Back on the Balance Beam: First in State

So, my goal at one time was to write at least 3 times per week in this blog. I don't know if that's better or worse than it was when I was trying to write every night. (It's worse; it didn't happen. In fact, my blog fell apart for awhile I hate to admit). The problem with not writing all of the time is that, before I realize it, the week is half over and I haven't written a single post. My apologies one and all.

It's been a busy household around the Laing home this week, most importantly because Brighten had her State gymnastics finals this week. Only 72 gymnasts made it to State this year and she was one of those selected, even though it's only her first year as a gymnast; I'm not proud at all. Ya right. I couldn't be more proud.

The awesome thing, and the thing I wanted to mention today if nothing else, is that Brighten proved the point I tried making in my earlier post about the rewards of getting back up on that "horse" (or in this case, that balance beam).

Get this: in every meet this year, including Sectionals two weeks ago, she did well ... she placed, she won medals, she even got a handful of first and second finishes. But, the balance beam has continued to be elusive for her. She fell in every 2011 meet. However, as I wrote previously, she didn't let it get her down, bouncing right back up whenever she fell; in fact, at one meet she STILL got a 9.025, even with a fall (which is pretty unheard of). She never wasted time commiserating, worrying, or getting upset. [As I posted before, "it isn't just 'getting back up' that counts; it's doing so quickly, without wasting time or letting yourself get down, and stay down."]

So ... she fell during the beam event in every single meet ... except this last Saturday's. Our little girl, in her first year of gymnastics (did I already say that?), executed flawlessly and SHE TOOK FIRST PLACE IN THE BEAM! She won 6th overall--6th in the whole State--even with a stumble on her bars event (she did really good there as well, but tripped on a crack in the pad that wasn't taped down very well). 1st in Beam and 6th overall! Not bad for a little 4-foot nothing pipsqueak who didn't even know what a balance beam was not 13 months ago.

Obviously we can learn several different lessons from Brighty's example:

1.  When you fall or stumble, don't hesitate; get right back up.
2.  Every time you fail, learn ... grow ... get better; your day will come.
3.  Apply yourself if you want success (trust me ... Brighten spends more time on her hands and head it seems than on her feet these days; she practices on everything. Are you doing the same?)
4.  Have faith, keep trying and never give up. It isn't always easy but it's worth it.
5.  Find your passion--eat, drink and breathe it, and be willing to sacrifice to make it come to pass.

(These kind of all sound like the same lesson told 5 different ways; oh well ... it's late and I'm too excited to think straight).

You can see in the picture that SHE isn't proud at all either. Ya, right. She's bursting at the seams, as she should be ... and her ol' dad is too. Nice job, Brighty Boo. I'm very proud of you. You are an inspiration to us all.

Never stop soaring. I love you dearly.....

Daddy-Patrick

"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