Sometimes you think you have things planned, but then you get closer and you realize there's a bend in the road that you didn't foresee. You try to plan for the whoops (for my non-off-roaders, this is basically a section of consecutive speed bumps, super fun, we know), but sometimes those babies appear out of nowhere or are much deeper than you had anticipated and if you were ripping in a lower clearance vehicle or riding moto, you know what I'm talking about! Cue the "yeehaw!" But just because we hit a couple bumpy sections doesn't mean it's all gone to shit (or that you bottoming out fucked up your rig -- I may or may not know from experience).
How The Dust Keeps Dusting
When it comes to team prep, things were off to a slower than anticipated start due to me breaking my collarbone in March (thank you to the compact snow from a not so solid snow season at Mammoth). That made things dusty, but last week things got dustier as my partner for the 2025 Rebelle Rally pulled out just 3 months out before go time. Whomp whomp.
When The Dust Hits, Make Sure You've Got Goggles to See What's on the Other Side
If I'm being honest, I knew she wasn't fully in but I was thinking I could change it. I was hoping that by giving her space and letting the date get closer that she'd fell less uncertainty and that if I didn't push the subject, that I wouldn't add "pressure" that would push her away. All that did was cause myself unnecessary stress. I was people pleasing and not implementing a deadline out of fear of pushing someone away. And if I want to be extremely real, I wasn't entirely betting on myself as being "good enough" for brands, friends or family to want to support me. I haven't had the incredible stunt run, recurring role on TV, a large social presence, been off-roading for life or have been nominated for awards and she was the whole package (plus she's an incredibly awesome human and she inspires to do all those things). While I'd grow with her as my co-pilot, I wouldn't have discovered something a bit deeper, which is it’s time for me to shine bright. She has crazy wild dreams, and I want her to chase them. And just like that she’s teaching me, to chase mine!
This isn't the first time I've battled this limiting belief about not being "enough". It shows up in big bold letters often -- we hear A LOT of "no"s in the stunt/acting industry, or we hear nothing at all. There's a good amount of times I shrink, have a breakdown and then tussle with these thoughts thinking that maybe this is true. Eventually I fight back with "Ya, not YET!!" but that fight isn't always a knockout. I have to remind myself, that dang it, I've come a long way. I've grown so much, through ups and downs, going forward and backwards, and repeat. That being a good human is the goal, and if I've done anything, I've done that. I treat everyone with kindness. I love my people hard. I support them like I'm their biggest fan. When I find that class or coffee shop I love, I become the regular because I support what magic they're bringing to the table. I find my passions and I go for it, full force and it's to the beat of my own drum because NEWS FLASH to anyone thinking you have to start a particular way, guess what, YOU DON'T. None of us show up to the start line with the same past, the same skill set, the same story. We have similarities, of course, but the ONLY thing that's exactly the same, is that we chose to start. And gosh dang it. That's something to write home about (yes, I had to look up whether or not it was "write" or "ride" because I'd definitely want to ride home about something to share with my people haha).
All this to say is, I didn't realize the lessons that would come up when gears shifted. I didn't have a back up plan and while I was definitely a bit bummed to hear she wasn't going to be competing with me, I had a quick vent session to get that energy out and decided to trust the universe here AND trust myself. To know that I AM something. That I AM good enough, exactly where I'm at. I can't be fearful and small minded when I'm trying to help others overcome being fearful and small minded, now that just wouldn't math! The universe has given me this opportunity to step into my own. To face my fears of being seen as I am and to show up authentically and love myself for it. And remind myself that all that things I was saying I didn't have, are levels of things that I want to achieve for myself. PRO TIP: Use these moments as mirrors for what you want. It feels sticky, but it brings to light the things you're going for.
Now that these lessons are to the forefront and we know the real inner mission. Next step, REBELLE.
Time to Kick Up the Dust, For Real
The Rebelle Rally isn't just a time commitment, it's a financial commitment too. Both of those are scaleable to the level you want to perform. And when I commit to something, I go all in. I'm a former athlete, so I love a good competition. So here's where the fun begins. Most teams have had months on months to prepare, to fundraise, to get seat time together. I said I love a good competition and with that comes a good challenge (check my escape room log). We're only three months from hitting the start line -- so we've got a lot of work to do in a considerably short amount of time and boy does that get me hyped!
The Countdown Begins.
To find a partner as committed as I am -- that's where a team prospers. To raise the funds. To get the car rally-prepped. To get the camping gear, the fridge for the car, the snacks, the fuel (and by that I mean coffee, the Rebelle Rally supplies the fuel at a premium off-roading fee of course). While this does get my nerves revved up a bit, it's like I'm watching my favorite show while gripping my seat screaming "YOU CAN DO IT!!" (That might be what I'm shouting at myself every morning when I look in the mirror). And because I'm committed to this energy and put it out in the ethers, I met with 4 possible teammates this weekend and YOU GUYS -- the universe delivers. I will absolutely be adventuring with all four of these women at some point in my life. I'm feeling all the energy and really think one of these epic women, might just be my co-driver! Stay tuned!!
I'm excited for this journey. This challenge. This rally. It's not just about getting TO the starting line, it's about who I'm becoming in order to get there. And holy moly, that's a whole lot of packing and unpacking along the way.
If you're feeling like you're stuck and you don't know where to go, I hope this gives you a little extra fuel in the tank to keep going. That the uncertainties will always show up and things will definitely get a bit bumpy, but if you grab your goggles and keep your foot on that throttle -- you will make it to the other side.