With the rise in popularity of magical and spiritual things, it’s time to talk about your role within the student body. Let’s cut to the chase: you are a healing artist. It’s time to start acting like one.
Wednesday, January 9, 2019
An Open Letter to Cheerleaders
Dear Cheerleaders,
Once I graduated high school, I became embarrassed if someone found out that I was a former cheerleader. I hated being judged as the stereotype of a clueless, boring person who dated football players and only cared about being popular. If you are reading this, maybe you relate? It’s unfortunate that I spent ten years disowning that part of my past. Because cheerleading definitely got me here. Some of my favorite stand-out memories are associated with cheering. Now, I understand why. Cheerleading is spiritual.
How strong is your school spirit . . . really? Do you know what it means to be a cheerleader?
It was in a therapy session when I realized that cheerleading is magical. Think about it. We create pep rallies that unify a whole student body. We bring people together and remind them that they are a part of something greater. We lead people in chants that shift the vibration of a whole stadium filled with people. We quite literally lift others up. We are movement artists. Have you ever stopped to think about the artistic skills that are required to sketch out formations and choreograph half-time routines? Art!
Change the stereotype. Elect better captains. Impeach clueless coaches.
Cheerleaders are natural-born leaders. It’s probably why most of them are “popular”. They are usually likable, positive, and caring individuals. So why are cheerleaders so easily stereotyped as ditzy, snobby, vain, and even mean? That doesn’t seem to support our mission of encouraging others.
Perhaps, it’s because there are not enough of us who are taking our roles seriously? Maybe, there are not enough captains who understand what the real roles of cheer actually are? Is your coach doing her job?
Don’t let the “haters” get ya down.
It’s frustrating. I get it. I was often irritated when others would argue that cheer was not a sport. People would roll their eyes at me when I told them I was a cheerleader. Looking back, I can agree with the “haters”. Cheer isn’t just a sport. It’s an art form. Sure, you have to be athletic and work as a team and sometimes you compete but the sport of cheerleading is not the driving force of “why we cheer”. I can understand the eye-rolling, too. A lot of cheerleaders aren’t doing their job to the best of their ability. It’s time we start. I know we can do better. At least, I know we could have done better in 2010 . . . I’m assuming not much has changed. Maybe it has and this means nothing. In that case, horary!
I’m not in school anymore. I guess, technically, I’m not a cheerleader, but as a former captain I still feel a sense of responsibility to lead. Even if it’s by sharing a new perspective that could help better my old stomping grounds.
To all of you former cheerleaders, don’t forget your time on the platform- it has molded you into the speaker of hope and the spirited person that you are.
May your spirit be strong and your team beautifully, unified.
Lots of love and respect,
Amber
Sources: 12 years of cheer. Many under the great, Judy Henderson. Pic of the squad below.
Thursday, January 3, 2019
My 7 Step Approach to Climbing Mental Mountains
You may be thinking, “What are Mental Mountains?”
Well, they are just like they sound. Mental Mountains are the challenges that take place in our minds. Every daring creative pursuit involves overcoming at least one. They require a strong and steady spirit to reach the top. Some take days and others take years.
I’m talking about fear, self-doubt, perfectionism and facing the unknown. Ewwww, I know. Do those words send tingly feelings down your spine? It’s ok, they aren’t so bad. Actually they are insightful little guides. OK, let’s get to it. What mountain are you climbing?
7 steps to Climbing Mental Mountains
A Creative Approach to Getting Out Of Your Own Way
Climbing mental mountains is no easy task. It’s not really fun, but it’s necessary in order to live a creative, holistic life. Once you are at the top it will be totally worth it. First, we will determine what mountain you are facing. Then we can chart the course, blaze a trail and climb it!
Provisions you will need:
- Adequate Courage
- Willingness to Believe
- A good companion (dogs count)
- Inspiring reading material
- Journal for documenting
What you gain:
- Self Respect
- Self Confidence
- Strength of the Heart
- A big leap closer to your dreams.
- A valuable vantage point.
It all starts within.
Step 1. Stop & Listen
What is standing in the way of you and the life you want to live? All you have to do is listen to the voice that arises when you think about your dreams.
Step 2. Name the inner resistance
Give the voice a name. For example, when I hear my inner critic telling me that my writing isn’t good enough that’s when I know I have to climb the mountain of “Perfectionism“. Or if she starts to remind me how hurt I got when my last idea flopped, I know I have to overcome the “Fear of Failure” mountain.
Step 3. Route the Course
Once you know what Mountain (or Mountains in some cases) life is assigning you to climb, then you can begin to sketch a route. This is where creativity comes into play. Like the true Trailblazer you are, it’s time to find your own way through. You can choose to run up it or maybe switch-backs are more your style.
Step 4. Be your own cheerleader
Climb with Love. I’ve noticed that the more Self-Love talk I give myself along the way, the faster I get to the top. Reassure your inner critic that you are safe and are capable of getting to the top. Let the wind sing you your song. Listen, it will.
Step 5. Ask for guidance
Ask for Guidance. If you are struggling with Step 3 and 4 or maybe you just need some affirmation, then turn to your confidant. Tell them what you are struggling with and ask if they can see a way through. Sometimes all we need is a fresh set of eyes. You can also call on your “other than human” guides. Ancestors, angels, spirits of the great beyond!
Step 6. Nourishment
Don’t skip lunch. Your brain needs food. GOOD food. COLORFUL food. Find a tree to lunch with. I’ve come to learn that they are good lunch buddies. (and good listeners)
Step 7. Keep Going
The Final Push. There is always a final push at the end. Adrenaline may kick in as you reach the tree line and sense the top is near. This is a good time to read your inspiring material to be sure you stay focused on your goal of completion. Don’t look back now.
Mental Mountains are not just Creative Blocks. They are valuable gifts on the Self-Discovery journey!
Ahh, sweet perspective
You did it! Take off your pack. Kick off your shoes. Look what you just hiked! Now that you are at the top basking in the warm sun, you can see how far you have come. (hey, that rhymes) This is when you need to pull out your journal and write about your dreams! With a strong sense of accomplishment, you are bound to unleash your best work. Mountaintops give Clarity, Strength and a fresh sense of Wonder. Breathe in the fresh perspective and remember that your dreams are worth fighting for.
Happy Trails,
Amber
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