Growing up I was always involved in something. As I got older I took a love to cheerleading. Despite popular belief, cheerleaders are more than ditzy girls in skirts. Cheerleading takes hard work, dedication and a lot of sweat and tears. Despite putting my pom pom's away at this point in my life, here are 10 life lessons I learned from cheerleading.

1. You are tougher than you think.

Being run down from countless hours of practice and workouts, and then your coach says "full out again." As bad as you want to quit, you push through and do it again. You know if you don't, she will only say "full out again!" one more time.

2. The sacrifices you make will be well worth it.

"I can't, I have practice" is something that is said probably a billion times out of every cheerleader's mouth. But at the end of the day, the feeling you have taking the field on game day or the mat at competition is so fulfilling.

3. In order to be first, work like you're last.

No matter what the goal is you're trying to reach in life, you can't give up until you get there. Whether that be a perfect routine, or dream job.

4. You can do anything you set your mind to.

If you want something you really have to push for it, but once you do set your mind that you can do it, there's no holding you back.

5. Anything worth having, doesn't come easy.

With cheerleading, or anything in general, you will probably fall down the first few times you try it. What's important is that you never give up. Once you do reach it, it is one of the greatest feelings.

6. There is always room for improvement.

No matter how good at something you think you are, it can always be better. That's what makes things great.

7. Be fearless.

Performing in front of thousands of people, throwing girls, or being thrown in the air, and learning new skills, surely taught you how to be fearless with anything you do in life.

8. Your team is your family.

These people will be there through the best and worst times of your life with you. Even if you don't stay close, you hold the memories close.

9. The only thing stopping you, is you.

Regardless of what people are saying around you, the only thing stopping you from achieving your goals is how hard you work for them in the present. The loudest voice in your life is the one inside your head, don't let it stop you from being great.

10. Never give up.

No matter how many times you want to quit you have to keep pushing through. Your teammates, co-workers, friends, and family are counting on you in all aspects of life. You can't let them or yourself down. At the end of the day, it will all be worth the fight.

There are times I find myself missing the days of being a cheerleader. I am forever grateful for the friendships and memories I made along the way. Most importantly, I'm grateful for the life lessons cheerleading taught me.