"It's really hard to change the speed of your intrinsic engine...I am learning that it takes strength to be still, to admit you cannot do everything all at once...a lot of it has to do with reframing what it means to be successful, re-examining this narrow way in which we measure self-worth"
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Next Up March 7 at 9:55 PM · Repost from @av_softball_ This story has me feeling all the things... Why would such a successful athlete feel such sadness to make a decision like this? I’ve had multiple conversations with athletes just this week about their worth, value, and ideas of success. I’ve had multiple conversations with athletes about the pain that they tolerate because if they speak up they are seen as weak someone will take their spot very often if they don’t pitch their team doesn’t win…so they continue to endure because they are a team player The culture of our sport is taking a scary turn IMO. We are requiring kids to achieve higher levels skill and play at higher competitive levels at younger and younger ages. Rec ball has all but dissolved throughout a major part of America and Development leagues are low on skill acquisition strategies. Because of this year round travel is the expectation and the norm for girls 8-12yrs old. I think we need to highly consider what this type of expectation is doing to our young kids mental and emotional health. The constant comparison and judgement. The daily grind mentality. Many of my athletes don’t even know the difference between pain and soreness. Many athletes live in a constant state of stress and fatigue. Many of my athletes have never skipped rocks, climbed trees, or done adventurous things like ski, surf or board because their don’t have time, or they fear getting hurt. Goals are great. Growth mentality is necessary. But if you can’t find peace and happiness in your current circumstances then your not going to find it in that goal your seeking either. The grind needs to have boundaries and rest. Competition season needs to have boundaries and rest. Our kids needs to have boundaries and rest. Mental health matters.  |
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Photo used under Creative Commons from Kristoffer Trolle
