“Sometimes our light goes out, but is blown again into instant flame by an encounter with another human being.” ~Schewitzer
I realized the other day how happy I am with the people in my life. I don’t mean just the people I see every day, but I mean the people that are a part of my life for the long haul. These are people that always leave me feeling refreshed and rejuvenated after talking to them.
I realized this a few weeks back when one of my students was talking about how she feels like she can’t find anyone to fully trust to be her best friend. While this made me sad, I thought back to myself in 9th grade. I sure didn’t have that figured out yet either!! However, as I look at my life now, I feel SO overwhelmingly blessed that I have so many friends all around the states and even a few in different countries! I am still friends with a TON of people from high school, which seems rare these days. On top of that, I have all of my Gamma Phi Beta sisters and all of the Pi Kappa Phi guys. I have my friends from Salem high school, along with my friends from Hyperfit. I mean….one of the reasons I loved my wedding so much (besides that I married Jared haha) was because many of these people were all in the same place at the same time. Basically, this was a dream come true to have people from “all walks of life” celebrating with me on my special day. And now that I have moved to LA, I have my VCF friends and my friends at Campbell Hall.
I am not listing all of these groups of friends to prove I am popular…. Hahahah…. But rather I am doing it because I realized that I have created this world for myself that I love. And, sometimes when I really miss people, I have to remind myself how lucky I truly am. I grow through conversations with others. Whether those conversations are helping me with my split jerk, discussing a new lesson plan, helping me make a decision, or just discussing life in general; they are bringing a new perspective that leaves me feeling whole again because I have opened my mind to new possibilities. I encouraged my students by telling them that it takes a little bit of time to find those you can trust and those that make you better….but when you do, don’t lose them! I think this is a big reason that I love being a teacher. I learn just as much from my students as they learn from me. And Crossfit? Well, jeez…it is all about the inner struggle with yourself every day. We couldn’t survive without coaches, friends, and family at the gym.
Now……...how can I get all of my Michigan friends and LA friends together at one big party? I think my heart would explode.
Cheers to true friendship both near and far.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Sunday, February 26, 2012
On a Friday.
Every thought is a seed. If you plant crab apples, don't count on harvesting Golden Delicious. ~Bill Meyer
Eight minutes left of class and I decided that this was my last attempt to actually teach something substantial to my students today.
Last week I had to hold one of my classes in the boardroom because the big wigs were using my normal room for a meeting because they wanted an actual “classroom feel." So the ONE 9th grade class that I normally have a very specific seating chart for is now in a room with big, comfy rolly chairs that are all jammed together ……on a FRIDAY.
Wonderful.
The first half of class was a battle to get them to listen to how the next test is going to be set up and how to start brainstorming for their thesis statements. The second half of class was a battle to get them to start reviewing in small groups. But with 8 minutes remaining I realized this was my chance to get them to really leave for the weekend with something to think about. So I decided, at the last minute, to talk about The Open. After I explained the burpee WOD, it was funny to hear them say “wait….that is IT?”
hahaha oh children….if you only knew….
So I explained to them that, of course, part of this workout tests your conditioning and muscle endurance. However, a big part of it was really mental. It was just you and those burpees. There was no one to chase. There was no change in movement. There was no relief. And I closed my eyes for half of it, so all I could do was hear the voices of those coaching me along…… listening to Kris give me cues or Sue scream at me the last 30 seconds. I had to keep telling myself I was fine and to stay relaxed, keep moving, and not to let negative thoughts creep in. I mean…hey…they don’t call KAREN a OMMF (one movement mind #$%@) for nothing.
So I explained to my students (after demonstrating what a burpee was…in the board room..haha) that just because things seem difficultsometimes, their attitude is what makes or breaks them. All I hear around school is students talking about how they are going to fail the test, how they are stupid, or how other people are stupid… etc etc…negativity is just pouring out of those walls. I challenged them to be better than that and suggested they try to take the negative thought that enters their mind and switch it over to a positive one (Kudos to the Amundson seminar). I told them it wouldn’t be easy, but it will make them better and stronger and that I work on this myself every day.
You could hear a pin drop. I think they got the point. Or maybe they just thought I was nuts. Either way……cheers to another week of teaching, competing, and pushing myself to be better. Hooyah.
Eight minutes left of class and I decided that this was my last attempt to actually teach something substantial to my students today.
