The Heart Behind The Mat

Welcome to week one of Skill & Soul! I am so excited to have you all here. This project has been a long time coming and I am so proud + excited to share that It is finally here! I am so passionate about this sport. Tumbling has changed my life for the better in so many ways that I could never fully be able to put into words.

For week one, I really wanted to just share deeper into my thoughts and my whole purpose behind this in the first place.

When I was 13, I lost my best friend. Having to attend your moms funeral at such a young age is not something I would wish on anyone. When I hear other people share their story that relates to me, I just can’t help but mourn so deeply for them. I never want another person to experience this pain and grief, it truly is so unfair and cruel. I was a gymnast for about 10 years before I lost my mom. After, I just couldn’t continue. It was something we did together and I had never attended anything without her. It just felt wrong to continue knowing she wasn’t there. I took some time off to mourn and find myself. I ended up going a little crazy honestly- I had never remembered a time where I wasn’t at practice or doing something. Sitting alone at home without a practice to turn to and get my mind off things made me realize how much I needed a sport in my life.

My next door neighbor later had invited me to her cheer practice. I remember being so nervous, and so excited to experience a new chapter. I will forever thank my Allstar coaches for being so kind to me- I was not the most coachable athlete at the time. I was sad, confused, lost, depressed, and unsure where I belonged and could fit in. I was starting a brand new life, all by myself it felt like. I remember giving myself two choices on how to deal with the pain and grief, and never looking back. Chose to use this as a lesson, a opportunity, an experience to grow and to learn. Or fall into addiction, a slump- looking back I am so grateful for the choice I made.

So many incredible friendships, amazing experiences, and countless opportunities all from this tragedy. I wouldn’t be the same without it, and for that I am grateful.

I lost my mom to Liver and Chrons Disease, but I will never lose the memories.

If you are struggling and going through a trial, greif, etc, I want to be an example of hope and light. Please know that things will get better, and the sun will always rise again. When God takes something away, He has something bigger in store for us.

I hope you all enjoyed my thoughts for week one of Skill & Soul. I can’t wait to keep sharing with you all.

Much Love,

Paiger