Megan’s earliest sports memory was playing kickball with friends and family in a large field near her house. She remembers feeling nervous when it was her turn to kick, but she loved being out there. From there, she went on to play basketball in elementary school and joined the track team in junior high. She discovered a love for being outside and being active through her experiences in sports.
However, it was joining a cheerleading and gymnastics team in high school that had the most significant impact on Megan’s life. She learned so much from her experience, including the importance of a consistent community. Every day at three o’clock, she would change her clothes and show up for practice, which helped her with social interaction, something she tended to withdraw from. She also learned the value of pushing through when things are tough and showing up consistently. This mindset has helped her in various aspects of her life.
Megan’s experience with trying to learn new tricks in gymnastics taught her an important lesson about visualization. When she was struggling to learn a back tuck, her coach recommended visualizing herself doing the movement and landing on her feet. Megan practiced this visualization technique for days, and it made all the difference. This is a tool that she can still use in her life today, visualizing what she wants and using it as a tool to help her get there.
The benefits of sports and physical activity go beyond just physical health. Megan shares how movement helps her stay focused and vibrant and how it helps her move through life. She recalls a time when she was feeling out of sorts, and she put on some music and started doing jumping jacks. Tears came, and she felt like something needed to move, and this simple activity helped her get back to herself.
If Megan could go back and tell her younger self something, it would be to keep showing up, even in challenging situations. Skills grow, and challenges become more manageable. Without playing sports, she might not know how good it feels to move and stay active. Through sports, she has discovered the joy and benefits of physical activity, helping her stay focused and vibrant in all aspects of her life.
Megan’s story highlights the benefits of sports and physical activity in our lives. It teaches us the value of consistency, visualization, and pushing through challenges. Sports help us stay focused and vibrant and provide a reliable way to get back to ourselves. We can all learn from Megan’s experience and discover the joy of movement and staying active.
Interview Originally posted: May 2021
