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Last night, I had lengthy and very serious thoughts. I agonized over the fact that I had worked out, and worked out hard, for so many days in a row that I wasn’t even able to recall my last day off. That my body needed a rest, and it would be in my best interest to take a day off. I pleaded that I needed it–that I felt tired, worn, and lethargic. And, that maybe a rest day would rejuvenate me. I recognized that the pain I was feeling in my hip was because of over usage, and the only way to resolve that pain wouldRead More →

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I went for a walk with my kids the other day, and on our way home, our neighbor was outside. We stopped to say hello, and the conversation led to sports, his kids, my kids, and our hopefulness that our kids find success. He made a comment that his kids, unfortunately, got the short gene. And, because of their size they are at such a disadvantage. Then, he asked, “What sport do you think would be best for short boys?” Answering his own question before I was able to respond, he said, “I suppose their determination and desire to succeed is more indicative of successRead More →

Erin Konheim Mandras

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It’s like signing up for a race, not really preparing or training for it, and setting out and finishing with an unbelievable time. If you don’t beat that time the next race, do you feel as accomplished? Or, it’s like setting a personal record in collections in one week’s time. The following week, if not matched or beaten, do you feel like a failure? For me, I have a tendency to set a goal, and once reached, anything less feels unfulfilling. According to Entrepreneur and Online Marketing Expert, Neil Patel, in Entrepreneur, “When we don’t get fulfillment, our psychological response is anxiety or tension.” Based on myRead More →

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As someone who was significantly affected by media, attaining the ideal body type, dieting and exercising to lose weight, and taking it to the extreme, I know how celebrities influence millions of people. Whether it be through behaviors, public statements, or even photographs, they are followed and aped so closely. However, when a person, like myself, is replicating similar actions to that of a celebrity, and has a genetic predisposition and a particular personality, then one becomes susceptible to developing an eating disorder. According to an article in Huffington Post, “Dying to be thin in our celebrity-driven culture has become prevalent not only with yourRead More →

S-t-uperstitions

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Many of us can’t help but worry at the thought of a Friday the 13th approaching on the calendar. That no matter what, we are destined to have bad luck that day. Or, we see a penny on the ground and stare so intently; not at the value of it, but to see if it’s heads up, or good luck. Or, if we spot a black cat, we quickly turn the other way hoping the eye contact we made with it does not bring us bad luck. These are just a few common superstitions we universally acknowledge. As competitive athletes, we strive for perfection and do whateverRead More →

Mordy, The Soccer Ball

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For my entire life, soccer was my identity, and I knew no different. Between year-round training, competition, and tournaments, my life had profoundly revolved around the sport. I lived to sharpen my game through constant skill work and daily fitness exercises. My accomplishments gave me pride and confidence, and most importantly,  provided me with ongoing social and psychological benefits. I had suddenly not only despised the sport I had once loved, but the mere thought of soccer made me queasy and highly anxious. Literally, the word soccer became repulsive to me. Through the entire fall season of my sophomore, I struggled to survive. I was lethargic, foodRead More →

OCL: Obsessive Compulsive LIAR

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Growing up, my parents instilled in my brothers and I the fundamental morals in life: to be respectful of others, be accountable and take responsibility for our actions, treat others as we want to be treated, and to ALWAYS TELL THE TRUTH. Sounds reasonable, especially now as a parent. Similarly, I hope and will strive to raise my two boys with very comparable standards and values. Of course, throughout my life, I demonstrated weak moments where I was unable to live by and fulfill the expectations of good character. I was guilty on different accounts at distinctive times. The most glaring shame I recall was the year I lived as an anorexic. I was diagnosed with ObsessiveRead More →