Gymnastics & Life Lessons
This was post was totally supposed to just be a silly recap of a gymnastics meet this weekend but then I started feeling all the feels and I just couldn’t dump a bunch of pictures without getting a bit sappy.
Here’s the thing: If I had signed up to compete in a gymnastics meet at age 20, I think my biggest concern would have been wearing a leotard. I probably would have spent the whole time worry about photo angles, if my stomach was sticking out, and if my hair looked right. But at the age of 27, I was mostly just proud that I could still pull off a couple of backhandsprings. It’s not that I’ve gotten better at gymnastics (clearly, I’m no expert) but my focus has shifted as I’ve gotten older. Maybe it’s maturity or maybe it’s just finally appreciating and embracing the support system I have but, I’ve started appreciating fitness for what it is: fitness.
I also think there is tremendous value in having a fitness goal that isn’t “fit into a size…” or “look good in a swimsuit” because that truly doesn’t matter. If you set a goal of being healthier, getting stronger, or learning something new, you’ll get so much more satisfaction in the end. (And hey, you might even fit into that dress you ambitiously bought.)
Sometimes I’m amazed at how insecure I was in my early 20s. I think part of it comes with the territory. Aren’t we all a little awkward when we’re trying to figure out our place in the world? But I’ve learned not to take myself so seriously. If you’re not enjoying chasing your goals, what’s the point? (Hint: If your main goal is a number on the scale, you’ve got some re-prioritizing to do.) So maybe I’m silly about Fitbit goals and beam cartwheels but these are the very same goals that keep me healthy and make me feel better inside and out.
I feel so blessed for the support system I have. I’ve always had an amazing family and wonderful friends, but I think moving away really made me appreciate it even more. Friends that stay in touch despite distance and new friends that jump right into your life and support you like they’ve always known you- that’s not something to take for granted. Friends that will put on a leotard with you or a husband that will sit through a 3 hour gymnastics meet for roughly 10 minutes of actual excitement… that’s hard to come by.
Lastly, I’m grateful for the blog world! The internet is a weird place but I’m thankful that I’ve made some truly wonderful friends through it. Some of you, I’ve never met in person, and some of you ended up being my roommate. (Ok fine, that was just Lindsay.) The point is: if you throw your heart and soul into something, you’ll be amazed at what you get out of it.
You are amazing Liz! Such an inspiration! And you’re so right about the camera angles and early 20’s! I still might have a little issue with that but not nearly as bad as it was a few years ago! You rock!!
I love this! And I think it’s fantastic you’ve found such a fun way to stay fit!
You’re amazing. I’m going to read this post over and over again as I try to reach my own goals. I’m so proud of you and grateful you’re such a big part of my life. The boys are so lucky to have you not only as an aunt but as a wonderful example and exceptional person to look up to.
You’re going to make me cry!!! I’m so so so glad that we live in the same city and we get to be in each other’s lives!! I would NOT be able to handle being a long distance aunt 😉
You’re adorable. And have such a beautiful heart. Thanks for being my friend for so many years. And this great reminder!
Such an inspiring post, Liz! I can relate to every thing your write. I am only 22 and I am not sure I could have been just as calm about wearing a leotard. I would definetely be more calm than I was just one year ago but still not quite at your place. However, you inspire me to get to that point and I know I’ll get there someday. I try to focus on my health and happiness instead of how my body looks.
By the way you all look great in your leotards! 🙂
Congrats on getting out there and doing what you wanted to do. I think it is so rewarding when we decide what we want and go for it without worrying about others might think. As for me and mine, well, they are a little around numbers but not the one on the scale. I’m back on prep for my next bodybuilding competition as well as continuing on the journey to being the healthiest and fittest I’ve been.
I love this! You were rocking that leotard and that balance beam. I also love your outlook and totally agree that it’s a wonderful thing when you can focus on what your body can do, not just what it looks like.
I loved this post and you looked so happy. I’m really glad that everything was a blast and you had such a great time. I never knew there were adult gymnastics which is so awesome.
This is awesome! Looks like such a blast. You’re seriously so inspiring and are so beautiful inside and out!! 🙂
This post made me smile so big! I work with a few ladies who are in their early 40s and they are constantly talking about how unhappy they are with their size. I always think to myself, “won’t these insecurities ever go away?!” As I am gaining more confidence I realize how little it has to do with age and so much more about where I put my focus.
While you do look absolutely fabulous in the leotard, your abilities as a gymnast are inspiring way more so.