Last week I had to hold one of my classes in the boardroom because the big wigs were using my normal room for a meeting because they wanted an actual “classroom feel." So the ONE 9th grade class that I normally have a very specific seating chart for is now in a room with big, comfy rolly chairs that are all jammed together ……on a FRIDAY.
Wonderful.
The first half of class was a battle to get them to listen to how the next test is going to be set up and how to start brainstorming for their thesis statements. The second half of class was a battle to get them to start reviewing in small groups. But with 8 minutes remaining I realized this was my chance to get them to really leave for the weekend with something to think about. So I decided, at the last minute, to talk about The Open. After I explained the burpee WOD, it was funny to hear them say “wait….that is IT?”
hahaha oh children….if you only knew….
So I explained to them that, of course, part of this workout tests your conditioning and muscle endurance. However, a big part of it was really mental. It was just you and those burpees. There was no one to chase. There was no change in movement. There was no relief. And I closed my eyes for half of it, so all I could do was hear the voices of those coaching me along…… listening to Kris give me cues or Sue scream at me the last 30 seconds. I had to keep telling myself I was fine and to stay relaxed, keep moving, and not to let negative thoughts creep in. I mean…hey…they don’t call KAREN a OMMF (one movement mind #$%@) for nothing.
So I explained to my students (after demonstrating what a burpee was…in the board room..haha) that just because things seem difficultsometimes, their attitude is what makes or breaks them. All I hear around school is students talking about how they are going to fail the test, how they are stupid, or how other people are stupid… etc etc…negativity is just pouring out of those walls. I challenged them to be better than that and suggested they try to take the negative thought that enters their mind and switch it over to a positive one (Kudos to the Amundson seminar). I told them it wouldn’t be easy, but it will make them better and stronger and that I work on this myself every day.
You could hear a pin drop. I think they got the point. Or maybe they just thought I was nuts. Either way……cheers to another week of teaching, competing, and pushing myself to be better. Hooyah.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
We are all in it together!
So I realized that yesterday’s post was more focused on the negative aspects of the Open, while today I realized how cool it is that The Crossfit Open brings people together! We are all experiencing the SAME THING at the SAME TIME. Whether people are nervous , excited, scared, hate the WOD, love the WOD, making jokes or extremely serious…..we are all in it together. All of my crossfitting friends across the entire nation are with me….MAKING MEMORIES!
AND....if you know me...you know that is my favorite thing to do.
AND....if you know me...you know that is my favorite thing to do.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Let the Wild Rumpus....Start!
So the Crossfit Open starts tomorrow! I can hardly believe it. Last year I truly let the Open take over my life. I got nervous during the school day. I let my other training slide because I was so paranoid about doing the Open WODs twice. I checked the website a million times a day. I talked to everyone about each WOD to get different perspectives and thoughts. Don’t get me wrong. I am going to be nervous; it means I care! However, this year my goal is to control all of this. I don’t want my entire life to stop for 5 weeks because it is the Crossfit Open. I don’t want my extra training to fall to the wayside so I get to Regionals (hopefully) and am not prepared. I want to balance it all out and feel more in control than I did last year. Don’t get me wrong, last year’s Open went well. There were tears of joy and mostly PRs the second time I did the WOD. However, I think there is room for even more improvement this year when it comes to my mental state.
SO I am setting parameters for myself before all of this insanity ensues. If I set them up ahead of time, I will more likely stay on track.
My plan of attack:
1. If I start obsessing, I am leaving the gym (after I help judge, that is )
2. If people around me start obsessing, I will walk away and mobilize.
3. If I want to rest the day before I do an Open WOD, I will work on skills so my time isn’t wasted.
4. If I want to check the standings, I am only allowed to look three times a week.
5. I will not allow myself to get nervous while I am at school. I need to be there for my students, and I also don’t need to waste that energy. I need to save it for the WOD.
6. I am going to try and sign up for the same times each week so I don’t obsess about heat times....One less thing to think about!
7. I need to focus on the positive and stay focused on controlling the thoughts in my head. It won't be easy, but I will be persistent!
Persistence
If you think you are beaten, you are.
If you think you dare not, you don't.
If you like to win but think you can't,
It's almost a cinch you won't.
If you think you'll lose, you're lost.
For out in the world we find
Success begins with a fellow's will.
It's all in the state of mind.
If you think you are out classed, you are.
You've got to think high to rise.
You've got to be sure of your-self before
You can ever win the prize.
