Lessons of Jr. USAs

We came, we saw, we conquered!  The Gym Miss Fits and Mayhem spent weeks and months improving, building, leaning out, and dieting.  The prepartion for the Junior USAs was complete and along the way; they found themselves learning more than just what a national event was all about.  They found very valuable life lessons in the four day adventure.

When we travel, we meet a lot of new and interesting people.  Take Dave-A gentleman whom had lost his wife only two months ago to a brain stem tumor.  In just telling me of his loss I admired his strength.  I would not be able to fight the tears.  He went on to tell me how we are a very naive society.  Many of us think "it will never happen to me" or "that only happens in the movies".  He said he was one of those people and said how we should love the people that matter most each and every day.  We may not get the chance tomorrow.    

The Junior USAs offered stiff competition to all competitors from around the nation.  This can usually add that competitive streak to the atmosphere making some competitors rough, abrasive, snotty, and just down right rud, so it is refreshing to come upon competitors who are beautiful all around like Christine, a physique competitor.  Christine automatically was friendly with our entire team joking and laughing with us as if we were all long time friends.  She even went to her hotel room after finals to shower as quick as possible to get back to cheer us on.  She was about as genuine, kind, and humble as they come.  It helped us not to get in the funk with the rest of the teams/competitors.  Her energy brightened all of our days.  It just takes one person to pull you out of the chaos!      

Value your life!  You only have one!  The trip back was getting a little rocky when Flight 1916 was informed of a tire problem and we would have to switch planes.  The cabin filled with sighs and grumbles of every variety.  The woman next to me stated how frustrating and basically inconvenient this was.  I turned straight to her and said, "I am just blessed I am alive."  She paused for a rather long moment and finally had to agree.  Are we that into ourselves that we do not value ourselves?  We cannot get where we are going without the body God has given us.  Slow down for a moment and see the positive in even the most frustrating situations.  Every delay usually has some reason to it. . .Take the other flight one of our team mates was on.  Another tire problem and five hours delayed, The Gym landed an opportunity to test, help design, and be involved in the phone app world.  More to come on this. . .  God tends to put us in the right place at the right time often-pay attention!    

This trip was more than just competing for any of us.  It was a chance to learn about others and ourselves.  It gave us an idea of what gears we need to shift and to gain patience, kindness, and enjoy the ride of being a competitor.  Congrats to all of our team for making top 15 and the rest of the competitors for all your hard work.