Turning Pages

I am writing this the day before my last ever softball game. I have been playing softball since I was 8 years old, and I am now 22. I was lucky enough to play my sport all through high school, both representing my town and playing around the country with my travel teams, and to get recruited and play all 4 years of my undergraduate college years. Tomorrow it ends; something that my life has revolved around for the majority of my time living will no longer be a part of my routine. How is it possible to move on?

            You or someone you know may have experienced something like this or is going to experience something like this eventually. Life is bound to turn pages and redirect. Whether it is becoming a retired athlete, retiring from a job, graduating from a school, or even becoming an empty-nester parent, life transitions can be difficult to handle and know how to cope through healthily. It is important to support yourself and lean on others for support through these times of transition where the future might hold uncertainty. If you are spiritual, trust that God is leading you to where you are meant to be next and let yourself be led.

            My plan for this next chapter of my life is to build a new routine. I very much enjoy being active. I am looking forward to being active for the benefit of my personal wellbeing and physical health instead of being active to benefit my softball skill and how I contribute to a team. Believe it or not, being an athlete for so long can create unhealthy habits. It consumes your time and energy that might otherwise be spent nurturing important relationships. Even your relationship with food can become complicated in a way that is less about nourishment and more about control or performance. I am very much ready and looking forward to finding balance in my life and living life more like a human and less like a machine. I am very blessed and thankful for all that softball has given to me these past 14-15 years. The sport won’t be out of my life forever, as I have accepted a coaching position for a different collegiate softball program, but it is time to turn the page from being an athlete and move on to the next chapter in my life’s story.

            If you are interested in seeking support through a difficult life transition, feel free to call us at Olive Branch Counseling Associates! Our professional therapists offer a variety of services both in-person at our office located at 6819—167^th St. in Tinley Park, Illinois (60477) and via telehealth calls. Call 708-633-8000 to book an appointment today!

Myleigh, undergrad intern, 2025

Olive Branch Counseling Associates, Inc.