Golden Thread

Today was the day. Cheerleading tryouts. My stomach has been doing somersaults all morning. Even putting on my makeup was a disaster. My hands were shaking so much, I almost poked my eye out with the eyeliner! I tried to focus on my breathing exercises, but my mind keeps replaying all the possible ways I could mess up. What if I fall during the stunts? What if I can't keep up with the other girls? What if I looked like a total klutz? 

 

But then I remembered that golden thread I've been weaving in my mind. The time I gave that speech in front of the whole school. I was terrified, but I did it! And I aced that math test last month even though I thought I was going to fail. All those little victories added up to make me stronger, you know? 

 

I looked in the mirror, trying to see the confident girl I know I can be. I put on my best smile and headed to the gym. My heart was pounding, but I also felt a thrill running through me.

 

The tryouts were intense. I stumbled at first. The fear threatening to consume me. I wanted to crawl under a rock. But then I just focused on my breathing and tried to remember that I'm actually pretty good at this. With each successful stunt, I did okay. I felt more sure of myself.

 

In the end, I didn't make the varsity squad. Disappointment washed over me, threatening to drown me in self-pity. But then I looked around at the other girls. Their faces beamed with pride. I realized that the real victory wasn't about making the team; it was about facing my fears and discovering the incredible strength that resides within me. I learned that I'm braver than I thought. I pushed myself way outside my comfort zone, and that feels pretty amazing. 

 

 

 


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