Last night as I watched many of my friends on social media post in shock, excitement or outrage; I silently pondered what the next four years would look like.

It was an easy answer for me.

Recently, the world lost one of its brightest lights, pioneers and inspirational women and the next four years won’t nearly be the same without her.

Suzanne Mitchell

Former Director of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC)

As you might recall, two years ago I had the incredibly honor of interviewing Suzanne at the National Football League Alumni Cheerleader Reunion in Atlanta, GA. Over 300 women from across the country came together to mingle, network, and celebrate our collective role in the NFL. These women were incredible national sales directors, tv personalities, biologists and lawyers. But one light shined brighter than everyone else, and that was Suzanne.

Suzanne has affectionately been called the “Godmother of Professional Cheerleading” – credited with crafting the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders into what they are today.

Her story is so powerful and inspiring that everyone from The Washington Post, New York Times, Dallas News and many more publications wrote about her legacy. And the turnout for her Celebration of Life event this past weekend makes it clear just how many lives she touched.

Although I only briefly knew Suzanne, I was moved by the powerful words used to describe Suzanne’s legacy and I asked myself: how do you possibly honor such an extraordinary woman who has touched so many lives over the years?

Suzanne’s Celebration of Life was nothing short of fabulous. The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and Suzanne’s family did an extraordinary job of honoring her from beautiful bouquets of her favorite flower (yellow rose) to a butterfly release and even a surprise appearance from Lee Greenwood who sang his famous song: God Bless the U.S.A.

There was a group of alumni NFL cheerleaders from several teams who flew in for the celebration. I was honored to be in attendance.

As we look forward to the next four years, no matter what happens, I have to remember the legacy that Suzanne left behind and the example she set for so many.

The words that were used to describe her included things like, “pioneer, strong, self-starter, not afraid, insanely loyal, leader and one of the most inspirational individuals both men and women had known”.

When I think about the legacy any of us leave on this planet, I think about people like Suzanne, or my other cheer coaches Elaine, Stephanie, Linda and Nancy. You don’t have to have a specific title to make a positive impact in the world, but you DO have to care enough to dream big, accept challenges, and be kind to those around you. If I have learned anything in the last 24 hours, it’s that we could all use more of that in our world today.

Rest in Peace Suzanne. You were a tremendous individual I was so lucky to have met.

About a year ago, I made a bold decision. After only being a member of the National Speaker’s Association for a short time, I decided to submit a proposal to present a workshop for my peers at the National Convention. I knew it was a long shot – there were people far more experienced or qualified than me.

Well, as the story goes, several months of anticipation later, I received the disappointing email letting me know I was not selected.

It’s funny, because even though I knew I most likely wouldn’t get selected, it still stung. Isn’t that so true in life? None of us want rejection… whether it’s a job opportunity, a potential love interest or even by our kids.

As much as it stings though, rejection has important value in our lives. If we don’t put ourselves out there, if we don’t “try” we never allow ourselves to fully become what we are meant to be. We may never actually accomplish the things we desire if we aren’t willing to take those chances in life.

I’ll admit, I was a little down on myself after receiving the rejection email. I was a bit jealous of my peers who were posting on Facebook that they had been selected. But after licking my wounds for a day or so, I decided I needed to move on to the next “risk” I was going to take. What was next? I was reminded of the motto I learned in 4-H, “To Make the Best Better”. It was time for me to move on and keep improving so I could continue creating the life I wanted.

A few months later, I received a phone call from someone I deeply respect and admire. John said, “Shannon, would you consider speaking at the National Convention for the Celebrity and Athletes Speaker Workshop?”

What the Heck?!

How could this be happening.

Of course I said yes, but I was terrified.

This was an even greater opportunity than the one for which I’d been passed over earlier in the year. As a former NFL Cheerleader, the audience would include speakers and athletes I look up to tremendously!

To speak in front of NFL Hall of Famers, Pro Bowl Stars, Super Bowl Champions, former NBA players, Olympians and even the first female to climb Mount Everest from both sides felt like the ultimate challenge!

Looking back on that experience, I will be forever grateful. It was such a simple reminder that sometimes our “plan” isn’t always “The plan”. Sometimes we have to put ourselves out there several times before we strike gold. And sometimes, you just get lucky and land an opportunity you didn’t even know existed.

If you aren’t failing in life, you aren’t trying. Patience is a truly a Virtue.

PS: Something incredibly important to me in this photo that was taken right before I spoke for the athlete’s workshop, was that I could wear my 4-H pin on my name tag. I gave my first speech at the 4-H County Fair when I was 8 years old. 4-H introduced me to one of my greatest loves (speaking) at such an early age, so this was a full circle moment for me.

What risks are you taking today? And, do you have the patience to wait for your moment? Happy Monday!

I am a huge advocate for having a strong personal brand. To me, a personal brand is about more than your website, resume and credentials.  It’s about more than the brand of clothes you wear, the type of car you drive and the way you present yourself on social media.  My definition of a personal brand is how you stand out in your life and your career. It includes both your inner beauty and the way you present yourself publicly.

Now, that’s not to say that I never spend a day relaxing in sweatpants or that I always wear makeup to the grocery store.  I don’t!  After all, I might argue that the most important part of one’s personal brand is AUTHENTICITY!

But, because much of what I do involves being in front of many people, I do spend time considering how to channel my inner beauty and feel good about the way I look on the outside, too.

