All athletes go through issues in their lives, as all others do. Issues such as suicidal thoughts, eating disorders, alcohol and drug abuse, addictions such as gambling or sexual promiscuity, the breakdown of close family relationships and divorce are just a few areas that the youth of today face in increasing measure.
These are what I call defining moments in a person's life. Issues such as these are destructive and can be fatal; they need to be dealt with before a person can start to move forward in life. Once acknowledged and discussed, the healing process can begin. For an athlete, these issues impact the ability to have sustainable peak performance in sports. It is often overlooked that the emotional makeup of a person is part of what makes them human beings with feelings.
Sport psychologists tend to focus on achieving peak performances totally related to sports activities. Psychologists tend to focus on mental and emotional issues unrelated to sports. Spiritual advisers tend to focus on issues related to the soul and spirit. It is very important to recognize that all three are important and must work together and in agreement.
In my personal opinion, what is most important is that a person has a goal of not only achieving peak performances in sports, but helping others with what you have gone through yourself. In this way you are made stronger, contribute to a greater good than just yourself and continually reinforce positive aspects in your life.
The Bible teaches us that once you are healed and strong in those areas of your pain, you can help those going through similar situations. Helping others with what you yourself have been helped with is a good 'target and goal' to shoot for.
He comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. - 2 Corinthians 1:4
I have written about my
own defining points at my personal blog at Bob's Site blog. This allows you to understand one person's truth, honesty and healing in life.
