The Upside of Change

It feels like there’s always something big happening these days—breaking news, gossip, and innuendo at every turn. This past week, like so many, I’ve felt the weight of it all. Personally, I needed to take a step back, lean on the people around me, and found myself deeply grateful for my friends and their unwavering understanding and support.

With so much information constantly coming at us, especially locally, it can be hard to keep up. But in the midst of it all, I think it’s important to pause and focus on the positive. The highlights from this past weekend deserve their moment in the spotlight and a celebration of their own.

Central Varsity Dance Team—insane! Huge congratulations to our athletes and coaches for securing 3rd place at the IHSA State Finals. Last night, I spent a few minutes flipping through our oldest son’s yearbooks and couldn’t help but reflect on just how far the team has come. Back in 2012, the Central Dance Team didn’t even exist. The closest thing CHS offered was Poms, which, in the fall of 2014, was made up of just five girls. Over the past ten years, the team has not only grown but exceeded the goals those five girls could never have imagined.

And let’s not forget CHS Varsity Cheer—way to bring it this weekend! One year after their highest ranking in school history, the Cheer team is heading back to the IHSA State Finals for the eighth consecutive year. Good luck on Friday, girls! We’re so proud of you.

There has been so much growth, and it continues to feel intimidating. Navigating change doesn’t come without setbacks and challenges. There have been countless unforeseen obstacles, tough decisions, and times when progress has felt too slow. But growth doesn’t just bring new opportunities; it transforms us, making us stronger than we ever thought possible. When you embrace change—even the hardest parts—the rewards can be more meaningful than anything you initially imagined. And when you see how far something has come—how much it’s grown—it serves as a reminder that the journey, with all its ups and downs, is always worth it.

There’s a lot quickly happening and lots more change is the way, and not all of it is positive. The past week has brought a lot of sadness and disappointment. I’ve witnessed a cruelty in people that I can hardly believe exists. It will take perseverance and patience, but I’m committed to moving forward.

More to come . . . .