With the new year just kicking off, everyone is anticipating what the next 365 days will bring. Couldn't be worse than 2017, amirite? With this thought, I decided I would jump back on my computer and weekly(ish) write about the things I love, loathe, and have levitated toward that week. Not that anyone truly cares about my opinion, it's more of an open journal to share with the people of the interwebs. So, I bring to you what the start of 2018 has brought to me:
1. GRL PWR.
If you've been living under a rock the past few months I suggest it's time you dig yourself out. We are living in a righteous time to be a female. The #MeToo and #TimesUp movement ran full force last night at the Golden Globes and if you didn't get emotional, or feel empowered, you have zero soul. In the wake of the heinous "discovery" that women are sexually harassed/abused by their "industry professionals" and that for years equal work has not received equal pay, there is nothing more moving than seeing women, arm in arm, face the patriarchy and stand tall. The Golden Globes went all black in support of equal pay, victims of sexual assault and harassment, and for creating a resounding unity amongst all women. The Golden Globes, widely known to be the fun cousin of award shows, was so much more than just a party. From the red-carpet interviews, to the acceptance speeches, the language of female "togetherness" was overwhelming. I was moved to tears by Oprah's encouraging words, and applauded loud for all the women who called out networks, and people for discrimination. I am genuinely so proud to be a woman, and to be encouraged to always speak my truth.
2. Sports aren't just about winning and losing
If you're one of the loyal handful of people who listen to my podcast (more to come I promise), I appreciate you. If you don't listen - boo. Just kidding. I never started recording with the intent to change the world, I started my podcast with the intent to help me find the silver-lining in 2017. There were far too many horror stories that 2017 brought, and I didn't want to see them anymore. Every time I turned on the TV there were tears, heartbreak, deception and hurt. I knew that I was always searching for positive stories, so others must be as well. I also knew that more often than not there are negative stories that come from sports - bad sportsmanship, cheating, scandal, etc. But what I love to find, are the stories that go beyond the field or the court. I like the stories that remind us all that athletes are just humans (with some extraordinary talent), and their stories of challenges, adversity, and struggles are something that can help all of us too. From stories of NFL big shots donating their entire salary to Hurricane relief, to college athletes proving that a disability is only a disability if you let it be (blind long-snappers, one-handed linemen), to Power 5 schools that have equipment managers with down syndrome. All these stories had one thing in common- the resounding notion that nothing can stop you. YOU are capable of so much more than you think you are, and if you're willing to put in the time, effort, blood, sweat, and tears- anything is truly possible. In my podcast, HalftimeHappyHour, I have found myself in constant awe. While doing research for content, I'm blown away by the amount of positive stories I can find...all you have to do is look. There's a lot of darkness in our world today, but if you look for the light - it will be found. Let's all make a conscious effort to continue to find the positives.
3.New Year, Old Friends
I've been lucky enough to have the same best friends since before my braces were off. I've conquered life's heaviest burdens and it's unpredictable path with the same core group of badass women, and I am so f**king lucky. I've been plenty blessed with incredible, life-long friends along the way, but there's nothing like the comfort of surrounding yourself with people who know all your stories and like you anyway. For the past decade or so (give or take a few hiatuses), I've brought in the New Year with my oldest friends. There's something special about that- starting off a new chapter, while being surrounded by the people who know you the best. We've all created our own paths, and paved our own way all across the USA. From different universities, countries, careers, there's such a difference in who we are, and where we're going, but one thing remains steadfast - our devotion and commitment to each other. Constantly encouraging each other's dreams, goals, ambitions and love interests. There is no one I trust more with my dumb antics, my stories, my past or my future, than this group of women. It sounds cheesy as hell, but I truly look back on my life and feel incredibly blessed to be surrounded by old friends and new friends that continue to challenge me, fuel me, and encourage me. So incredibly thankful to have a network as tough, resilient, and incredibly funny to guide me through yet another year of shenanigans.
