It seems that during the season, we can't wait for it to be over so we can go back to having normal lives outside of practice. Reflecting back on all that cheer had to offer during high school, I encourage all of you spirit finger lovers to enjoy your cheer season, for it goes by much too fast.

1. When you hear that song you had a routine to, you still get butterflies and must withhold the urge to busting out the dance.

2. You still catch yourself walking around the house doing cheer motions.

3. Watching competitive cheerleading never gets old.

4. The blood and bruises from stunting were bad, but nothing matched the feeling of nailing a stunt after 50 failures.

5. Missing the rush of performing... and I may or may not be jealous of those who still get to perform regularly.

6. Basking in the pride that comes with memorizing a routine with both facial expressions and perfectly pointed toes.

7. Your true marker of gaining weight is checking to make sure you can still fit into your old uniform.

8. Cheer camp was the longest week of your life, but the new stunts, extreme routine and cheers were 100 percent worth it.

9. Getting ready together before a performance or game was where we got to bond the most.

10. Mental toughness comes in no shortage. Dealing with major personality differences, getting hit in the face, knocked on your butt, doing the fight song 100 times and pulling every muscle imaginable.

Cheer can be one of the most frustrating things at times with the repetition while facing constant failure as you seek improvement. But those who take the journey with you in all of the bumps, sweating, fake eyelashes and under-appreciated hard work will forever be a part of these memories. Soak up every minute on the field and court.