This is a very normal urge—to stop whatever is giving you stress or pain. After experiencing just one of these situations, most sane people would quit. “It’s not worth it.”

But I am here to tell you that it is worth it.

This is a problem I have fallen into too many times to count: not being fully present. Wanting my future dreams to come true, but when they do, life does not feel any different.

You go from thriving on the field, on the court, on the pitch—to sitting out of games and watching your team get better and win championships without you. With one wrong step, one hit, one pop, your season could be over.