The Thrill of Victory & The Agony of Defeat

The Thrill of Victory & The Agony of Defeat

When I was a young girl, I had the confidence, tenacity and spirit to accomplish ANYTHING I set my mind to. And I did.

I committed -- and never ever "half-assed" any project, homework assignment or task. A deep sense of pride drove everything I attempted. The result? My adolescence was a remarkable concoction of report cards with perfect attendance and straight A's.

Winning the Geography Bee was the highlight of my life; that is, until I was crowned the Knowlton Elementary Fiesta Float-Making Parade Grand Champion in the 2nd grade. I was the classic over-achiever. Walls and shelves adorned with blue ribbons and oversized trophies.

But, alas...like most, my winning streak came to a halting end.

I'll never forget my first defeat as a lanky, awkward, freckle-faced 14 year old freshman.

I wanted to be a cheerleader in the worst way. I begged my mom to let me take tumbling classes. I practiced my cheer every day; every free period, in the bathroom during P.E., in my room in front of my full length mirror. I was a shoe-in. Why wouldn't I be? I had taken so much time with my cheer, tweaking it daily to perfection. I deserved this.

My cheer was different, creative, unique....SO unique, in fact -- that the day of tryouts, well... I forgot it.

 My mind went blank. I froze. I opened my mouth but nothing came out. I just stood there, paralyzed in fear and embarrassment. I finished with an awkward half-toe-touch, faked a smile and hastily ran out of the gym before I broke into a sloppy mess of mocos and tears.

Fast-forward a decade (ok, maybe two). The sting I once felt from those defeats are long gone, the tears replaced with fond memories and laugher.

Back then, it felt like the end of the world. My life was OVER.

But, alas...it wasn't.

I woke up the next day. I went to school. I tried out for the dance team, and not only did I make it -- I found out that I had quite the passion and talent for it. Many opportunities greeted me down the road, and even still now.

You see...every defeat teaches you a lesson, or leads you down a journey on the path less traveled. In the end, you are better for it. Have faith that in every defeat there is a victory right around the corner.

Life. Goes. On.

My point?

Don't be afraid to put yourself out there. Give every bit of your heart and soul to EVERYTHING you do, without the fear of failure. Prepare to be best of your ability. Expect the best. You WILL fail, eventually. Everybody does. But don't use that as an excuse to give up. Put your big boy (or girl) pants back on, and keep on truckin'.

You see, those who fear the agony of defeat....
also never feel the THRILL of VICTORY.

Yup. That's me in the throws of my perfect attendance streak.

Goodbye 2012...Hello 2013!

“When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us.” ~Helen Keller

As a new year approaches, like many others, I take a moment to look back on the last 12 months of my life. A year ago, I was in a very different place.

I always say there is an easy way that I measure my own personal success. I reflect on the past year, and ask myself... "Am I in a better place? Am I happier?"

I can honestly say the last year has been one of significant changes for me. Besides the obvious professional changes, making the jump from behind-the-scenes to in front of the camera, and moving from a TV station I'd been at almost a decade to FOX, many other things have changed. A move like that does such much more than change your career. It changes your life. I have lost some friendships but gained so many new ones, jumped head first into a new adventure and also faced some of the greatest challenges of my life. I have had several disappointments but many more moments of success and fulfillment; but, in the end...my life is significantly better. I'm happier. I'm affecting change, inspiring people....and for me, that's the true measure.

So, as we say goodbye to 2012 and hello to 2013, so too can we use that analogy within our own lives.

Goodbye...
Let go of the past. Say goodbye to the bad experiences, the loss, the disappointments. Forgive those that have hurt you and decide that today, you're going to LET IT GO. Ask yourself, "What did I learn from this?"...there is always a lesson, and MOVE ON!

Hello...
Turn around and look at the door ahead. When you step over that threshold, don't look back. Decide that this is YOUR year, that you WILL have happiness. For no other reason, than...that you deserve it. Be FEARLESS!!

Remember this. People come into your life for a reason, a season or lifetime. Don't get hung up on loss, instead be thankful that you had those experiences, those people in your life, for as little or as long as God saw fit. You see, your life will align the way you choose it to. Your thoughts are your reality. What we think is what we are. God has a plan and the wheels are always in motion, whether it seems like it or not.

Live a life of gratitude, reflection, and faith...open your heart and mind, and continue to receive your blessings!

Happy New Year!
¡Feliz año nuevo!