The common saying, “change is hard,” is completely true, especially after sustaining multiple concussions; it’s extremely hard to abruptly change your lifestyle from active to sedentary. Prior to my concussions, I was exercising 7 days a week, instead of sitting on the couch in the dark, away from my friends, family, and teammates. I found it hard to resume exercising and my competitive mindset after my brain injuries, but knew I had to get back on the saddle. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to step back on to a soccer field in the near future for medical and emotional reasons, but that did not stop me from finding a sport where emotions weren’t previously attached and where I can’t get another concussion, which was the most important aspect when I was looking.  Sports are a huge stress reliever for me, and I was eager to try something new. So, a couple weeks ago, I started rowing. Crew provides structure and camaraderie, the same thing that soccer did. While I immediately fell in love the sport, the change was still hard: my teammates are people that I’ve never met, practice is 45 minutes away, and the workouts are grueling. While change is hard, it’s also good; I’ve found myself again, can define myself as an athlete, and a rower, not just an ex-soccer player. I no longer have to say “I’m concussed, I can’t play sports right now.” That is the best feeling in the world.

                                                                                    Till next time,

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Alex