I recently met with the experts at AesthetiCare MedSpa in Kansas City to try some of their services and I wanted to fill you in on my experience.  AesthetiCare isn’t just a feel-good “spa” where you leave feeling relaxed. It’s an experience that actually produces results you continue to see for days, weeks, and months.

I was initially nervous because I didn’t know what to expect reading about things like the “halo facial” and contemplating Botox for the first time! But, the friendly team assigned to me – Matt, Judy, and Samantha – really felt like my friends, and took time to advise me on products and services that would benefit me. We looked at my skin during each appointment and they explained to me which products were good for my current state and which weren’t.

For the first time in my skin care treatment, including the countless hours I have spent at different beauty bars, makeup counters, and spas around the city, I felt like I wasn’t being sold products just because they had sales quotas to meet. I felt like I was sitting with my best friend who was genuinely interested in helping me look and feel great.

When your inner self and outer self-match it’s a wonderful feeling. The prettier you feel on the outside, the more confidence you have on the inside.  The more confidence you have on the inside, the more that beauty shines through. When you feel great, look great, and act great you have more confidence.  And – more confidence means more push to follow your dreams and achieve your goals!

They say go big or go home, right?

A few weeks ago, I was asked to play in the “Media Game” at halftime of the Missouri Comets Major Arena Soccer League game. I have a long history with the Missouri Comets, including cheering for them during the 2005-2006 season, so of course I said yes!

However, I wondered if I should’ve told them the full truth. I’ve never played, or attempted to play, soccer in my life. But I figured, cheering for three different soccer teams (high school, MISL and MLS) counts right?

Our game included: Nick Vasos from Fox 4, Jeff Husted from the Blue Testament, Holly Starr local media darling, Jake Yadrich from Sporting KC, Alan Hainkel with Fountain City Soccer, Mike Kuhn writer with Down the Byline, Thad Bell with SB Nation, Derek Weisemann from Oak Grove Newspaper, Bill Althaus with The Examiner, Nate Davis from Mix 93.3, Hector Solorio with La Barra KC, Ryan Westward at 98.9 The Rock, Kory Brinton from Upper 90 and Jonathan Aldridge with Inside KC.

Before the media game began, there were of course several interviews and a group selfie.

After lots of trash talking and team selfies, my team, Team White (by default to our t-shirt color), completed a pep talk huddle and waited for our moment to take the field.  Once we heard our walkout song, we each ran out. I was poised and ready to go as left forward, confident that I would score a goal for our team.

The referee blew the whistle and our team immediately took possession. I started to run forward, anticipating a pass in my direction. I was prepared, I’d seen it a million times. My teammate would pass to me, I’d pass back and we’d score! I took three steps ready for my big moment when all of a sudden it felt like I hit a brick wall.

A player from the other team totally sideswiped me from out of nowhere. I never even saw it coming.

I realized in that moment, I had two options. Either punk out or put my big girl pants on.

As the sole female on my team, I knew what I had to do.

I shook it off and started running again. By this time, the right forward and middle forward had the ball near the net. There was a pass back from Husted to Weiseman, it got loose, I kicked it back to Weiseman and GOALLLLL!!!!!

I was so proud of my assist! What a great start!

We jogged back to midfield. The whistle was blown, we took possession, lost possession, took possession, lost possession, the ball came my way again, my teammate Yadrich came to help when a member of the Team Blue approached as well. Yadrich took the ball and in a split second, I knew what I needed to do. Pay back Team Blue! Check you Brinton!

The time clock started ticking. We were running out of time! Yadrich passed to Husted. We got close to the goal again. We shot. Their goalkeeper grabbed it without a flinch. Threw it back out. Team Blue took possession and raced down the field. Team Blue scored.

The score was tied 1-1. And the buzzer dinged. We ended on a tie game!

What an awesome experience for my inaugural game playing soccer.

It was also fun to see so many old and new friends. My dear friend Vlatko Andonovski has coached the Comets the last two seasons — to a championship last year and undefeated 9-0 this year. It was great catching up with Vlatko and his wife. It was also great to see in the stands former player Dino Delevski, who was a star player when I cheered for the team.

My good friend and NFL sister Jillian was the on-field reporter, while my friend Steve Serrano was the in-game host. Several of our NFL sisters came to support as well!

I have to admit, I was really nervous to say yes to this adventure. The idea of playing in my first ever soccer game in front of thousands of people was terrifying. But, I’ve learned a lot this year about taking risks and putting yourself out there. I didn’t hit one of my goals of getting a speaking engagement in Canada, but getting to work with Nancy Grace, Anne Burrell and even Jennifer Nettles ain’t too shabby.

I’ve certainly made my fair share of mistakes, but, had I not put myself out there for different opportunities, I wouldn’t be where I am today. So, in saying yes to the game, I’d do it all over again because the outcome was so much greater than letting my fear control my Saturday night. Sometimes you don’t always win, but when you go for that strike and wind up making contact with the ball, the reward is so much greater. I got to connect with old friends, make some new ones and created new memories through it all.

What a way to end the year.

I hope you will consider joining me for JumpStart 2015. I would LOVE to help you find the same bliss and happiness I have found in life…. including taking those scary yet rewarding risks and saying yes to the right opportunities that will help you live a life you love.

XO.