Life's battles don't always go
To the stronger or faster man.
But sooner or later, the man who wins
Is the man who thinks he can.\
~Posted by Douglas Chapman at HyperfitUSA.com
SO I am setting parameters for myself before all of this insanity ensues. If I set them up ahead of time, I will more likely stay on track.
My plan of attack:
1. If I start obsessing, I am leaving the gym (after I help judge, that is )
2. If people around me start obsessing, I will walk away and mobilize.
3. If I want to rest the day before I do an Open WOD, I will work on skills so my time isn’t wasted.
4. If I want to check the standings, I am only allowed to look three times a week.
5. I will not allow myself to get nervous while I am at school. I need to be there for my students, and I also don’t need to waste that energy. I need to save it for the WOD.
6. I am going to try and sign up for the same times each week so I don’t obsess about heat times....One less thing to think about!
7. I need to focus on the positive and stay focused on controlling the thoughts in my head. It won't be easy, but I will be persistent!
Persistence
If you think you are beaten, you are.
If you think you dare not, you don't.
If you like to win but think you can't,
It's almost a cinch you won't.
If you think you'll lose, you're lost.
For out in the world we find
Success begins with a fellow's will.
It's all in the state of mind.
If you think you are out classed, you are.
You've got to think high to rise.
You've got to be sure of your-self before
You can ever win the prize.
Life's battles don't always go
To the stronger or faster man.
But sooner or later, the man who wins
Is the man who thinks he can.\
~Posted by Douglas Chapman at HyperfitUSA.com
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Write it down!
"By recording your goals and dreams on paper, you set in motion the process of becoming the person you most want to be." -Mark Victor Hansen
There is something very powerful about writing down your goals but also your weaknesses. It sounds so damn simple and sometimes I wonder….do I really need to write it down? I know in my head what I want to accomplish. However, every time I end up writing it down because that is the only way true dreams are achieved, at least for me.
I accomplished a huge PR/goal at the gym the other night. Backsquats have been a weakness for a long time. I have really worked on my form, practiced them when I didn’t want to, and sometimes felt the progress was slow. Everything finally paid off!! Courageous patience.
The other week I was feeling disorganized with my extra training, and that is when I realized I hadn’t updated my weakness/ skills to work on list. Once I did that, I felt much better and things fell back into place.
Jared does the same thing! He has a business list, personal list, and a Crossfit list. We are a family of list makers over here, but we truly believe in it! In fact, we have a meeting every December to plan our finances but also our personal goals and relationship goals for the upcoming year....and, you guessed it...we write. it. DOWN!
Here are why lists (for crossfit) are a beautiful thing for me:
1. If there is a good drill I learn in one of the classes, I won’t forget it and can come back to it another time.
2. It helps me maintain integrity. I hate feeling like I avoided something for too long (even though avoidance is really easy). If a list is staring me in the face, I am going to knock it down. Period.
3. Making progress or getting a PR feels that much better! ( For example, for a while I had to improve my MUs by fixing my elbows so they came through at the same time. I would practice and practice but I just had such a hard time fixing it, even with coaching cues from various coaches. Then while doing JASON one night it clicked. Boy, that felt amazing. And folks…..THAT was on the list.)
4. It helps keep ME worried about ME and no one else. Everyone is always training at the gym doing extra WODs, strength, skills, or mobility outside of class. It is easy to get lost in this or not know what would benefit ME the most…then it becomes easy to give up and just chat away with friends (we’ve all been there!). If I have my handy dandy list, there is something I can go to! If my arms are sore, I can work something with my legs…or just work a skill…or learn some new mobility. I don’t have a lot of extra time because of my teaching job, so I have to be smart in how I spend it. This helps me focus on ME and not worry about what everyone else is doing, which, in turn, makes me a better athlete.
While thinking about my own crossfit list/goals/dreams, I realized I haven’t checked in with my students! At the beginning of the year I had them write down their goals (school, sports, music, all areas) and told them the importance of actually writing them down and also the power of positive self-talk. I stole a bit of this from the Amundson seminar, which I happily told Greg when I saw him at regionals last year. He was excited that I was bringing this stuff to my high schoolers! So, at some point this week I am going to fit this into one of my lesson plans and see where my kids are at, especially since it is midway through the school year. I can’t wait!
Write it down!!!!!
