Thank You for this Injury
by Lisa Mitzel
No one likes an injury in sports. Injuries for an athlete cause stress and uncertainty in being able to train and reach one’s goals. Hurt for a week? It stinks. More than two weeks, it sucks the energy out of you and drains your confidence. After a month, your identity begins to slip away because you’re used to training and pushing yourself. So you wonder – How will I get through this?
As a former Division 1 gymnast who experienced multiple injuries, surgeries, and rehab, I can relate. There’s a sudden onslaught of questions, fear and insecurity. You’re not prepared for all the emotions. They pour through you and weigh you down from the inside… The emptiness, confusion and sadness are like a big bulldozer flattening you out. Will I ever be normal again? Not knowing when or how to heal quickly is depressing. Will you catch up to your teammates or even compete again? Who knows. Right now, you’re at a half-way station waiting for an MRI or doing continual repetitions in rehab. How will I get through this?
Perhaps there’s a way. A new group has formed at St. Mary’s College in Moraga, CA, for student-athletes. I was invited to attend the first meeting, it’s called SMC Recovery Team – for student-athletes recovering from an injury, illness, feeling isolated or alone, or struggling mentally or spiritually: Join the Recovery Team and get the support you need to heal. Tuesdays 7-8 pm. Hmm, isn’t this wonderful?!
Not knowing how many would show up, we were delighted that five student-athletes appeared! With three of us adults supporting the conversation, it’s the kind of group that commits to respect and kindness, listening whole-heartedly, speaking or not speaking, participating in exercises, and keeping what’s said in the group – in the group.
As I listened to the student-athletes, I felt the energy in the room. There was a sadness and searching vibe and it seemed apparent that they felt what I had felt when I was hurt – alone and thirsty for optimism. They wanted to believe that EVERYTHING WILL BE OKAY! It’s so clear – athletes need reassurance, they need our support to be resilient.
My mom was my anchor through the difficult times in my sport and taught me optimism. She was ridiculously positive, never saw defeat, and dedicated her life to family, community, and God – she literally gave me strength and inspiration to heal from injury. I also learned from spiritual leaders, and in my own life, that we can grow from struggles. Every challenge really is a gift when you look at it that way.
So step into this moment. Take a pause, breathe in and out. This injury, this setback, is not here to stop you, it is here for you. It really is!
I shared that sentiment at the end of the meeting in the St. Mary’s Faculty Dining Hall. The athletes listened as I proposed, Something good is coming, you just have to look for it. I realized it’s very hard to mentally leap into seeing that when you’re actually in the struggle. Note: It’s not helpful to be cheery, it’s a calm reassurance, digging deep to see all sides of difficulty. So let’s point out the “plus-plus”. BEING INJURED CAN DEVELOP YOU, it gives you the chance to:
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- Slow down and be present in this moment
- Be humble and grateful for the little things
- Understand and relate to others who are struggling
- Persevere when everything looks awful
- Imagine that good things are coming when there are no answers
- Inspire others with your dedication & determination
- Lead yourself! Rise above, find the value in a difficult journey
You will heal. You’ll heal stronger & faster when you look through the window of your heart and say, Thank you. Thank you for this injury. I know it’s hard. But I am strong in my mind and body. I will inspire my team. And I will get back in the game!
PS. I’m excited to attend the SMC Recovery Team again and support these amazing student-athletes – what will happen next!
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