When Kayla Asked the Question That Hit Me Harder Than Any Workout
I was riding the high of a big professional win when my 9-year-old daughter stopped me in my tracks with one quiet question: “What if they’re nice to everyone else… but not me? Do I still count if nobody picks me?” And just like that, the scoreboard didn’t matter anymore. Because that question doesn’t stay in third grade. It follows us into boardrooms, gyms, group chats, and mirror reflections. Do I still count if I’m not chosen? Do I still count if I’m not winning today? That night, I realized something powerful: belonging feels amazing… but worth cannot depend on being picked. So we created something new in our house — the Kayla Check: Would I still respect the woman I was today… even if nothing went my way? Because when your worth is tied to character instead of applause, you become unbreakable. And maybe the bravest thing a girl — or a grown woman — can learn is this: If they don’t pick you tomorrow… pick yourself.