"Get Back on that Horse" (or Balance Beam)

This blog on Triumph wouldn't be complete without a nod to my youngest daughter, Brighten, aka Beepster (short for Beautiful Princess Star). Let's just say, she is a powerhouse, a mighty might and takes after her mom in the sense she’s driven and doesn't give up easily.

Brighty is in her first year of gymnastics and, although she's a novice, she's taken to it like a fish to water. Not only does she have the perfect build—she's tiny with big feet—she seems to have a knack for it, a passion and a love of all things gymnastic. She’s winning lots of medals and just qualified for sectionals. Most important, she’s having fun. Maybe she’s found her calling...? I hope so.

You know, seeing her routine brings to mind a lesson on success I once heard that referred to the “Three P’s of Success” … Passion, Practice and Persistence. These are the essence of our diminutive daughter these days ... and anyone, I believe, who is Triumphing at what they do.

First, they’re Passionate (Brighten definitely is; she basically eats, sleeps and drinks gymnastics, and never seems to tire of it). Second, they Practice (no joke, she spends more time upside down these days than she does right side up; she’s constantly bouncing off the furniture, cartwheeling down the aisles, etc.). Third, they’re Persistent (you’ll see in the video clip attached how persistent she is, even when she falls, she bounces right back up). It’s an inspiring reminder for us all.

In gymnastics as in life (or marriage, business, trials, etc.), we mustn't give up … even when it’s hard. Other than those rare times when it’s just not in our power, we have to “get back on that horse,” or, as it were in this case, on that "balance beam."

I’m proud of you, Tiny. You’re an inspiration to your old dad. We’re looking forward to the college scholarships I’m sure you’ll earn (here's hoping). That only leaves four others we have to be worried about.

Onward and upward,

Daddy-Patrick 

Check out the clip. Her form looks just about perfect to me, even in failure. You go baby-girl! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BcIvHtqm08