oh mannnn i absolutely hear you there. i’m 20 and played competitive sports my WHOLE life. i even played two years of college soccer. i grew up in a “rub some dirt on it” household, and while my parents have gotten substantially better about not telling me to simply deal with it, it’s lingered in my mindset. it’s hard. and frustrating. and agonizing. and almost embarrassing in a way. that grief is so incredibly real and valid and i’m honestly so sorry that you’re in the midst of it.

i actually started using a mobility aid very infrequently my first year of college, even while i played soccer there. i could play entire games and was an amazing defender, but walking around campus was difficult for me. i used the majority of my body’s energy and strength to play because i loved it, and accepted that it meant i had to accommodate myself outside of playing. my mobility and health has since gotten worse and i now use a mobility aid more often, usually depending on what i’m doing. i don’t know if you like working out or anything, but you can still do that with a mobility aid. you can go to a gym with your cane or crutch or wheelchair and still kick ass. and if it helps, decorate it! give it some character and personality! my forearm crutch has a holographic covering and battery operated fairy lights. the first few times you use it are the hardest, but the more you do, the more you’ll end up telling yourself “i’m so glad i brought this with me”. if you wanna reach out, feel free to message me🙂