In my youth ―
I did gymnastics, ballet, diving, track, and soccer. My happiest memories are when I was practicing on a 4" wide balance beam, concentrating on every move ... or when I was in the middle of huge floor exercise mat, perfecting my routines to the music.
- Extreme focus.
- Endless practice.
- Overcoming fear.
- Making it all look effortless.
- Pure joy when I nailed my routines.
In college ―
I earned a gymnastics scholarship to the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1979-80, the first year of its inception. My senior year of high school, I was recruited to be on a team of 8 young women to launch the Mizzou Tiger Women's Gymnastics program. At that time, women's college athletic programs were still getting up and running. The program quickly grew a loyal following and became a significant revenue generator for the university.
My life after gymnastics ...
- Being a gymnast in the 1970's and early 80's prepared me for a lifetime of trailblazing.
- I learned to be disciplined, resilient, and go at my own pace.
What I didn't know then ...
- That I would spend the rest of my life ― breaking down barriers for women ― at every stage of my career in tech, as a working parent, and now in midlife navigating the challenges of aging in the 21st century.
As an adult ―
I continued to explore various forms of dance (jazz, modern, ballroom), practiced Mat Pilates, and eventually discovered Mind-Body Fitness. I became fascinated with fusion practices that blend ― Pilates, Yoga, martial arts like Tai Chi and Qigong, and basic dance elements.
Now, I create my own practices ...
And I bring others along with me on the journey!
