Is it all about you?

Hey Power Girl,

Sorry to be a little late in posting my blog this week.

I was at a dance competition all weekend and had early mornings (getting ready to dance) and late nights (performing), so I couldn’t get to my blog until today.

I had a fun weekend with my family and friends.

It was also really busy because of dance and because it was my brother’s birthday.

It was really hard because I focused on myself this weekend and had to remember that it’s not all about me.

It’s about my family, and friends too.

When I compete I get into this “zone”.  I need to get my head-space right in order for me to give it 110% on stage.

It is very difficult on a weekend like this to focus on other things, but I did because I had a realization.

It’s not about me!

I want to tell you about the moment I realized this.

I was on stage, accepting an award and the MC (master of ceremonies) caught me off guard.

He asked me to give a Shout Out.

I had to think of what I would shout out, to hundreds and hundreds of people, with just a second to prepare.

That’s when I realized it.

It’s not about ME, it’s about everyone else who has allowed me to have the opportunities I have had.

It’s about ALL the people in my life who are my role models, my mentors and my support.

Above all it is about God who gives me the strength and courage to do what I do.

In my Shout Out I thanked my dance teachers at Canadian Dance Company, my parents and God.

After thinking about it I realized that I have been so blessed by so many people.

My first dance teacher Miss Kelly, recognized something in me.

It’s not about me, it’s about her too.  What if she wouldn’t have pulled me out of the group and noticed that I had a special love for dance?

I wouldn’t have had the great start that I had.

She believed in me and helped me to believe in myself.

She pushed me and gave me an advantage because of how much she expected of me.

She could have kept things simple but I wouldn’t have grown.

Her high expectations pushed me beyond my limits and gave me the advantage I needed.  My mom calls it the “eye of the tiger.”

My parents sacrifice so much for me (and my brothers and sister).

The time and money they put into my training.

It’s not about me, it’s about them too.

What if I had a lazy mom who refused to drive me to dance almost everyday of the week?

What if they didn’t think it was worth the money to pay for all of my training?  I wouldn’t have the support that is needed to make my dreams come true.

My parents believed in me and taught me to believe in myself, dream big and just go for it!

My parents have taught me to not just believe in myself, but to know that I can achieve anything I set my mind towards.

My dance teachers – ALL of them.

I have been dancing for a very long time.

I have danced at a few different studios.

All of my teachers believed in me and gave me opportunities.

It’s not about me, but all my teachers too.

What if every time I went to a different studio, my teachers ignored me because I was the new kid?   I would not have grown technically or increased my ability.

All of my dance teachers have given me something special.

Whether it was showmanship, technique or just a different style.

I have learned from all of them and I have grown because of all of them.

They each made me better in THEIR own way.

My friends.

My friends are all supportive and happy for me.

When I accomplish something they are not jealous but really happy.

They want the best for me and encourage me.

It’s not about me, but about my friends too.

What if every time I was preparing for something big, they psyched me out?  I would  have doubt in myself.

My friends are always there for me.  They are there to cheer me on and support me.

When I am dancing and I hear them clapping and shouting awesome things at me, they give me energy.  Their support helps kick me into high gear to finish strong.

My siblings.  Like my friends they are supportive and happy for me. It’s not about me, but them too.

They know what my strengths and weaknesses are and they love me completely for who I am.

What if I had jealous siblings who resented anything about me.

Have you seen the movie “Diary of a Wimpy Kid?”  A mean sibling could make your life miserable.

My siblings make my life incredible.  We are tight and my life is exciting because of them.

Every day is a party and every night is a sleepover.  I can’t imagine living my life without them.

My God.  Well my favourite bible verse is Philippians 4:13.  “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”

It is definitely not about me.  I owe it ALL to GOD!!!

LIFE LESON: Try to live everyday realizing that it’s not about you.

YOUR life is great.  Even if you aren’t in the best place right now, it is guaranteed that you are in a place much better than somebody else.

Live in GRATITUDE everyday for what you have, who you are and the people who it is all about.

Really when you think about it, everyone you come in contact with shapes you a bit.

Be grateful for them.

It is all about them.  Life without them would be empty!

Being great is appreciating the greatness in OTHERS.

Be Great!

Your friend and coach,

Jessy Lipke

 

 

 

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