The rainbow parachute, the bent hula-hoops, and even "What time is it Mr. Wolf?" (That game still scares me). I had a blast every time I went. The years passed and I bumped up a few levels. We started to learn the basic skills. Cartwheels, back walkovers and all that jazz. We still played games sometimes. Every once in a while we had a handstand contest. I remember that girl who always cheated. Bending your legs and walking around isn't allowed missy!
After the next couple years I learned more and more. I went in to competitions and won ribbons and medals. At one point I even won first place against the whole province. That trophy is sitting on a shelf right now, but still has no hand from my friend sitting on it five minutes after I had won it.
Middle school had come and it was full of new opportunities. Time to meet new friends and join some activities and sports. "Hey, want to hang out on Thursday?" my friends would ask. "I can't, I have gymnastics then."
"What about Friday?"
"Can't."
"Can we have a sleepover on Saturday?"
"I have gym the next morning."
"Oh, well, maybe another time then."
I never had anytime to hang out with my friends. Then came volleyball. Volleyball had been one of my favorite sports that I wasn't too shabby at. I couldn't join it because the practices were on the same day as my gymnastics practices. That was a huge bummer.
Two years passed and I'm currently in grade eight. I began to start freaking myself out at gymnastics. I would think about all the negative things like, "Don't let go of the bar!" or "That would be the end of your life if you fake out." My body began to hurt and I would fall behind in new things we were learning. It was always a relief when my body hurt. That meant I didn't have to do anything.
It was a constant struggle to get ready to go to gym all those days. I absolutely hated it there. I was terrified every time I went and it took up a lot of time. Time I needed to finish all those late assignments I had at school. At some points I would just break down crying from all the stress. There was only one way to relieve all my stress. Quit gymnastics.
I talked to the head coach about how I wanted to 'retire'. He was alright with my decision and wants me to come back to coach the little kids. I was glad to say I would. I didn't like gymnastics at all, but I couldn't leave it all at once!
Next year will be high school and time to actually follow my dreams. It's never too late to start.
-Poppinx3
