Finding my way back

My favorite event in gymnastics has always been balance beam. I am not sure why I loved it more, was it the risk or reward. There is something about standing on a 4 inch piece of wood, counting to three, and taking a deep breath when you realize you did it. You didn’t fall, you’re still on the beam, what fear you had quickly subsides, and all your hard work has paid off. I have had this feeling daily for well over a year when I decided to quit my long time career. The butterflies, the nerves, and the excitement. Every day I feel like I am standing on a 4 inch piece of wood about to throw the hardest skill of my life. And you know what I am!

The journey started at the age of 2 when my mom decided to put me into gymnastics classes. For over a decade I trained long hours, competed, and challenged myself. I spent several years competing in both gymnastics and tumbling before I started to coach at age 15. For the next 8 years, I taught everything from preschool gymnastics to pre-team to team. Nothing compares to the feeling of teaching someone and watching them conquer a new skill for the first time.

I eventually left coaching so that I could pursue my new vision of success, climbing the corporate ladder. And I did for several years. Over the years I moved several times, got promoted, traveled, and worked long hours. I loved my career. I could take risks, get rewarded, and my hard work paid off.

In the middle of my career I got married, and we eventually had our first child. I couldn’t wait to put her in gymnastics. I waited the long 18 month to enroll her, and when I stepped back into the gym for the first time I was flooded with emotion. The highlight of my week was taking her to class, teaching her new skills, and watching her face light up with excitement.

At almost this exact same time I became pregnant with our second child. I was exhausted from balancing long hours of my demanding career, while still trying to enjoy time with my growing family. The love I had for my career quickly faded, and I knew it was time for a change. I was finding my way back.