My name is Stephanie and I am one of the five pieces of the pie known as Sparkle.Pounce. (mmm-pie!) I thought that I would share with you my personal definition of Sparkle.Pounce., so grab a cup of coffee or your Nalgene and let's have a chat.
When I reflect on some of life's greatest moments, I realize that more often than not, being outside of my comfort zone and chasing after my dreams oftentimes go hand-in-hand. From crossing the finish line at my first 5k in college, to triumphantly throwing my hands in the air at the finish line of Ironman Mont Tremblant a couple years ago, I was so grateful for the confidence, happiness, and fulfillment that resulted from these amazing life experiences.
Instead of expanding on the history of the establishment of Sparkle.Pounce, I thought that I would dive right in to a story that embodies what Sparkle.Pounce. means to me.
Much to my dismay, this winter in snowy Michigan has been nothing short of finger-numbing-snowy-icy-misery that has resulted in me forgoing my usual stubborn avoidance of running on the treadmill and willingness to wear as many layers as possible if it means continuing to run outside. Now, let me preface this by saying that I am usually the type of person that has a loving and compassionate place in my heart for this sometimes much hated season. This is winter, in Michigan. If you are expecting palm trees and sun tanning, then you are in the wrong state.
Anyways- I belong to the gym at my local community center that happens to have a very amazing aquatics facility. The circa 1994 treadmills are located on the second floor and overlook the expansive pool area that is complete with several diving boards of varying heights. There was open swim happening at this particular moment, and on my way out of the gym, I noticed a young girl cautiously climbing up the ladder of the highest diving board. With a stream of kiddos lined up behind her, she reached the top of the diving board and was grasping onto both sides of the railing with what looked like pure terror. She proceeded to do a little dance on her tip-toes that was comprised of walking out to the end of the diving board and retreating back to the ladder in fear. By this time, I was watching her every move with baited breath while resisting the extreme urge to start cheering for her from across the pool deck (which most likely would have resulted in having security being called on the strange lady yelling "jump!!" to some random little girl).
And then it happened- during the final tip-toe dance to the end of the diving board, I saw her plug her nose and take the plunge! She popped out of the water, hopped out of the pool with victorious glee, and stepped back in line for a second jump. And that, my friends, is what Sparkle.Pounce. means to me.
Did you just finish your first 5k? Sparkle.Pounce.
Sign up for your first endurance event? Sparkle.Pounce.
Give an awesome presentation at work to a room full of people? Sparkle.Pounce.
Finally do a pull-up after months of trying? Sparkle.Pounce.
PR your half marathon? Sparkle.Pounce.
Committed to a goal that involves stepping outside of your comfort zone? Sparkle.Pounce.
And to the 8-year-old in the navy polka-dot bathing suit that made the random lady on the pool deck tear up after watching you conquer your fears, Sparkle.Pounce.
-Steph
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