Dear Me-
Just wanted to take a second to remind you why you do what you do. I hope you will read this letter on days when you are aren’t feeling quite up to par and need a little encouragement. Because after all, who better to motivate you, then yourself.
What you do on a daily basis is incredible crazy. It is cripplingly challenging, painfully perfectionistic, and nearly next to impossible. But that is why you love it. Who would want to do something that everyone else and their dog can do? That’s right, NOBODY! You love this sport because of the challenge.
Gymnastics has not always been kind to you, but it wouldn’t have been worth it if it had. It has bruised you, broken you, and torn you apart. Some might have given up and let defeat sink in; not you. You have looked those trials square in the eye and dared them to keep you back. That is what makes this sport so fun to you. You face impossibilities and turn them not only into possibilities, but make them your reality.
You always claim that gymnastics does not define you, however in a way, it clearly has. It has shaped the woman you have become in life and I would say it has changed you for the better. So many things have been learned through this sport and you owe it to gymnastics to give it your all. I hope you never disgrace your sport by not giving a full effort, or taking your opportunities for granted.
Gymnastics has done so much for you, the least you can do is love it back. Go out there every single day and prove that you deserve to do it. Prove to gymnastics that you’ve got what it takes and that you wont take no for an answer. In the words of vanilla ice, “any less than the best is a felony”. I hope you promise to yourself that you will never ever have a bad day because you weren’t trying. Not trying is simply not an option.
Lastly, I hope you remember how fun this sport is. You have the opportunity to PLAY gymnastics with your best friends every day! When this is all said and done and finished, you wont remember your good days or your bad days. You wont remember the times when you got 9.9’s or the times you got 9.5’s. What you will remember is how much fun you had.
This experience is not going to last much longer. So my final sum of advice Natalie, is simply to do what you love, and love what you do. No matter what. This is going to be something you look back on your life and remember as a gem, so why not make it sparkle as bright as possible. You Can Do This, because you love this sport way past the point of pain, past the point of disappointment and sorrow, you love this sport enough to give 100% every day no matter what. This is what you were born to do, so go out and do it!
Okay so my letter might be a little cheesy, but I'm a sucker for the cheese. That letter was hanging in my locker and I would read it every day before practice... :( Okay okay, moving on. So this chapter is now over in my life and it is definitely bitter sweet (80% bitter, 20% sweet at the moment). So to reminisce about my career I have some pictures. Its my blog and I can do what I want with it haha.
Once a goober, always a goober.
6 comments:
Nat, that was hilarious! But it also reminded me of what a good tumbler you are...I love the whips into the double back! The letter made Mom and me cry, but in a good way. You are so beautiful inside and out!
That first pic of you in the red Leo is probably the cutest thing I have ever seen!!
Oh Man, Natty. I'm still sobbing. I'm such a boob these days but I'm so so so proud of you. In a little way I felt like I was living out my little gymnastics dreams through you and you never once let my little dreams down. You're a star in my eyes (and certainly in the eyes of my boys) and I'm so happy for you!
If I may, let me encourage you to read this when you're having a hard time in your marriage or when you're a mother...because those same feelings of defeat and of pushing through, of why you do it day in and day out, of loving it because of the challenge....they all apply to marriage and motherhood...
Sure love ya, my dear!
Congrats!
First off, Max and Ruby LOVED the video. haha! I laughed especially hard at Daniel's last move, and right after that, Ruby did such a fake laugh to mimic me. Then they wanted me to replay the video over and over. You are so crazy good! And Daniel isn't half bad either. When you guys have kids (eventually), you're going to breed Gymnastics machines!! haha!
I can't tell you what a treat it was to watch your last meet. It's just different being there in person, rather than following meets online or getting scores on the computer screen, etc. I sooo wish I would have flown out to more of your meets in person!
What a lovely letter to yourself. Totally made me tear up! I feel like I look up to you even though you're my YOUNG-er sister. You're simply incredible Nattie.
That first picture is THE CUTEST thing I've ever seen. They all are, but that one just tugs at my heartstrings. You are so adorable.
Gymnastics may be over, but not really. You'll always have the memories, the drive and ambition that the rigorous gymnastics schedule/workouts have embedded into your work ethic, and those lessons will only help you in every aspect of your life in the future... wherever and whatever that may be.
Love you so much!
What a beautifully written post! I remember going to your house all the time after school and we could only play until you had gym, and then you would pull your hair into the tightest bun in the world and you were off. Also, your video was hilarious! Your husband has quite the hidden talent.
Oh man, still laughing from Daniel's bravery and attempts. What a good little life you two have started for yourselves. I think it's so wonderful that he met and married you during this wonderful time in your life. The challenges that you've faced with gymnastics and schoolwork and still maintaining a loving newlywed relationship with Daniel are great times to look back on in the later years. He has been so supportive and great.
Like my sisters I too cried during your letter. You've always been a little too wise for your age. We sure have been inspired from your work ethic and success. I still cannot believe how you've competed in front of huge crowds and maintained even composure to successfully complete a beam routine. That sort of stuff is crazy. Love you Nat!!!
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