The Best Life Advice in a Song: The Sunscreen Song for Instructors, Confidence, Comparison, and Authentic Coaching

Back in 1997, a Chicago Tribune columnist named Mary Schmich wrote a piece that began with the words, “Ladies and gentlemen of the class of ’97: Wear sunscreen.” It was full of advice about life, love, and perspective. A couple years later, Baz Luhrmann (yep, the film director) turned it into a spoken-word track called Everybody’s Free (To Wear Sunscreen) — now more commonly known as The Sunscreen Song.

Every line is packed with wisdom, but the part that hits me the hardest is this one:

✨ “Don’t waste your time on jealousy… the race is long, and in the end, it’s only with yourself.”

This line resonates with me because sometimes I catch myself going down the instagram spin rabbit hole — scrolling, comparing, and wondering if I’m doing enough, teaching enough, reaching enough. And honestly, it’s not even jealousy. It’s more those “should I just retire?” thoughts because the industry looks pretty wild right now.

But this lyric grounds me. It reminds me that I’m not here to chase gimmicks, trends, or whatever looks “crazy” in the feed. I’m here because my riders value connection over choreography overload. (Yes, we still ride with rhythm and flow — just not the circus tricks.) I’m here because my trainees need grounded, authentic guidance. And I know the way I coach won’t expire, because it’s rooted in humans, not hashtags.

The only ride I’m actually racing is my own.Some days I’m ahead.Some days I’m behind.Every day, it’s still my journey.

And the truth? Authenticity will always outlast comparison. 🖤

You can listen here...