I am an athlete. I’ve played in four world championships, won two medals and captained twice. (Alas, with no overlap.) I have a shitton of medals, including three golds from the Australian National Championships.

Tbf, this is in ultimate frisbee, so take it with a grain of salt.

Yet even with a resume I feel ridiculous sharing...I feel nervous on the field. I feel nervous in the gym. The season leading up to US Nationals was, like, the most stressful, draining, frustrating thing I’ve ever done.

I need a ridiculous amount of empathy and emotional comfort to play well. This pisses me off. I’m an athlete. I don’t need that shit.

But. I apparently do.

Just in case you brain is dumb like mine, listen up, friend! Hooray!

You are amazing and loved and supported.

Your team trusts and loves you.

You are goddamn strong. Lift heavier weights. Yes. Do it. It’s awesome. Love your body. It’s badass.

Be your fastest. Don’t hold back. Be YOUR best.

You’re gonna get injured. That’s okay. You’re not letting your team (or yourself) down. Find what’s wrong and work on it. Everyone gets injuries, even if it doesn’t seem like it.

When you’re injured, it’s okay to be unbearably sad. You just lost a major source of comfort, achievement, endorphins, friends, and busy-ness. Give yourself a hug. Make sure you recognize and process your grieving, even if it feels dumb and weak. Find new sources of comfort.

You have incredible worth whether or not you’re playing. You have incredible worth whether or not you’re an athlete. You are more than your body.

I think you’re great.

You do some things well, some things poorly, some things averagely. Cool. You’re great and you have things to learn. Always.

Lift the weights. Get dirty. Play hard. Trust yourself. Get the ball/frisbee/goal. Don’t wait for permission. Dominate.

❤

Credit to UltiPhotos. That’s me coaching! ☺ In the mood for a quieter, quirkier story?

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Enjoy this moment, you wonderful person, you.

❤