You trained for months. You imagined crossing the finish line. You pushed through every cold, early morning, spent time away from family, friends, work, ran your heart out…and then…You didn’t finish.

A DNF can cut deep. It can shake your confidence, your identity as an athlete, and your trust in your own body. I am no stranger to DNF’s – just check out this post a few years back and this podcast. But I’m going to tell you, DNF’s are not the opposite of success. They’re opportunities to rebuild self-belief from the inside out.

Owning the Story

Here’s the deal: when we own our story, we write the ending.

When we’re self-aware, open and accepting of ourselves, our own true, unique self, when we hold ourselves kindly and compassionately, and when we move towards a growth mindset, we gain power. We can do more of what matters.

Owning the story is acknowledging the truth of the experiences. It’s taking authorship instead of playing the victim. It’s letting go of shame through self-compassion. It’s living aligned with your values and strengths.

It ain’t been easy. But the more I come to ‘owning the story’ the more control I have of this story, and likely you will too.

Optimism is the belief that challenges can be faced, that things can get better, and that we have the capacity to grow, adapt, or find meaning, even when things are hard. It’s not about ignoring pain or fear, but about holding onto hope while making space for reality. Optimism is key ingredient in building resilience – that and emotional regulation and a supportive environment.

There it is.

It’s about holding on to hope…