As gymnasts, we are taught at a very young age to get back up after a fall and keep going! As humans, it is natural to fall and get discouraged, and commonly, even to quit.
Gymnastics is a tough sport. There is definitely a lot of room to fall on a daily basis. At practice, we are even taught how to fall properly. I remember while learning a Jaeger, getting yelled at over and over because I would put my elbows under me on the big cushy mat that would catch me. I was told to purposely not re-catch the bar and fall with my arms in front of me. I remember getting so mad at my coach John Geddert and thinking, “Who does he think he is to tell me not to catch my skill and worry about a stinking fall!”
But I finally get it. Years later….
In life, we are going to fall. The fall is just symbolic of life’s waves. Recently, theMaverick’s International Surf Contesthappened in California. Twenty-four big wave surfers competed for the biggest swells. As I watched the live streamed footage from my computer, the huge 30+ foot waves coming crashing down brought chills to my skin. Some will catch the wave and ride, but some will fall. The surfers get back up though, just like us gymnasts. They become focused on the rush of the continuous waves, finding their center, and they just keep riding.
It is not always about getting those big skills that makes us the best gymnasts. A greatgymnast is one who learns how to fall. When we learn how to fall, we learn how to get back up and to face those big Maverick waves. Then the falls, the things we used to fear so much, become just another wave. We bring the same attitude to both the ups and downs.
Next time you feel like you are falling, getting discouraged about something, or feel like something is impossible, try to let that cushy mat catch you and just surrender to it. No need to clench your elbows under and try to catch yourself, just open your arms out wide and let go. It will always be a happier landing.
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