4. Get out of your comfort zone
This thought is always a work in progress for me, but year by year, I get a little bit better. For me, my comfort zone is home. I have a lot of love, and a lot of comfort, in Iowa and it's sometimes hard for me to let go and explore new places and things. It's not that I don't want to - I do! I think the world has so much to offer and the thought of new places always excites me, yet I usually just end up curled up on my couch with my dog. I like knowing where I'm going, who I'll be seeing, and what I'll be doing. I like routine and structure. I get anxious when I travel, and sometimes I let it taint the experience. Over the New Year, my girlfriends got me out of the miserable cold and we headed south to Austin, Texas. What an adventure full of laughter, creating new memories and reminiscing on the old ones. We all explored a new city none of us had ever been to, with zero expectations or plans. I think it was one of the best trips I've ever had because it didn't matter what we were doing, we were all constantly having a blast. After the drive to Chicago, I was in the worst mood. I loathe the toll-way, and really let it get to me. Then the parking, and the cold, and the yadda yadda, I was diving into a negative hole really fast. I owe it all to my friends, and the impromptu terminal bar crawl, for turning my mood around and reminding me what this vacation was all about- spending time with one another and letting go of stress and anxiety that was brought on in 2017. Here's to learning to let go, and woo-sah a little bit more in 2018.
5. Fans: the first love you, the first to leave you
Let's get it out there- this Iowa men's basketball season hasn't hit the hype we all thought was there. But despite that, it's been even harder to watch the "fan base" so quickly turn on one of Iowa's best player coaches, and talented/deepest roster. It's infuriating to see "fans" turn to twitter to demonize a college athlete in 240 characters or less. To see "fans" so openly hating, cursing, and tearing down 18 and 21-year-old STUDENT athletes for missing a lay up, is beyond disappointing. Listen, I get the frustration - but don't you think the players feel the frustration a little bit more? I would bet you all my dollars that these hardworking, talented, driven players want nothing more than to win - but with "fans" so quickly yanking their support, I'd imagine it's pretty hard to do so. I never really understood the point of spending money and time to go to a place just to be angry at a bunch of collegiate athletes (who are clearly trying to figure it out!). Why ruin the experience for those around you and your anger? Here's my thing- there's not a player on that court that looks "eh" to be playing. There's not a player on that court that isn't doing everything in their power to win the damn game. As the season has progressed you can feel the frustration as the players foul, and you can see it with the empty seats, deserted by "fans". I wish I could shake every single person that calls themselves a Hawkeye, and ask them why they run the second the team struggles? In my opinion, that's when the team needs you the most. Sure it's fun to cheer on a team that always wins, but they're not the ones who need you to fill the seats or get loud. The team that needs you is right down the street. Struggling to find their connections, their drive, their 'why'. WE, as fans, need to be their why. WE need to support our team, not just in times of glory, but times of trial as well. We all need to remember to Fight For Iowa - even in the muddiest waters.
While we're on the topic of basketball- the Iowa Women's Basketball team is freaking dominating the court. Growing up, my biggest role models were Iowa players. They were tough, fierce, and so athletic. In all honesty, women's basketball in general doesn't get the recognition it deserves, which is another conversation of it's own, but these Iowa players are phenomenal and deserve the recognition. You'll see more stories about the men's team losing than stories about the women's team winning- hopefully, this will change, but for now I'm here to tell you about how badass these ladies are. Megan Gustafson is a force to be reckoned with. An athletic wall, if you will, who gets down and drives straight to the hoop. She boxes out with such force there's now way you could pay me to try to challenge her. She's 8/8 of B1G player of the week, and there's not sign she's slowing down anytime soon. Then there's Kathleen Doyle, a total team player, who has such passion and energy for the game it's almost tangible. It's so fun to watch her work, drive, and hustle after everything. Then there's Hannah Steward, Alexis Sevillian, and the rest of the squad who have an extra pressure and challenge with two starters (Tania Davis, and Makenzie Meyer) out for injury. These women click - on and off the court. You can see the friendships, trust, and support they have for one another and it's truly energizing. You don't get a team that meshes like this very often, so for all of you that have never seen Iowa Women's Basketball - get to Carver arena this Saturday to watch for yourself the magic this team brings to the court.
