Teenage Attitude

“Your Attitude determines your altitude”

While I am not sure who coined this quote, I have had the privilege to meet the young lady that has brought it to life.

When Christina walks down a hall, she leaves a stream of smiles on the faces of all she passes. Her internal joy for living could not possibly be contained within her petite frame. It demands exposure. While others need a stimulus to be happy, not Christina…she is the stimulus.

Bringing joy to those around her is not her intent; it is just an added bonus she gives to the world.

At a very young age Christina learned that her attitude is her choice and she decided to love herself and enjoy life. She has had as many setbacks as those that choose to whine about life’s inequities; she just looks for ways to make them tolerable, if not enjoyable.

This weekend Christina led a group of girls into battle against the power house that is Carmel girls swimming. Although Carmel has an unbelievable string of State Championships (I think 21 prior to this year), the Southeastern Girl’s swim team believed in their chances of unseating the reigning champions. It is my belief that the fear of Southeastern, brought the Carmel team together for an incredible state meet performance.

The amazing part of the meet for me however was the maturity and spirit shown by the Southeastern girls. They may not have won the meet, but they swam and dived fantastically and enjoyed the moment. I took several photos and it was very apparent that the team morphed itself into a group of Christina’s. They took joy in each others successes and sympathized with those that did not meet their goals. Most of all, they enjoyed the camaraderie of their peers. This team will miss Christina in the pool but even more out of the pool.

I recently had a father of a fellow swimmer state that Christina gives him better hugs than his own kids. I could not agree more. While most kids have a goal to make millions of dollars, Christina’s goal is to make millions of people smile. She may have to change that “M” to a “B”. I think she has already made millions smile.

She also has a mission to find someone as “cool as her”. That will be very difficult. With several years head start, I have found very few in that class. Christina, I cannot thank you enough for the gift of your friendship.