This is what Linsay Sumpter says about gratitude:
As the commissioner of the Women’s Rodeo World Championship, I would like to express my gratitude to everyone involved in the production of one of the largest purses for an all-women’s rodeo. The hard work of the team at WRWC and dedication to equality for women in the sport does not go unnoticed. My heart fills up with joy to have the ability to tell a fellow cowgirl that they will have the chance at $183,000 in their discipline, and the ability to win more than $60,000 at one event.
I am grateful to have been born into a rodeo family. Growing up in the sport provided me with incredible role models, life lessons and exceptional friendships. The people involved with rodeo radiate gratitude due to the nature of the sport—one in which athletes can walk away from competition empty-handed and remain feeling blessed beyond measure.
This holds true to my personal experience in the sport as an athlete, commissioner and coach. When I compete at a rodeo, regardless of the outcome, I have a horse that tries his heart out for me to be thankful for, a family that loves me unconditionally and the opportunity to go to another rodeo when I am finished. I love winning, as we all do, but the peace of missing a calf and keeping a grateful heart is what ultimately gives me strength to my best self, outside of the arena as well as inside. I am eternally grateful that rodeo has taught me resiliency because I apply it in all areas of my life.
LISTEN: S1 E16: Seizing Opportunities and Training World Champions With Linsay Sumpter
As a rodeo coach, I can pass on my insight to the next era of athletes to keep the sport alive in the upcoming generation. Not only do I teach my athletes how to perform their event, but also, I instill the lessons that rodeo has taught me, such as gratitude.
Trials and Tribulations from Pro Rodeo Road with Erin Johnson and Linsay Sumpter
Demonstrating gratitude can go far beyond a simple thank you. We are fortunate as cowboys and cowgirls that our lifestyle presents us with countless occasions to express appreciation every day. We begin our days with a gesture of gratitude for our animals, feeding and taking care of our horses and livestock. Morning chores are a job that we take for granted but bring us closer to nature and our animals. Simply reassigning what it means allows us to start the day with a thankful gesture of caring for our teammates.
Having gratitude can transform any situation. Showing gratitude for the blessing that we receive daily will allow bad things to transform into amazing opportunities. Not every run that you make in competition is going to be successful, but having the ability to show gratitude, even after the worst run, can transform a negative situation into a positive. Build your confidence on gratitude. Renovating our mindsets builds us into better athletes, ropers, barrel racers and humans.
I am gratified for the opportunity the PBR and the WCRA have given me to lead the women in rodeo to new heights. I have so much gratitude for the sport of rodeo and the friendships made in it. To the producers, sponsors and volunteers who enable rodeo athletes to compete across the country, I am grateful for you.
“Gratitude makes sense of the past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” Melody Beattie
Gratitude is more than a word; it is a mindset. I challenge everyone to push themselves to use gratitude in their daily mentality. As a contestant, have grace with the producers trying to help athletes make a living and exercise gratitude to them for taking the risk and having events. I am eternally grateful to be living the life of a wife, mother, coach and commissioner. I am so thankful for the direction of rodeo for us as women in the sport.
