Why I love cheerleading

Cheerleading gave me a purpose.  A productive purpose that produced a tangible outcome.  The outcome that makes me feel like I’m doing something worthwhile, promoting fitness, and occupying time constructively.  That is why I love still being involved in organized programs; there is a regular event (practice) that is paid for ahead of time (incentive to attend, like work/ cheerleading practice that people feel obligated to go to, or else are letting people down, just like you feel you’re letting yourself down by not attending the physical exercise class).  Cheerleading provides accountability, in which others are dependent on your being present, coordinated exercise for a purpose (practicing to compete or for games) and is fun to have that close relationship with other girls.

I no longer attend an organized yoga class, the teacher was annoyed, which made me feel uncomfortable, and not relaxed.  The yoga class that I attended was so convenient because it is so close, I could walk to it.  I do not drive anymore, (or have not tried to get my license again) so I would have to get a ride to another facility further away.  Now, I just walk to my neighbors house twice a week, and we go to a fitness class.  I appreciate this fitness class so much because it is compliant with my beliefs, we exercise to energetic Christian music, (though that is not imperative to me in and exercise program; I just don’t appreciate the traditional Hindu practices of looking inside yourself to find your third eye, and that there is no God, just yourself- like in the yoga that is practiced in the far east) while giving me an opportunity to meet friends and clear my mind.  Don’t get me wrong, I love yoga, I just love practicing it in my living room.

Now I have a fitness program with which I can exercise on a regular schedule, volunteer work with my church that I am making a difference in the community around me, and I am actively crocheting.  Also I am helping coordinate the Prayer Shawl Ministry at my church and am on the college care committee.  Oh yes, and I am writing now, trying to compile the book which has been in the thought process/stage for the past 15 years.  Maybe its too late to record my experiences; I was so young, still in high school, caught up in the sport of cheerleading, talking on the phone, and chasing after boys.  Now those things mostly seem unimportant to me (mostly), I am married, and grown up, living a life on my own.  I’m not under my parents roof anymore, managing my own house (cleaning and everything BY MYSELF, and the help of the hubby), doing mature things like cooking, taking care of my doggie, making major home improvements and decorating for the Christmas season.  Small, silly things that make a person feel mature.

 I produce tangible things now, like I enjoy taking pictures, and writing down my thoughts, crocheting a scarf; I have something to show for my hard work. Even organized exercise programs produce something, a healthier body.  Exercise programs are good not only for the body, but also for the soul and mind.   I always bake something to say that I’ve accomplished this today.  Doesn’t producing something make you feel productive?