My track and field vision board vs reality
Better late than never with my mid year reflection with my new college sport. I was a swimmer for almost my whole life all for the goal of becoming an Olympic athlete. However, my mental health was not at its best. I’ve always had a conflicting relationship with swim because I either didn’t get along with the coach or I didn’t get along with the team. Especially when I got to college, I neither got along with teammates nor my coach and the only thing I had left from being a swimmer was becoming pro to keep me going. I didn’t know when to quit until my sophomore year came and everything was plummeting from losing friends to flunking nursing school. I was mentally and physically checked out. I think God literally threw the biggest sign of quitting because my ex swim coach wanted me out so badly to the point she threatened to tamper with my scholarship if I didn’t switch majors. I cried so hard because I wanted to keep going because I didn’t wanted to give up my goal even if I started to have a terrible relationship with all aspects of swimming.
I took a year break from sports and just focused on getting my grades up in nursing and healing my mental health. With my school being so small, it was literally torture of not doing anything and not a lot of events or clubs to put myself out there. I started to join running groups around the city and fell in love with the community. I know I was crazy, but I decided to go back into NCAA and joined my colleges track team if I had the shot. Luckily, the cross coach was the most cheerful person I’ve ever met and the whole goal for me when I become his athlete is to just have fun with it.
It felt weird that I was letting my eligibility go to waste and my nursing school grades were already up. I wanted to do something big for me going into my senior which is why is I went back to competing but this time running. My intention for this sport this time was not to be goal driven but to make the most out of it with bonding through my teammates, pushing myself positively, and not putting the pressure of me to do more. This sport has truly blessed me for having a teammates to ride or die with, a better coach to train with, and literally competing for fun.
I am proud to say that I’m a retired division 2 college athlete but I know I haven’t given up yet on competing and chasing my wildest dreams on being a pro athlete. As of now, I just want to try new things and see what sparks my passion before I can become goal driven into it.
#athletejourney #college athlete #trackyourjourney #tracklife #Lemon8Diary
Hey everyone! Building on my journey from a rigid vision board to a more fulfilling reality in college track and field, I wanted to share some thoughts on how to create a vision board that truly serves you, especially if you're an aspiring athlete or just looking to embrace a gym aesthetic. When I first envisioned my college athletic career, my "track & field/ xc Vision board" was filled with images of Olympic podiums and record-breaking times. While those aspirations aren't bad, I've learned that a truly powerful vision board should encompass more than just performance metrics. So, how do you create a "track vision board" or "gym aesthetic for vision board" that resonates with your whole self? First, think beyond just physical achievements. Of course, include pictures of strong athletes performing in your events – maybe a powerful shot of a javelin thrower if you're into FIELD events, or a sprinter exploding from the blocks. But also consider what makes you feel good and balanced. For my next vision board, I'd definitely include images that represent mental resilience, like a calm runner enjoying a sunrise jog, or a motivational phrase like "DON'T RACE SCARED" – something to remind me to trust myself and enjoy the moment, rather than being crippled by pressure. Think about the "aesthetic" of your journey. It's not just about how you look, but how you feel and live. For a "gym aesthetic for vision board," you might include images of healthy, colorful food, stretching routines, or even a cozy recovery corner. It's about creating a holistic picture of wellness. My initial board lacked the joy I found later with my teammates. So, add elements that highlight camaraderie, like groups of happy athletes laughing together after a practice, or even selfies with your own squad, similar to some of the group shots I have from my actual college experience. These visuals remind you of the community support that makes the hard work worthwhile. To make your vision board truly practical, I suggest a few categories: Performance Goals: Specific times, distances, or skills you want to achieve. Use action shots. Mental & Emotional Well-being: Images representing peace, focus, resilience, or even a quote about self-compassion. This is where I'd add "DON'T RACE SCARED" now! Team & Community: Photos of positive team dynamics, supportive coaches, or even a team motto. Recovery & Self-Care: Visuals of rest, nutrition, foam rolling, or anything that helps you recharge. Academic & Personal Growth: Since I was a college athlete balancing nursing school, I'd definitely add elements reflecting academic success and personal development outside of sport. Remember, a vision board is a living document. It's a guide, not a rigid contract. My journey taught me that sometimes, reality throws you a curveball, and your vision needs to adapt. It's okay if your actual experience looks a bit different from your initial "track and field vision board." The beauty is in discovering what truly fuels your passion and well-being, even if it means redefining what success looks like. My vision board initially showed one path, but my reality, with its unexpected twists, led me to an even richer and more joyful athletic life. What would your holistic vision board look like?