IGNITE Your Navigation of the Season’s Storms
By Shayla A
The Midwest has seen storms this winter season that have been record-breaking and unpredicted. The City had been prepared and worked diligently to take care of the hazards to keep the roads safe. They planned, communicated, and seeked extra assistance when needed. This ensured the community could continue living their lives through the storms. As coaches, we provide this same support, guidance, and assistance for our girls. We weather the storms within our team. We weather the storms within our girls. We navigate the storms with grace, perseverance, and fun. In this episode of IGNITE we will use our language, hopes and dreams, and celebrations as tools to help us battle through the storms.
The Bonn Institute states, “that the power of language goes beyond emotions and can impact how people perceive the world” (Feb.2, 2023). As coaches, that is what our purpose is- to impact how our girls perceive their world. We empower with our words of truth. We comfort with our words of patience. We motivate with our words of purpose. Each girl’s story is missing an important character who will change brain pathways with the affectionate words and kind energy. Our words have the power to create and build a girl’s belief in herself. Every girl is navigating the rocky storm of belief in herself and in others. It is with grace that we accept every girl at their best, acknowledging it is their best, and empowering them to challenge their best.
Our own hopes and dreams for this season guide our girls through the storms within themselves and within their stories. The hope for a full team crossing the finish line in celebration motivates the team to persevere through slow practice days. The dream for a fully funded team of girls empowers the girls to create an impactful Community Project. We become better connected and unified when we share our hopes and dreams with each other. The first two practices of the season (but can be done anytime) are a good time to chat about each other’s hopes and dreams for the season. These chats do not have to be done as a whole group. Mix these chats into conversations while taking a water break or while walking laps. Talking about hopes and dreams encourages purpose, drives motivation, and builds our perseverance.
It’s important to remember the significance of celebrating. It’s also important to remember the act of accomplishing a task is not the celebration. Acknowledgement is an important ingredient to celebrating. Amit Kalatri states, “Celebrations infuse life with passion and purpose. They summon the human spirit.” When you sprinkle a practice with mini-celebrations, the morale is boosted no matter the worse kind of day or mood. One cannot avoid a heart-pull with celebrating energy in the air. Navigating a practice with mini-celebrations is simple. Everyone loves a 30 second dance party because everyone remembered to take care of themselves and brought their water bottle to practice. Of course, a team high-five is needed when everyone completes their lap goals. Receiving a post-it note that says, “You are awesome!” will bring a smile to a heart and comfort a sadness. Any time a girl is celebrated, the outcome empowers and grows strength in her core belief system. That strength is what will carry her through her life storms.
As we navigate this upcoming season, we will always be empowering with our words, building the foundation for acceptance and perseverance. Our team’s hopes and dreams drive us through the challenges. The celebrations we have as we journey, bond us together and strengthen our beliefs. This season is one to be remembered! It’s possible it will be the best one yet! With your grace, perseverance, and fun you are unstoppable!
Shayla A is the Coach Mentor for Girls on the Run Greater Kansas City. Her background comes from the classroom, coaching, day treatment schools, wellness, and advocating for children with special needs. She enjoys empowering and advocating for girls and coaches in every challenge and celebration. Connect with her for support and assistance this season via call, text, or email. shaylaaranda@gmail.com | 816-284-9770
RESOURCE LIST TO IGNITE YOUR NAVIGATION OF THE SEASON’S STORMS:
Choice Words by Peter H. Johnston
The Strength in our Scars by Bianca Sparacino
Feelings: A Story in Seasons by Manjit Thapp
This Was Meant To Find You by Charlotte Freeman
TO WATCH A VIDEO ON HOW TO IGNITE YOUR NAVIGATION OF THE SEASON’S STORMS:
https://youtu.be/qDxf4wV_UAU