I'm sure I could go on about lots of different tid-bits that have crossed my mind in these first eight days of 2018, but that's what the other 51 weeks are for.
xx
1. GRL PWR.
If you've been living under a rock the past few months I suggest it's time you dig yourself out. We are living in a righteous time to be a female. The #MeToo and #TimesUp movement ran full force last night at the Golden Globes and if you didn't get emotional, or feel empowered, you have zero soul. In the wake of the heinous "discovery" that women are sexually harassed/abused by their "industry professionals" and that for years equal work has not received equal pay, there is nothing more moving than seeing women, arm in arm, face the patriarchy and stand tall. The Golden Globes went all black in support of equal pay, victims of sexual assault and harassment, and for creating a resounding unity amongst all women. The Golden Globes, widely known to be the fun cousin of award shows, was so much more than just a party. From the red-carpet interviews, to the acceptance speeches, the language of female "togetherness" was overwhelming. I was moved to tears by Oprah's encouraging words, and applauded loud for all the women who called out networks, and people for discrimination. I am genuinely so proud to be a woman, and to be encouraged to always speak my truth.
2. Sports aren't just about winning and losing
If you're one of the loyal handful of people who listen to my podcast (more to come I promise), I appreciate you. If you don't listen - boo. Just kidding. I never started recording with the intent to change the world, I started my podcast with the intent to help me find the silver-lining in 2017. There were far too many horror stories that 2017 brought, and I didn't want to see them anymore. Every time I turned on the TV there were tears, heartbreak, deception and hurt. I knew that I was always searching for positive stories, so others must be as well. I also knew that more often than not there are negative stories that come from sports - bad sportsmanship, cheating, scandal, etc. But what I love to find, are the stories that go beyond the field or the court. I like the stories that remind us all that athletes are just humans (with some extraordinary talent), and their stories of challenges, adversity, and struggles are something that can help all of us too. From stories of NFL big shots donating their entire salary to Hurricane relief, to college athletes proving that a disability is only a disability if you let it be (blind long-snappers, one-handed linemen), to Power 5 schools that have equipment managers with down syndrome. All these stories had one thing in common- the resounding notion that nothing can stop you. YOU are capable of so much more than you think you are, and if you're willing to put in the time, effort, blood, sweat, and tears- anything is truly possible. In my podcast, HalftimeHappyHour, I have found myself in constant awe. While doing research for content, I'm blown away by the amount of positive stories I can find...all you have to do is look. There's a lot of darkness in our world today, but if you look for the light - it will be found. Let's all make a conscious effort to continue to find the positives.
3.New Year, Old Friends
I've been lucky enough to have the same best friends since before my braces were off. I've conquered life's heaviest burdens and it's unpredictable path with the same core group of badass women, and I am so f**king lucky. I've been plenty blessed with incredible, life-long friends along the way, but there's nothing like the comfort of surrounding yourself with people who know all your stories and like you anyway. For the past decade or so (give or take a few hiatuses), I've brought in the New Year with my oldest friends. There's something special about that- starting off a new chapter, while being surrounded by the people who know you the best. We've all created our own paths, and paved our own way all across the USA. From different universities, countries, careers, there's such a difference in who we are, and where we're going, but one thing remains steadfast - our devotion and commitment to each other. Constantly encouraging each other's dreams, goals, ambitions and love interests. There is no one I trust more with my dumb antics, my stories, my past or my future, than this group of women. It sounds cheesy as hell, but I truly look back on my life and feel incredibly blessed to be surrounded by old friends and new friends that continue to challenge me, fuel me, and encourage me. So incredibly thankful to have a network as tough, resilient, and incredibly funny to guide me through yet another year of shenanigans.
