What happens when you spend an entire race with nothing but your own thoughts? My first Olympic-distance triathlon brought up a lot more than questions about my pace. It challenged my inner critic, reminded me of my competitive side, and gave me a new perspective on mindfulness, performance, and being proud of yourself regardless of the outcome.

Returning to sport after an injury or surgery is more than a physical process. It can challenge an athlete’s relationship with rest, productivity, identity, and progress. When you are used to always pushing forward, being forced to slow down can feel uncomfortable but recovery can also create an opportunity to strengthen qualities that sport may not have taught you to prioritize, like patience, self-compassion, and trust.

How sport shaped my greatest strengths and the inner critic I'm learning not to let lead.

Read more about how the past teaches us what to expect, but the present gives us the chance to expect something new.

Anxiety often doesn’t come from one big thought, it comes from many small ones that start to build. A worry becomes a question.
A question becomes a loop. And suddenly, you’re stuck in overthinking that feels hard to turn off. I break down why this happens and how anxiety can grow into a “forest of thoughts” that feels overwhelming but not permanent.

Sports have shaped so much of my life from growing up in a competitive, sports-driven family to becoming a therapist who now supports athletes both on and off the field. I share my journey and why I’m passionate about helping athletes care for their mental health just as much as their performance, especially through transitions, pressure, and identity beyond sport.

What if you had care instructions—just like a plant? This spring, consider what conditions you actually need to grow, not just survive.