Footprints in the Sand

(UK)

I've been an athlete since I was five years old and competitively since I was eight. For as long as I can remember I have wanted to be an Olympian. My determination was so so strong and I had total belief in myself.

Last year my coach told me that I would never get anywhere in my sport which totally destroyed me. Atfirst I was sure that I would prove him wrong but everytime something little went wrong I would remember what he said and beleive that it was my fault it went wrong, because I was no good. It led to a lack of confidence in everything I did, not just sport. Since then my sport had become something that I hated but could not give up because it has always been such a big part of me. Not achieving in sport led to me having Athlete's Depression and episodes of self-harming. I have never felt so alone which put my faith on the line. But recently I qualified for the Regional Championships and suddenly, in one moment, I accepted that I may not be the Olympian I had always dreamed of being and I felt that that was ok. I knew then I wasnt on my own and I think God gave me that acceptance, when I was at my lowest point and needed it most.

The counselling I recieved helped me so, so much and I now want to be a counsellor to help other people overcome hardships in life and give advice wherever I can.

<3 Dont lose your faith, you are never on your own <3