There is something very powerful about writing down your goals but also your weaknesses. It sounds so damn simple and sometimes I wonder….do I really need to write it down? I know in my head what I want to accomplish. However, every time I end up writing it down because that is the only way true dreams are achieved, at least for me.
I accomplished a huge PR/goal at the gym the other night. Backsquats have been a weakness for a long time. I have really worked on my form, practiced them when I didn’t want to, and sometimes felt the progress was slow. Everything finally paid off!! Courageous patience.
The other week I was feeling disorganized with my extra training, and that is when I realized I hadn’t updated my weakness/ skills to work on list. Once I did that, I felt much better and things fell back into place.
Jared does the same thing! He has a business list, personal list, and a Crossfit list. We are a family of list makers over here, but we truly believe in it! In fact, we have a meeting every December to plan our finances but also our personal goals and relationship goals for the upcoming year....and, you guessed it...we write. it. DOWN!
Here are why lists (for crossfit) are a beautiful thing for me:
1. If there is a good drill I learn in one of the classes, I won’t forget it and can come back to it another time.
2. It helps me maintain integrity. I hate feeling like I avoided something for too long (even though avoidance is really easy). If a list is staring me in the face, I am going to knock it down. Period.
3. Making progress or getting a PR feels that much better! ( For example, for a while I had to improve my MUs by fixing my elbows so they came through at the same time. I would practice and practice but I just had such a hard time fixing it, even with coaching cues from various coaches. Then while doing JASON one night it clicked. Boy, that felt amazing. And folks…..THAT was on the list.)
4. It helps keep ME worried about ME and no one else. Everyone is always training at the gym doing extra WODs, strength, skills, or mobility outside of class. It is easy to get lost in this or not know what would benefit ME the most…then it becomes easy to give up and just chat away with friends (we’ve all been there!). If I have my handy dandy list, there is something I can go to! If my arms are sore, I can work something with my legs…or just work a skill…or learn some new mobility. I don’t have a lot of extra time because of my teaching job, so I have to be smart in how I spend it. This helps me focus on ME and not worry about what everyone else is doing, which, in turn, makes me a better athlete.
While thinking about my own crossfit list/goals/dreams, I realized I haven’t checked in with my students! At the beginning of the year I had them write down their goals (school, sports, music, all areas) and told them the importance of actually writing them down and also the power of positive self-talk. I stole a bit of this from the Amundson seminar, which I happily told Greg when I saw him at regionals last year. He was excited that I was bringing this stuff to my high schoolers! So, at some point this week I am going to fit this into one of my lesson plans and see where my kids are at, especially since it is midway through the school year. I can’t wait!
Write it down!!!!!
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Celebrate!
Two things happened today that were awesome. First, I got the most amazing text message from a former student. It made my life. Years down the road what I teach my students actually DOES stick with them. Here is part of what was said....
"the life/school lessons I have learned from you throughout the 6 years of knowing you...the stuff you said where I used to be like "Oh...Miss K"...is like now...damn she was right!! All this time and not only do I apply it to my life but the kids I teach (he teaches Tae Twan Do and also competes and a very high level in it himself).
"You need to realize that you are an outstanding teacher and overall amazing human being...you forever and always will touch and make a difference in people's lives, especially your students. I am very blessed to have had you not only as a teacher but somone in my life I feel comfortable just talking to when I need someone to talk to."
It is funny that I just wrote that courageous patience blog and a few days later I got this amazing message that really confirms it all. and now...I'm crying again.
Second, I got a huge PR on my handstand walking. I screamed. I danced. Then I did a WOD.
Days like this I gotta say.... I love life!! Celebrate!
"the life/school lessons I have learned from you throughout the 6 years of knowing you...the stuff you said where I used to be like "Oh...Miss K"...is like now...damn she was right!! All this time and not only do I apply it to my life but the kids I teach (he teaches Tae Twan Do and also competes and a very high level in it himself).
"You need to realize that you are an outstanding teacher and overall amazing human being...you forever and always will touch and make a difference in people's lives, especially your students. I am very blessed to have had you not only as a teacher but somone in my life I feel comfortable just talking to when I need someone to talk to."
It is funny that I just wrote that courageous patience blog and a few days later I got this amazing message that really confirms it all. and now...I'm crying again.
Second, I got a huge PR on my handstand walking. I screamed. I danced. Then I did a WOD.
Days like this I gotta say.... I love life!! Celebrate!
