Canceled.
No meets, no double-headers, no conference tournament, no championship.
It’s going to take a while to process.
For some, you were at the culmination of your season…maybe even your career. NCAA Indoor Track & Field competitors, you were at the actual venue. So close to competing. On the brink of realizing goals you’ve worked tirelessly for. As I type, I know these words sound flat. They don’t even begin to capture what you’ve put into this season, this athletic career. And I can only begin to imagine the suck right now.
Actually, right now it probably hasn’t fully sunk in. Doesn’t seem real. What does seem real right now? Nothing is normal. No back from Spring Break social gatherings. Classes moved online. Your favorite jacket locked in your dorm room. Can’t go on a vacation. Not sure if you even want to go to the store.
The world is a little scary right now. A lot of uncertainty. Concern for yourself and those around you. Fear. Panic. Angry social media posts.
Even with all of this going on…
It’s okay to grieve your canceled athletic season.
It’s okay to grieve your season. Even during a pandemic.
It’s okay to be sad. Devastated. Heartbroken. Pissed. Furious. Bitter.
You don’t have to be happy. No need to be brave or smile in this moment.
When asked how you’re doing, I know you may feel the need to say something along the lines of “I know it’s just a game” “there are bigger concerns out there” “we just want everyone to be safe.” And I know you truly do care about the safety of others, but I also know that the following is true.
Diminishing your pain doesn’t keep others healthy and it sure doesn’t help you heal.
You’re allowed to say that to anyone who says otherwise to you.
Side note: No one knows what to say right now. And many will unintentionally say the wrong thing.
Sport psychology thoughts on grieving the athletic season.
Take the time. Feel the feelings. If you bottle them up, it gets worse. Cry. Journal. Stay on the couch for 3 days. Take a walk. Play video games all day. Take some time for you.
Rushing the process doesn’t work. Feeling through it does.
When you’re ready, do a thought download. Write down all of the things you’re thinking and feeling. Really, write it all down. Don’t censor yourself. There’s power in getting it out of your head and onto paper.
Once you’ve written all the things. Do another list. Think about why you play. Write everything you’re proud of from this season, past seasons, and from your entire athletic career. Every training goal achieved. All the practices you pushed through. The bond you developed with your teammates. Your desire to play up until it was called. You’re a badass, even if it doesn’t feel like it now.
Once you’ve given yourself some time (however long it takes), start dreaming again. Sport. Life. You’ve got goals. When you’re ready, you’ll go get ’em.
If you or your teammates are struggling or you’d like help processing, please reach out. We’re here via phone or online from anywhere. You can reach us through our website or via email at drlinda@sterlingsportmindset.com.
More info about initial consultations available here: https://sterlingsportmindset.com/initial-consultation/
To book an appointment: https://sterlingsportmindset.clientsecure.me
If you or someone you know is suicidal or in emotional distress, please call Mental Health Crisis Hotline (24/7): 1-800-273-8255 (TALK)