4. Get out of your comfort zone
This thought is always a work in progress for me, but year by year, I get a little bit better. For me, my comfort zone is home. I have a lot of love, and a lot of comfort, in Iowa and it's sometimes hard for me to let go and explore new places and things. It's not that I don't want to - I do! I think the world has so much to offer and the thought of new places always excites me, yet I usually just end up curled up on my couch with my dog. I like knowing where I'm going, who I'll be seeing, and what I'll be doing. I like routine and structure. I get anxious when I travel, and sometimes I let it taint the experience. Over the New Year, my girlfriends got me out of the miserable cold and we headed south to Austin, Texas. What an adventure full of laughter, creating new memories and reminiscing on the old ones. We all explored a new city none of us had ever been to, with zero expectations or plans. I think it was one of the best trips I've ever had because it didn't matter what we were doing, we were all constantly having a blast. After the drive to Chicago, I was in the worst mood. I loathe the toll-way, and really let it get to me. Then the parking, and the cold, and the yadda yadda, I was diving into a negative hole really fast. I owe it all to my friends, and the impromptu terminal bar crawl, for turning my mood around and reminding me what this vacation was all about- spending time with one another and letting go of stress and anxiety that was brought on in 2017. Here's to learning to let go, and woo-sah a little bit more in 2018.
5. Fans: the first love you, the first to leave you
Let's get it out there- this Iowa men's basketball season hasn't hit the hype we all thought was there. But despite that, it's been even harder to watch the "fan base" so quickly turn on one of Iowa's best player coaches, and talented/deepest roster. It's infuriating to see "fans" turn to twitter to demonize a college athlete in 240 characters or less. To see "fans" so openly hating, cursing, and tearing down 18 and 21-year-old STUDENT athletes for missing a lay up, is beyond disappointing. Listen, I get the frustration - but don't you think the players feel the frustration a little bit more? I would bet you all my dollars that these hardworking, talented, driven players want nothing more than to win - but with "fans" so quickly yanking their support, I'd imagine it's pretty hard to do so. I never really understood the point of spending money and time to go to a place just to be angry at a bunch of collegiate athletes (who are clearly trying to figure it out!). Why ruin the experience for those around you and your anger? Here's my thing- there's not a player on that court that looks "eh" to be playing. There's not a player on that court that isn't doing everything in their power to win the damn game. As the season has progressed you can feel the frustration as the players foul, and you can see it with the empty seats, deserted by "fans". I wish I could shake every single person that calls themselves a Hawkeye, and ask them why they run the second the team struggles? In my opinion, that's when the team needs you the most. Sure it's fun to cheer on a team that always wins, but they're not the ones who need you to fill the seats or get loud. The team that needs you is right down the street. Struggling to find their connections, their drive, their 'why'. WE, as fans, need to be their why. WE need to support our team, not just in times of glory, but times of trial as well. We all need to remember to Fight For Iowa - even in the muddiest waters.
While we're on the topic of basketball- the Iowa Women's Basketball team is freaking dominating the court. Growing up, my biggest role models were Iowa players. They were tough, fierce, and so athletic. In all honesty, women's basketball in general doesn't get the recognition it deserves, which is another conversation of it's own, but these Iowa players are phenomenal and deserve the recognition. You'll see more stories about the men's team losing than stories about the women's team winning- hopefully, this will change, but for now I'm here to tell you about how badass these ladies are. Megan Gustafson is a force to be reckoned with. An athletic wall, if you will, who gets down and drives straight to the hoop. She boxes out with such force there's now way you could pay me to try to challenge her. She's 8/8 of B1G player of the week, and there's not sign she's slowing down anytime soon. Then there's Kathleen Doyle, a total team player, who has such passion and energy for the game it's almost tangible. It's so fun to watch her work, drive, and hustle after everything. Then there's Hannah Steward, Alexis Sevillian, and the rest of the squad who have an extra pressure and challenge with two starters (Tania Davis, and Makenzie Meyer) out for injury. These women click - on and off the court. You can see the friendships, trust, and support they have for one another and it's truly energizing. You don't get a team that meshes like this very often, so for all of you that have never seen Iowa Women's Basketball - get to Carver arena this Saturday to watch for yourself the magic this team brings to the court.
I'm sure I could go on about lots of different tid-bits that have crossed my mind in these first eight days of 2018, but that's what the other 51 weeks are for.
xx
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| May your 2018 bring you happiness and inflatable unicorns |
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