become a UCA Staffer! If not, oh well, all things happen for a reason and at least I had a fun time making the video. Wish me luck!
Now it’s time for some lessons learned in 2013. While every
event previously mentioned has taught me a lesson, there has been many mistakes
and other events where that I have learned this year. To quote Rafiki “Oh yes, the past can hurt. But from the way I
see it, you can either run from it, or... learn from it.”
Forgive but don’t forget.
Although it takes awhile, it’s okay to forgive those who have done us wrong. But don’t forget how their wrong doing made you feel, so you don’t put yourself in a situation where you will feel that way ever again.
Although it takes awhile, it’s okay to forgive those who have done us wrong. But don’t forget how their wrong doing made you feel, so you don’t put yourself in a situation where you will feel that way ever again.
Don’t try to make people happy if those people
don’t make you happy in return.
It is important to make those around you happy, but why focus so much energy trying to please one person when they have never done anything to make you happy? You make one person happy but end up sad in return. Sometimes it’s okay to put yourself and your happiness first. You cannot truly make someone happy if you are not happy yourself; if that person doesn't try to make you happy in return then it is clear that they are not worthy of your time or efforts.
It is important to make those around you happy, but why focus so much energy trying to please one person when they have never done anything to make you happy? You make one person happy but end up sad in return. Sometimes it’s okay to put yourself and your happiness first. You cannot truly make someone happy if you are not happy yourself; if that person doesn't try to make you happy in return then it is clear that they are not worthy of your time or efforts.
Mind Over Matter
You create the fear that resides within. As long as you keep a positive outlook and think positive you can overcome anything that stands in your way. Never forget to believe in yourself and all that you can do.
You create the fear that resides within. As long as you keep a positive outlook and think positive you can overcome anything that stands in your way. Never forget to believe in yourself and all that you can do.
I’ve decided to keep my
list of resolutions to a list style, with a short explanation if needed, to
keep myself rambling too much.
2014 Goals/Resolutions
1. Run more: I would say workout but I actually
enjoy running so this is more like a reward for me.
2. Throw a layout on the gym floor during a game:
this thought terrifies me. I love it.
3. Improve my GPA: While I’ve made strides from
last year, I would like to see it higher.
4. Get accepted into the UWGB communications program
6. Get a full: this is up in the air, seeing as I
won’t be taking any tumbling classes but I still want to keep the dream alive.
With all this being said I
am left with one more reflection. We
control our own happiness, success and future. In the New Year, do what is
necessary to make yourself achieve something you once thought impossible. Never give up and always believe in yourself.
Thank you 2013 for being a very wonderful year and cheers to the impending new
year.