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Confidence
Confidence... thrives on honesty, on honor, on the sacredness of obligations, on faithful protection and on unselfish performance. Without them it cannot live.
~Franklin D. Roosevelt
Today was my first day back to Crossfit from being sick AGAIN. Okay, Okay… it was only two days of rest but it seemed like forever. For all of your crazy crossfitters, you know what I mean. I never get sick this much! Too much stress at work and not enough sleep since I’ve been up late grading outlines. Anyway, it was a longer WOD today with lots of running, toes to bar, and box jumping. It took me at least one round to get my mojo back from being sick. At first, I started and was saying things to myself “I was just sick and I feel weak…man this is gonna be slow..etc. etc..” Then after the first round things started feeling normal again and I started to push myself. I realized today, especially in a longer WOD, how important it is to be positive. Everyone has something that works for them. For me, it is finding my calm and confidence.
Later as I was leaving the gym I began thinking about a conversation I had with one of my students just the day before about this very issue. Not Crossfit but confidence. This girl…let’s call her Sally… came to see me during my prep period to ask me a question about her project. While the biggest part of the project was the written part, the students also have to give a presentation. I really encourage them to work on presenting to prepare them for college or job interviews and future school projects. I HATED public speaking in high school and now that is all I do! Practice. Practice, Practice. Anyway, Sally was REALLY nervous about giving this speech. Unfortunately, Sally is in my chattest, roughest class. Now, when I say “roughest” I mean that kids tease each other a lot. “Rough” at my old high school meant students with tethers on their legs that were in and out of jail and/or an overcrowded class of 37 students. However, things can get pretty judgmental at our school and it is really, really sad. All of these things really made her nervous, for she was worried everyone would secretly make fun of her later and she noted that she has to spend the next 4 years with these kids.
It is often hard for new 9th graders to find their nitch because about 75 percent of them come up from the middle school and already know each other. This particular girl is quiet, innocent, and sweet so she is having a hard time finding friends. On top of these immediate worries, she expressed to me how nervous she is about college , and how she felt that her future was hanging on every assignment she completed and at any moment she could ruin it all. She questions how she would know if she was “good enough?” The way she described it really made 9th grade sound like a level in Dante’s Inferno. It broke my heart. However, I couldn’t let a teachable moment like this pass me by…she was really opening up!
The more I listened to Sally, the more I realized that I was the very same way in high school. I hadn’t really thought about this in a while, but it is true! I also went to a high school different than where my friends went, and it took me until about the middle of 10th grade to really find my set of friends. I also was really nervous about my grades in ninth grade and already thinking about college. I also didn’t have much confidence in myself. I mean, I remember crying on Valentine ’s Day because I thought no boy would ever like me. My Spanish teacher gave me a pity flower. Boy oh boy. Was this even me? This is SO different than I am today. So I began to think about my own journey to achieving this confidence.
It certainly was a journey. From Color Guard competitions, to my high school boyfriend cheating on me and thinking my life was over, to going to college, looking for my first teaching job, looking for another teaching job since I didn't like the first school I was at, following Doug around and learning Crossfit, and moving to LA and having to start over…find a new crossfit and a new job. How did I gain all of this confidence? Well, every bit along the way I gained a little more because I always pushed myself to be better even when I was scared or unsure how it would shake out. Most importantly, though, I always stayed true to myself. The reason I am the crossfitter I am today is in large a big part of the fact that I faced a HUGE fear about moving out here and starting over. Once I proved to myself that I could get a kick-ass job at a private school and find an awesome life out here…my confidence rose even more than I thought was possible, which, in turn, translated into my attitude about Crossfit and made me a true competitor.
So what did I tell Sally? I told her stories from my own 9th grade year and how I felt the same way. I also told her how proud I was that she remained true to herself and didn’t try to “fit in” with kids she didn’t exactly identify with just to be cool. In fact, I told her that this takes a TON of strength, and, if anything, she is ahead of the game!! I reassured her that the confidence would come, 9th grade was tough, to remain true to herself, and made her promise to check in with me in a few weeks. I am just praying that telling her similar stories of my own youth will help her realize that she isn’t as alone as she thinks. Wish I had more time to prepare…but really, with teaching the lesson plans you prepare hours and hours for don’t end up being the most important part.
So during the WOD tonight at the gym, I felt grateful for the confidence that I have gained over the years, not only for the benefit of my Crossfit workouts but because it has made me a better teacher, wife, and friend…..and more is to come in the next stage of my life- raising children!!
