Setbacks to Sparkle Power: Lessons I Had to Relearn ✨

Enjoying every day on the water before winter!

setbacks to sparkle power: lessons I had to relearn

Shannon’s September Update

I’ll be completely honest—this month has been tough to find my usual “sparkle power.” Between world events, national news, and now the possibility of our neighborhood elementary school closing, I’ve felt overwhelmed and, at times, very small. So much of it feels out of my control, and it’s weighing on every part of my life.

It takes me back to a pivotal moment in my ski career. After back-to-back injuries, I was sidelined for a year and a half—right as our sport forever changed with flips and twists suddenly allowed in competitive mogul skiing. My competitors were pushing their limits, while I was stuck in rehab, just hoping to ski again—all with 2006 looming just a year away. At that time, mental health wasn’t openly discussed, but I was struggling. I needed to think outside the box, so I leaned on my hypnotherapist, who helped me focus on two things:

The Big Picture — Who did I want to be, and what did I want to achieve once I was able to get back on snow?

Small, Controllable Steps — Tuning out the noise, moving forward one deliberate action at a time, and celebrating those tiny victories.

This practice was a lot more difficult than I imagined, but day by day, it brought me back stronger, both physically and mentally. The journey became more fulfilling because I showed up fully present and intentional every step of the way.

Now, as I feel echoes of those emotions in today’s challenges, I know I need to return to that same playbook. I’m focusing on the future I want for my family and community—a place where we support one another and heal. I’m digging in where I can make a difference: this morning, walking in protest with other parents for our school; getting outside and playing as a family in our beautiful public lands; growing Champions Advantage and improving our systems—we’ll be working with more than 450 athletes this winter; and bringing my best energy and passion to every stage I step on as a keynote speaker. These may seem like small steps, but they are deliberate, and they are fueling the future I believe in and the person I want to become.

So, what’s my takeaway this month? Simply this:

We can do this.

We can do hard things.

We can stand tall when the world makes us feel small.

We can take small actions that build into a greater cause.

We can carry the weight together.

We can be GREAT—even when “great” feels far away.

Finally, thank you. To my clients who have trusted me with your events this year, and to the clubs and teams who have trusted me with your young athletes—I’m beyond grateful. Every single day, I show up with one goal: to make you proud.

And if you’re hosting an event that needs an inspirational keynote speaker, or if you’re a U13–U19 sports team looking for a powerful mental skills program, please reach out. I would love to share my passion, my energy, and my experience with you.

Thank you, and sparkle bright this month!