Let's FLY....

Flying is risky in cheer. But so is falling in love. Right?! You fall, you get hurt, but you eventually bounce back.

6th/7th grade (Throwback)

It takes a lot of courage to be tossed in the air and trust that you’re not going to fall and get injured (because that’s the ultimate risk we all knowingly take). All of us, it doesn't matter what position on the team you have, we all risk getting hurt. Just like love, it takes courage to give your heart to someone and trust that they’ll take care of it.

5th-6th grade (Throwback)

We do these things anyway, right? We fall in love, we play sports, we take dance classes (I’ve had a few twisted ankles with dance too, but it never kept me from dancing) So why not fly?! or cheer at all? Because while physical pain from a fall, a concussion etc hurt, and then force us to sit out at games etc - maybe that’s the perfect time to reflect on ourselves. “What could I have done differently”, “How can I protect myself and my teammates next time”.

6th grade (Throwback)

I’ve had 3 injuries all within a year while cheerleading in the last year. Am I going to stop flying/cheer? That’s like saying -

“My heart was broken once, I’ll never fall in love again - PenelopeB”.

No! Instead, I’ll take my time, heal, and proceed with caution.

4th grade (Throwback)

Cheerleading is dangerous. Concussions, broken bones, fractures and sadly, sometimes some injuries cheerleaders can not come back from. It takes a lot of heart and courage. So here I am, realizing I have 3 more weeks to sit out and work on my confidence all over again while I prepare for another comeback. In the meantime, I'll support my teammates and prepare for what's to come (Smiley face)

11th grade

Quotes of the day:

“Attitude is a little something that makes a BIG difference!"

7th grade UCA camp

“The trying time is no time to quit trying”

“It’s important to face our challenges and the most difficult changes” - it’s growth

"No athlete is truly tested until they’ve starred an injury in the face and came out on the other side stronger than ever"

Unknown

I'm here!

Hey!

It's been so long, I realize blogging isn't ideal when there is so much going on in my life. I mean, good things. I moved, our new home was finally ready in June - I was so happy about that, you have no idea. I have so much to share, well - MAYBE...hehe. When I have time...

So many awesome experiences this summer. I wouldn't even know where to start. Oh! One of the most rewarding experiences and highlights was definitely saving kids from drowning, several of them actually #lifeguard Yep, this 4ft 9" 16 yr old saved kids from drowning. Never, ever doubt yourself. Do what you love with passion & intention.

Oooooo... but wait - I got my license in June! Woot.

In the next few weeks I'll be working on fundraisers for a future project, giveaways and outreach plans. Please subscribe to my website for updates.

Have any questions or blog topics, submit them to me on any of my social media platforms or email.

Stay tuned as I'll be blogging when time permits.

KK... Off I go to work!

I hope everyone is staying safe :) Byeeee

Love,

PenelopeB

Choose to love yourself...

February 1, 2022 - time 10pm

Behind the scenes photo: Mom

"Regardless of how the world feels about you, choose to love yourself"

---

Life as a girl is pretty complicated. (every girl reading this right now) “Facts.".

Why are we so hard on ourselves? Speaking of, God forbid I wake up with a planet on my face (Lol... ok maybe not a planet). You get where I am going?

In the last few weeks I have met over 200 girls through a gown submission giveaway process. Part of the submission process is to share a little bit about themselves. I seriously wish I could hug these girls and tell them how amazing, brave they are and how deserving they all are to be happy but most importably, to feel good about themselves and who they are.

There was a worry that many of the girls had in common ex. "I felt bad when I went shopping for my sweet sixteen dress. The girls trying their dresses were able to fit in their gown, I needed a larger size and I didn't feel as pretty". I understand those feelings, I do. I am 4ft 9 (16 yrs old) and every dress I tried on was too long - I tried not to focus on that (I'd be lying if I didn't say it was a process and something I struggled with a little bit). My mom assured me prior to arriving at the store that whatever had to be adjusted, would be — she was right. So, I enjoyed the moment. I twirled away and created my very own project runway... lol In fact, I probably had more confidence than the girl that was 5ft 6 tall trying on her gown (because while to me she was the "perfect" height, I also understand that everyone we meet is fighting their own battles too) .

How cool if we could focus on embracing what we think is imperfect about us? I had to learn that on my journey towards my teens. I see it this way, I can't change my height, but I can embrace it and love it. I can choose to love myself, regardless of my size, height or what the world thinks of me.

In a world where social media praises "perfection" , it's easy to fall into the mindset of feeling less "cool", "perfect". Loving yourself and being patient with yourself takes a lot of time. Embrace all of you, remind yourself that there is more to you than what people can see with their eyes. Twirl like the Queen you are, look at yourself in the mirror and remind yourself that no matter the size of your dress, the amount of fabric that has to be taken in, that isn't a reflection of the beauty inside. The next time you're out shopping for a gown, compliment the girl next to you, you never know what her struggles are, and don't forget to compliment yourself too.

You're amazing , believe that. Be good to you....

Remember this:

Regardless of how the world feels about you, choose to love yourself. I understand how hard that can be sometimes. So many pressures to fit in, be liked, be accepted. Rejection is tough too, something I think many struggle with also. Rejection doesn't mean you aren't good enough; it means others didn't notice what you have to offer. When you start loving all of you, you realize nothing else matters and what others think about you is none of your business.

Be patient with yourself. You're going to have moments, that's ok too.

This photo was taken by Raven Photography

If there is anything you'd like me to blog about, send me a DM.