"Change"

Even though I wrote about Taylor Swift's brilliant mind recently, I found myself needed to visit her again!  It is actually extremely appropriate considering she is playing a concert in Chicago (very near me) and I WISH I could be there tonight!

Today was such a beautiful summer day.  It was one of those days where the sun was up, the breeze was slight, and the air was a perfect 75 degrees... not at all normal for the humid Midwest!  I went for a run, like I do many weekdays, and because the day was so fantastic, I didn't want to stop!  I felt like Forrest Gump, because "I just kept runnin!" =)  When I started to get tired, it hit me like a brick wall.  Perhaps it was because I had ran almost twice as far as I normally do.  Nevertheless, I was ready to walk when a song on my iPod forbade me from it.

It was a song that is very near to my heart.  One that has spoken to me and many of my friends and former teammates about the life we spent together in college.  A song that still gives me goosebumps every time I hear it.  It reminds me of a day when our formerly last place ranked Division 3 college gymnastics team showed the entire nation that we were a force to be reckoned with.  It was the day everything changed at UW-Whitewater.

We didn't get first place or anything.  We didn't even podium, but that didn't matter because we weren't supposed to be there in the first place.  A technicality allowed us to compete that day, because we were the meet hosts, we had an automatic bid.  It was such a crazy feeling, because our team had never been there before.  We felt like Celebrities, and we acted like them.  Our fans were incredible, but the arena was loud and most of the spectators were there to watch someone else.

That didn't matter to us.  We were at NATIONALS, and no one was going to bring us down.  We were there for the moment, and even though we weren't in first at the end of the meet... when we heard our names called for 4th place, the moment was OURS.

I remember feeling so grateful that day that I cried... a lot.  I had never been happier.  I was doing the one thing I had been born to do and I was standing next to some of the most incredible people I have ever known.  Nothing will ever take that feeling away.  No matter how many good days I had after that, or how many horrible days I had that followed... I can always go back and remember that day.  The nerves, the excitement, the passion and the courage we shared THAT DAY.  "The day things changed."

"And it's a sad picture, the final blow hits you
Somebody else gets what you wanted again
You know it's all the same, another time and place
Repeating history and you're getting sick of it

But I believe in whatever you do
And I'll do anything to see it through

Because these things will change, can you feel it now?
These walls that they put up to hold us back will fall down
It's a revolution, the time will come for us to finally win

We'll sing hallelujah!
We'll sing hallelujah! Oh

So we've been outnumbered, raided and now cornered
It's hard to fight when the fight ain't fair
We're getting stronger now from things they never found
They might be bigger but we're faster and never scared

You can walk away and say we don't need this
But there's something in your eyes says we can beat this

'Cause these things will change, can you feel it now?
These walls that they put up to hold us back will fall down
It's a revolution, the time will come for us to finally win

We'll sing hallelujah!
We'll sing hallelujah! Oh

Tonight we standed on our knees
To fight for what we worked for all these years
And the battle was long, it's the fight of our lives
Will we stand up champions tonight?

It was the night things changed, can you see it now?
These walls that they put up to hold us back fell down
It's a revolution, throw your hands up, 'cause we never gave in

We'll sing hallelujah!
We sang hallelujah!
Hallelujah!"

The team dynamic has continued to change since that day.  UW-Whitewater is now the two time Conference Champions and has since improved that first national appearance 4th place finish to a 2nd place finish in 2011.  The tides have changed dramatically, though the spirit of the team has not.  They are still an incredible group of young women lead by 2 amazing coaches (that I have the great privilege of working with).  I am so proud to have been a part of this incredible family and to have experienced all of the wonderful things I have through my involvement here.  Thank you to everyone who has affected my life as a part of my UW-Whitewater Journey.  I will be forever grateful to you all!


Day 15: Think back to a moment when  you could see it all change for the better.  Be grateful for your life before, and be grateful for you life since... for every change in life is a learning process, to help us grow and love.  


Love True-
Allison



"Change" - Taylor Swift

The 3 P's

Football great, Reggie Bush recently tweeted his "3 P's" to live by:

Prayer, Patience, & Persistence

Amen, Reggie Bush!

These are great philosophies to live by!  I was so taken back by the simplicity and the honesty of this statement.  Three wonderful characteristics to posses.  

Prayer:

Pray daily.  Talk to God.  Don't be ashamed to say thank you for all you have been given, or to ask questions when you are confused about life.  I'm not going to tell you that you have to Believe... you don't.  All I'm going to tell you is that I feel like a happier and stronger version of myself when I've taken the time to share my thoughts with the Man upstairs.  

Patience:

Have it.  If you don't have it, go find it.  Patience is such a virtue to have.  So often we jump to conclusions or assume things before with a situation has time to pan out... or before a person gets a chance to explain themselves... Have patience with people, with life and with yourself.  Things don't always happen as you'd like them to, but that's not always a bad thing.  It could just be that something better needs more time to come together.  Have a little patience, and a little faith.  

