Have you ever heard the quote “day-to-day nothing seems to change, but when you look back, everything is different”. I wanted to write an article about an activity that can be really useful when you’re feeling like you’re in a slump. And in the winter months, that feeling can be a lot more frequent. You may have noticed over the festive period that people have been reflecting on their achievements over the past year. This is great news, and if these people are your friends, don’t forget to cheer for them. It can feel a little deflating seeing all this positivity when you have this big black cloud looming over you. But remember, comparison is the thief of joy, and their achievements don’t take away from your own..

You may be in a great place emotionally, or the opposite. Either way I want you to reflect on the last five years, ten years, or longer if you fancy. Really think about where you were ten years ago, what you were doing, who you were friends with, what your emotional state was and what challenges you were yet to face. There are so many questions you could ask, and so many pearls of wisdom you can offer from your time on earth. Although you may be at an age where you feel like everyone around you is doing amazing things and you’re not, all those people doing amazing things are probably thinking the same as you! Even still, you’ll be surprised at how much there is to be proud of. As an example, I’ll share my ten year reflection and letter to my younger self

Dear seventeen-year-old Rachel

The world hasn’t been kind to you lately and you have another bump in the road oncoming. You know what it is, the inevitable career ending injury. You may have noticed that these past few years of injuries have taken its tole on your mental health. I’d love to tell you that your body improves, but that’d be the biggest lie of the century! You’re going to have a bumpy road with your mental health, even bumpier than it is now. The journey will be long and tough. You’ll lose a lot of friends and faith in the world, you’ll go through a lot of emotional turmoil, you’ll question yourself and your identity, but you’ll learn so many lessons and grow into the best version of yourself. Your swimming career is a huge part of your childhood, but it is not your total identity. You can and will thrive without it (it might just take a while). Don’t worry, it gets better.

Thanks to our injuries, you won’t be able to take that scholarship to the US uni, you won’t even go to either of your top two universities (but don’t worry, you excelled in your A Levels, stop doubting yourself!). I won’t lie to you, uni is going to be a wild ride. But I want you to stick by your values, know your worth. Challenge staff members when their behaviours and attitudes are nothing short of bullish. But I have a secret for you, the storm won’t last forever.

Although your mental and physical health will take a tumble, we’re going to come out the other end so much stronger. I know those nights you cry yourself to sleep feel like they’re never going to end. I know it feels like no one understands and you struggle to trust. I know the world feels so heavy right now, and will do for some time. Surprisingly, you’ll fall even more in love with cheerleading, will be introduced to the world of All Star cheer, and this will be one of the biggest turning points in your mental health recovery. Don’t worry, it gets better.

You always feel like an underachiever, why is that? In ten years time you’ll have three degrees – don’t sweat about that 800 word assignment, you’ll be completing a 16,000 word dissertation one day. Remember that your education doesn’t determine your future; your work ethic does. You’ll raise thousands of pounds for charity, you’ll captain your university cheer team, work in some incredible environments, volunteer abroad and have your own not-for-profit in your dream field. They are some incredible achievements, how privileged we are.

Stop stressing over your CV and start enjoying life, let your hair down! Further down the line things start getting better. This world that you’ve felt so alone in doesn’t feel so lonely anymore. You’ll stop living according to other’s prejudice and start living for you. You’ll say goodbye to some dear people (and animals) but your life is so rich. You have a house, a steady job (who’d ever thought we’d get there?), the cutest rescue dog AND a fiancé (even more of a surprise). Like it said, it gets better.

Life is tough at 17. You have to make so many decisions that you’re told will impact the rest of your life. They don’t, don’t believe the hype. Life is tough at any age without the right people surrounding you. You’re going to learn a lot of lessons about friendship and loyalty. Your circle will be small and although that’s always been one of your biggest fears. But life is about quality, not quantity.

Don’t worry, it gets better – it always does!

Whether, like me, you’re in the high points on life able to reflect on the low points, or your currently trudging through the struggle, find relevance in my letter and make it fit you. Take the advice I’ve given myself, allow yourself to pause and take a break. The world won’t stop spinning because you need a second to breathe. Whether you’ve experienced mental health concerns, physical health concerns or other health concerns, you’ve overcome such personal challenges and obstacles, you have family or other relationship issues, have worked your way up cheer teams or skills, or something different completely, look how far you have come. And if you still feel stuck in those experiences, don’t worry, it gets better!

Always remember your cheer family is here for you.-

Ta’ra for now,

Rach x

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