~Franklin D. Roosevelt
Today was my first day back to Crossfit from being sick AGAIN. Okay, Okay… it was only two days of rest but it seemed like forever. For all of your crazy crossfitters, you know what I mean. I never get sick this much! Too much stress at work and not enough sleep since I’ve been up late grading outlines. Anyway, it was a longer WOD today with lots of running, toes to bar, and box jumping. It took me at least one round to get my mojo back from being sick. At first, I started and was saying things to myself “I was just sick and I feel weak…man this is gonna be slow..etc. etc..” Then after the first round things started feeling normal again and I started to push myself. I realized today, especially in a longer WOD, how important it is to be positive. Everyone has something that works for them. For me, it is finding my calm and confidence.
Later as I was leaving the gym I began thinking about a conversation I had with one of my students just the day before about this very issue. Not Crossfit but confidence. This girl…let’s call her Sally… came to see me during my prep period to ask me a question about her project. While the biggest part of the project was the written part, the students also have to give a presentation. I really encourage them to work on presenting to prepare them for college or job interviews and future school projects. I HATED public speaking in high school and now that is all I do! Practice. Practice, Practice. Anyway, Sally was REALLY nervous about giving this speech. Unfortunately, Sally is in my chattest, roughest class. Now, when I say “roughest” I mean that kids tease each other a lot. “Rough” at my old high school meant students with tethers on their legs that were in and out of jail and/or an overcrowded class of 37 students. However, things can get pretty judgmental at our school and it is really, really sad. All of these things really made her nervous, for she was worried everyone would secretly make fun of her later and she noted that she has to spend the next 4 years with these kids.
It is often hard for new 9th graders to find their nitch because about 75 percent of them come up from the middle school and already know each other. This particular girl is quiet, innocent, and sweet so she is having a hard time finding friends. On top of these immediate worries, she expressed to me how nervous she is about college , and how she felt that her future was hanging on every assignment she completed and at any moment she could ruin it all. She questions how she would know if she was “good enough?” The way she described it really made 9th grade sound like a level in Dante’s Inferno. It broke my heart. However, I couldn’t let a teachable moment like this pass me by…she was really opening up!
The more I listened to Sally, the more I realized that I was the very same way in high school. I hadn’t really thought about this in a while, but it is true! I also went to a high school different than where my friends went, and it took me until about the middle of 10th grade to really find my set of friends. I also was really nervous about my grades in ninth grade and already thinking about college. I also didn’t have much confidence in myself. I mean, I remember crying on Valentine ’s Day because I thought no boy would ever like me. My Spanish teacher gave me a pity flower. Boy oh boy. Was this even me? This is SO different than I am today. So I began to think about my own journey to achieving this confidence.
It certainly was a journey. From Color Guard competitions, to my high school boyfriend cheating on me and thinking my life was over, to going to college, looking for my first teaching job, looking for another teaching job since I didn't like the first school I was at, following Doug around and learning Crossfit, and moving to LA and having to start over…find a new crossfit and a new job. How did I gain all of this confidence? Well, every bit along the way I gained a little more because I always pushed myself to be better even when I was scared or unsure how it would shake out. Most importantly, though, I always stayed true to myself. The reason I am the crossfitter I am today is in large a big part of the fact that I faced a HUGE fear about moving out here and starting over. Once I proved to myself that I could get a kick-ass job at a private school and find an awesome life out here…my confidence rose even more than I thought was possible, which, in turn, translated into my attitude about Crossfit and made me a true competitor.
So what did I tell Sally? I told her stories from my own 9th grade year and how I felt the same way. I also told her how proud I was that she remained true to herself and didn’t try to “fit in” with kids she didn’t exactly identify with just to be cool. In fact, I told her that this takes a TON of strength, and, if anything, she is ahead of the game!! I reassured her that the confidence would come, 9th grade was tough, to remain true to herself, and made her promise to check in with me in a few weeks. I am just praying that telling her similar stories of my own youth will help her realize that she isn’t as alone as she thinks. Wish I had more time to prepare…but really, with teaching the lesson plans you prepare hours and hours for don’t end up being the most important part.
So during the WOD tonight at the gym, I felt grateful for the confidence that I have gained over the years, not only for the benefit of my Crossfit workouts but because it has made me a better teacher, wife, and friend…..and more is to come in the next stage of my life- raising children!!
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