#thankfulfor my athletics community

Every week through the month of May, I will share one thing I am thankful for and how this time of COVID-19 has illuminated that in my life. This week I’m highlighting my athletics community.

A few weeks ago life seemed to stop, normal activities and work came to a screeching halt. In all this I've moved temporarily back to my parents house where I could be supported and surrounded by family while the nation and state are in "lockdown."

For our sanity we attempt to get out for a walk each day, but just that doesn’t cut it sometimes. So one day I took to the workout archives and headed to the park with a throwback to my high school track and field days. 

2016 high school graduation celebration with a few of the many people who made high school track so rewarding.
(also to this day one of my favorite pictures) 

It was this day at the park when I realized how unique it is to have the skills and knowledge I have about exercise and body mechanics. There are a plethora of coaches, trainers, doctors, therapists, and teammates who have trained and taught me over the years. It is these individuals who taught me the tricks of the trade, the how's and when's of training; from warm up, to cool down, to recovery. Within and beyond these things, they have also taught me the responsibilities which come with being an athlete. Responsibilities such as teamwork, community, and diligence. There are many who have pushed me to learn and grow in understanding and appreciation of myself and others. They have taught me to always follow through, work with others, leave it all on the runway, and keep my eyes focused forward.

I am a firm believer that God has created and given us communities for a reason, and that being part of a community is an integral part of being human. Each community we are part of teaches us something. We may not see it yet, but the hours, days, weeks, months, and years we spend with people are times God can use to equip us for lessons later in life. I’m learning thankfulness and as a part of that, have noticed how grateful I am for the people who have given years of their life to love and serve me through sports. These individuals have not only trained and prepared me to physically care for myself and others at a time like this, but they have prepared me to endure in hope and faithfulness to the end when the going gets hard.

So to all the coaches, trainers, doctors, therapists, and teammates through the years of volleyball, soccer, and track and field: Thank you! 

Much love and appreciation,
Jacqueline