Persistence:

Never give up.  It's not a feasible option for you.  What you have and what you want is worth everything.  Don't ever stop fighting for what you think you deserve.  The only failure in life is giving up, not getting up when you fall down- 

So keep praying, have a little patience and NEVER give up on yourself!

Day 14: See above statement ;-)

Love True-

Allison

Legacy

Taylor Swift is one of my favorite artists- Sometimes it seems like she can see right into my soul.  Her songs are deep and meaningful and beautiful.  Not only do I appreciate the way her songs make me feel, I appreciate the example she sets for young girls through her words and her actions.  She is one of those celebrities that girls look up to, someone they can depend on, someone I hope to be someday.

I can't believe that I haven't blogged about Taylor yet, because there are so many of her songs that speak so loudly to me.  However, I wanted to share a quote by her that doesn't reside in one of her songs.  It is something she shared that rings true to all of her beliefs... and all of mine.

"No matter what happens in life, be good to people. Being good to people is a wonderful legacy to leave behind."  -Taylor Swift

This is a beautiful testament to the human condition.  When we leave this Earth, what we leave behind us is far more important than what we take with us.  I know that I want to be remembered for being a good person, for inspiring others to be good people, and for sharing as much love as I possibly can.  Life isn't always easy, but it's important to remember that it's not ALWAYS easy for anyone.  Everyone struggles and everyone needs a little help.  Offer help when you can, even if it's holding a door open or giving someone a smile.  You never know what someone is going through.

Day 14: Do something nice for someone, even if it's a stranger.  One small act of kindness can start a chain reaction.  Do as Taylor says, "be good to people." What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind?

Love True-
Allison

Ralph Marston

"Going forward through the obstacles may indeed be difficult. Yet it is a far better path than going backwards in retreat."


I found this quote via twitter, from the Daily Motivator himself, Ralph Marston.  I am a recent follower of Mr. Marston and I am already a loyal follower of his message.  Ralph speaks a great deal about personal development, and as many of you know, that is something I strive for daily.  It's not always an easy challenge, but it's a worthwhile one.  


The daily challenges are something I share with you all as a way of encouraging you (and myself) to be the person that {WE} each want to become.  What kind of a person would I be if I wasn't willing to do the challenges myself?! 


Going through obstacles can be very difficult, and it is often our first instinct to back down, curl up and wish the situation away.  Unfortunately for those of us who like to slink back in our corners and wait for  the waters to calm... our problems are usually waiting for us no matter how long we sit waiting for the storm to pass.  


The better path to choose is going forward, through the mess.  Whatever the mess may be, it can never be worse than moving backwards.  If you are going forward, you will eventually get through it... that is a sure thing.  Never surrender to the obstacles that come your way.  Stand tall and move forward, don't stand still, don't hide in fear... Walk.  


Day 13: The next time you are feeling that an obstacle is too big to overcome, take one step forward.  One step in the right direction is one step closer to climbing right over that obstacle.  Oh, and follow @RalphMarston on twitter or check out his website!
The Daily Motivator


Love True,
Allison

"Blessed"

I hope everyone has had a great weekend! I've been having a blast spending time with my extended family.  These people are amazing, and I feel so privileged to be related to them.  Celebrating my Grandpa's birthday on Saturday was definitely the highlight.  There were so many people there, so much love, and it was beautiful.  It made me so thankful for my life, my family and everything I have been blessed with.  Martina McBride has a wonderful song that perfectly depicts how I feel right now! 

"I get kissed by the sun
Each morning
Put my feet on a hardwood floor
I get to hear my children laughing
Down the hall through the
Bedroom door
Sometimes I sit on my
Front porch swing
Just soaking up the day
I think to myself, I think to myself
This world is a beautiful place

I have been blessed
And I feel like I’ve found my way
I thank God for all I’ve been given

At the end of every day
I have been blessed
With so much more than I deserve
To be here with the ones
That love me
To love them so much it hurts
I have been blessed

Across a crowded room,
I know you know what I’m thinking
By the way I look at you
And when we’re lying in the quiet and
No words have to be said
I think to myself, I think to myself
This love is a beautiful gift

I have been blessed
And I feel like I’ve found my way
I thank God for all I’ve been given

At the end of every day
I have been blessed
With so much more than I deserve
To be here with the ones
That love me
To love them so much it hurts
I have been blessed

When I’m singing my kids to sleep
When I feel you holding me
I know

I have been blessed
And I feel like I’ve found my way
I thank God for all I’ve been given

At the end of every day
I have been blessed
With so much more than I deserve
To be here with the ones
That love me
To love them so much it hurts

I have been blessed"

I am excited to share more moments with my family over the rest of this week.  My Grandma is coming as well, and we will be celebrating her birthday later in the week.  Blessed is the best way to describe how I feel right now.  I hope you do as well!

