What's Your Inspiration?

To me, inspiration is something that stimulates you to do creative work. Well, cheer is what gets me this way. I have been cheering for nine years now and I wouldn't change anything about it. I have cheered in Illinois and in Missouri and it amazes me how different the rules are, even though we are so close to one another. Something about cheerleading just gives me a sudden adrenaline rush; I don't know if it is the tossing, jumping, stunting, or cheering itself, but i love every thing about it. When I am cheering I suddenly get into a better mood and my creative side comes out. I can always think of stunts, routines, and chants that are very creative and challenging. Whenever I am faced with a challenge in cheer, I am always more determined to conquer it and be the best I can be at it. To me, the two poems below are what cheerleading is all about, behind the glamour.

I believe that cheer has made me a better person, and shaped me into the person I am today. Cheerleading has helped me learn to have a better attitude about certain things in life. The cheerleaders are the people who have to be positive about everything, win or lose. Because I am so used to doing this at football and basketball games, I do it in normal everyday life. I think cheerleading is so important to me because I have been doing it for so long and it has helped me in so many situations. People may not understand what  I mean when I say that it has helped me, but I mean that it is a place I can release my anger and stress. Instead of releasing these things in bad ways, I can release them in a positive way, keeping a positive attitude about it.

I am a cheerleader.

I must wear my uniform with pride and respect

or when serving in the role which my uniform places me.

I must accept the fact that I am no longer a volunteer.

Oligations to the "team" mean that I

am punctual for practice and never murmur when

called upon to do the related duties

that a cheerleader performs.

I will never allow my conduct, thoughts, attitudes or emotions

to betray the trust that others have placed in me

as a member of the team.

Now I lay me down to rest,

I've tried my hardest and done my best

to stunt, jump, dance, and cheer,

with the sharpest of motions and no trace of fear.

I know in the morning my body will ache

but, for what I love it's a price I gladly pay.

Thank you, God for making me strong

with determination and commitment

when practices are too long.

And Lord if I shall die before I wake,

I'll know I've shown the world,

Cheerleaders were born, not made.