My daughter came home from cheer and mentioned she was frustrated. She got kicked in the face. Elbowed in the face. Caught a knee to the chin. Three different stunts. Glasses smashed into her nose. Made her cry.
And she’s a tough cookie!
I get it, girl.
Literally, I’ve had it happen. Not in cheer, but while wrestling with the boys. Or while playing a sport. It sucks.
If you wear glasses, or even if you don’t, you know how it feels. It surprises you. It hurts. It activates the tear ducts. Your eyes usually water even you don’t fully cry.
Sometimes, its not the pain as much as the surprise.
But metaphorically, I’ve felt it too.
Someone says something to you and it hurts your feelings. Someone does something and it pains you. Today, even, I felt like I got kicked in the face.
Whether its intentional, accidental, or unrelated, it doesn’t matter. When a foot or elbow hits your face, it surprises you and it hurts. It may even make you cry.
What’s the takeaway?
I let my daughter vent her frustrations. I made sure she was done with the rant. Then I told her let’s take three deep breaths.
Breathe.
Feel the pain, recover, move on.
You’ll be stronger, tougher, more resilient.
Just don’t let the same person elbow you or kick you day-in, day-out. That’s abuse.
Omer Redden 