Day 12: Think about all of the blessings in your life =) 

Love True,

Allison

Martina McBride - "Blessed"

The beautiful quilt we had made for Papa.  It commemorates over 40 years of family traditions.  The quote reads, "The love of family is life's greatest blessing."

My cousins, Emma, Trina, Maddy and little Leah with Grandma Carol at dinner.









Uncle Geoff and Harry stop for a picture before dessert!

My sisters, Amy, Abby and I with our Mom =)

   

"This"

Hey everyone!
I hope you are all having a great week! Just one more work day this week!  I know that I have been feeling especially stressed lately, and during times like that, it's hard for me to put things in perspective.  When things  seem be going wrong, it's important to remember that everything happens for a reason.  I am a firm believer in that philosophy, and though it is sometimes hard to remember... it is so very true!  Darius Rucker has a great song that depicts how little inconveniences and hardships can be the most rewarding...as they can lead to the most precious gifts life has to offer.

This- Darius Rucker

"Got a baby girl sleepin' in my bedroom
And her momma laughing in my arms
There's the sound of rain on the rooftop
And the game's about to start
I don't really know how I got here
But I'm so glad that I did
And it's crazy to think that one little thing 
Could have changed all of it
Maybe it didn't turn out like I planned
Maybe thats why I'm such, such a lucky man

For every stoplight I didn't make 
Every chance I did or I didn't take
All the nights I went too far
All the girls that broke my heart
All the doors that I had to close
All the things I knew but I didn't know
Thank God for all I missed
Cause it led me here to this

Like the girl that I loved in high school
Who said she could do better
Or the college I wanted to go to
Till I got that letter
All the fights and the tears and the heartache
I thought I'd never get through
And the moment I almost gave up
All led me here to you

I didn't understand it way back when
But sittin' here right now
It all makes perfect sense

Every stoplight I didnt make 
Every chance I did or I didnt take
All the nights I went too far
All the girls that broke my heart
All the doors that I had to close
All the things I knew but I didn't know
Thank god for all I missed
Cause it led me here to this


Oh I cried when my momma passed away
And now I got an angel
Looking out for me today
So nothing's a mistake

Every stoplight I didn't make
Every chance I did or I didn't take
All the nights I went too far
All the girls that broke my heart
All the doors that I had to close
Everything I knew but I didn't know
Thank God for all I missed
Cause it led me here to this

Led me here to this"




No matter what life has to throw at us, we can get through it.  It will always lead to something else... something more... something you wouldn't have if you hadn't gone through it...maybe something better!  It is always worth it because in going through these things, we always learn from them.  


Day 12: Think about a time when you were going through something difficult, and wondered what was the point?!  What was the point?  Did you learn something, or gain something?  I know I did!  I remember going through a really hard time in high school, and if I hadn't, I probably wouldn't have gone to the college I did, wouldn't have done gymnastics in college, and wouldn't have some of my absolute best friends.  Thanks, God... even though I questioned it at the time!  I know it was all worth it in the long run!


"This" - Darius Rucker

Love True-
Allison

One of the hardest things I've ever gone through, 2 ACL reconstructions. Kept me out of gymnastics for 2 years.  I felt cheated out of something I really loved, so I worked hard enough to do gymnastics in college.



My UW-Whitewater sisters... thank God for those injuries, because who knows if I would have met these amazing, wonderful, inspiring people.  My best friends, my soul mates!

I even got to be a part of a Conference Championship Team- another dream come true!  All of my teammates and coaches have been gifts... complete blessings to my life that I can't imagine living without!  I love you all!

Shantel VanSanten

"What matters is what's in your heart, what your goals are and what kind of life you want to lead." -Shantel VanSanten


Wow. Such beautiful words from an incredibly amazing woman!  If you don't know Shantel VanSanten, you should!  She is currently stars as Quinn in the WB series, One Tree Hill.  Shantel is also quite the philanthropist.  She has done extensive work as a spokesperson for Team True Beauty, an organization devoted to raising awareness about eating disorders and promoting a healthy body image.  


In an interview, Shantel spoke about her own struggles, and why it means so much to her to help other young women through their own inner battles.  Reading her words brought me to tears, because I have also struggled in the same way she has (as millions of other young women have).  She is such a positive influence for young girls.  


"I just hope people can find it within themselves to embrace exactly who they are and NOT just what you look like on the outside."  

Such beautiful words.  I hope everyone who reads this article can relate... and take the time to take Shantel's advice.  If we all could do this for ourselves, we could start a revolution among women... set new standards for beautiful, and change the way the world looks at people.

Day 11: Take the time to embrace your inner beauty, and then help someone else do the same.  Start a chain reaction... start a revolution! 


Love True,
Allison


Team True Beauty Interview- Shantel VanSanten