The Beauty of New Beginnings: Embracing Change and Growth

This week marked the beginning of a new chapter—a chapter filled with renewed determination and a deep thirst for life. After months of not feeling like myself, enduring appointment after appointment, and adjusting to new medications, I finally got to return to what I love. With the start of the school year, I began to feel more like myself, but a significant part of me was still missing.

While I spent my summer in and out of appointments and mostly on the couch, I watched as my club team improved, qualified for nationals, and competed at nationals. It was inspiring yet difficult to witness from the sidelines.

Finally, I was cleared to return to track. I’ve never been so happy to do laps in the nearly 100-degree Texas heat. Many of my teammates asked how my first practice went, but it’s a feeling that’s hard to describe—one that only those who’ve had something they love taken away from them can truly understand. I’ve never been so grateful to feel exhausted because it meant I was well enough to feel alive again.

I am forever grateful to my amazing medical team, friends, family, teammates, and coaches who stood by my side, especially during the times when we were unsure if I would ever return to track. Their unwavering support gave me the strength to keep going.

With this extra time on my hands, I’ve been able to explore other interests and pursue new dreams and goals. It’s been a time of growth and discovery, even amidst the challenges.

Though my healing journey is far from over, I’ve accepted that I may never return to the life I had before. But I am content in the process of becoming who I am meant to be, embracing whatever the future holds as I continue to navigate this new way of life.

I know I am not the only one who has gone through or is currently facing similar challenges. To anyone who finds themselves in a situation like mine, I want to offer some words of encouragement. It’s natural to hold on to the life you once imagined for yourself, to mourn the loss of what could have been. But I’ve learned that true healing begins when you start to let go of those expectations.

I encourage you to release the grip on what you thought your life would be. It’s okay to feel the sadness, frustration, and fear that come with change, but don’t let those emotions prevent you from embracing the present. Life has a way of surprising us, and sometimes, the paths we least expected can lead to the most fulfilling destinations.

Lean into what is happening now. Focus on the small victories, the moments of joy, and the growth you’re experiencing, even if it’s not in the way you originally envisioned. Allow yourself to explore new opportunities, discover new passions, and redefine what happiness and success mean to you.

Remember that healing isn’t a linear process, and it’s okay if you’re still figuring things out. Be patient with yourself, and trust that with time, you’ll find your way. You might not have the life you once imagined, but that doesn’t mean your life can’t be beautiful, meaningful, and full of purpose. Embrace the journey, and know that you are not alone in it. We’re all in this together, learning to navigate our new realities, one step at a time.