I remember the early days.

Riding a tricycle around the black top at my preschool by the sea.

Doing the Mexican Hat Dance with my first dance teacher and my toddler brother chasing me.

Taking my first ballet class at 8 and performing in more Nutcrackers than I can remember.

Crushing the competition in the 4x100 relay at my elementary school’s Olympic Day.

The freedom.

The joy.