Dear Simone ... It's Me Again

I wrote this letter to Simone Biles during the Olympics last year. But I realized I was writing this to so many others. In honor of May being Mental Health Month, I invite you to reread the letter. Simone was the inspiration for the letter, but this definitely is for all of us.

I know that it is for me.

Dear Simone:

It’s taken me a minute to write you, but you’ve always been the G.OA.T. .. and long before the Tokyo Olympics. It’s not just because of the 4 Olympic Gold medals and 19 world championship medals. It’s not just because you have moves that defy gravity and are even named after you. It’s not just because of the sacrifices and work that you have poured into your craft. It’s so much more … you have inspired, fought for and been a leader to your teammates. You’ve dealt with blatant racism. With all of that, you’re the GOAT because of the gold medal decision you made … you chose to take care of your self, recognizing your mental health is of immeasurable wealth.

My heart ached and was angered at the comments you received. People told you that you needed to tough it out, you were selfish and didn’t care about your teammates or country. You should just go ahead and play through the pain and push through the trauma. But it made me think of how many times we pushed through and toughed it out, when maybe there were moments where we should have just sat down and took time to rest. You reminded us that we need to treasure ourselves. It is not selfish to pour into ourselves before pouring into others. We can’t pour from empty vessels. Jesus recognized and took the time to rest.

“Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat.” Mark 6:31

If even Jesus knew the importance of taking to time to step back and rest, why are you (we) criticized for doing the same. Make it make sense ….. I”ll wait.

Simone, you are still the GOAT because you chose to listen to your spirit and your body and mind. So many of us are walking around wearing exhaustion as if it is a medal or badge of honor. It does not serve us and it is too heavy to wear. Simone , you are the GOAT because you chose not to wear it. It took me a while to write this letter because your action made me reflect on my own life ….. especially as a Black woman.

Simone you reminded us that self care is essential. You reminded us that self care and rest is sacred and necessary. You reminded us that other people’s opinions of us does not have to be our reality. You reminded us about keeping boundaries that are protection for ourselves as well as others. You reminded us that thinking of ourselves is not selfish, it is essential. You reminded us that it is not selfish to pour into ourselves before pouring into others. We shouldn’t be pouring from empty vessels. You reminded us to take off the perfectionist medal, that doesn’t make space for imperfections and natural flaws. You reminded us that we do not have to have it together 24 hours a day and that was never the case. You reminded us to release ourselves from unrealistic expectations (Whether our own expectations or others) You reminded us that No is a complete sentence and doesn’t need an explanation, whether others understand or not.

You reminded me to treasure the things and people that bring me joy. You reminded me of the gold standard of taking time to have lunch with a friend and having my spirit, body and soul fed. You reminded me of the importance and appreciation of my therapist and Spiritual Director. Yes you can love Jesus and go to therapy. You reminded us of the importance of listening to our inner voice. You reminded us ….. that sometimes taking care of ourselves means stepping aside so that we can step into our best selves.

This year, the theme of Mental Health America 2022 is "Back to Basics." After the last two years of pandemic living, many people are realizing that stress, isolation, and uncertainty have taken a toll on their well-being. There is more info at https://www.mhanational.org/mental-health-month

Simone, you shared that the love and support you received made you realize that you were more than your accomplishments and gymnastics and that you didn’t believe that before. Simone, you are not the only one. We saw a piece of ourselves in you. We need to be reminded that our worth is not tied to our level of exhaustion, overworking and sacrifice. We are worthy simply because we are. You reminded me the importance of just taking time to be.

Simone, I realized that it took me time to write this letter because I am also writing this letter to so many others, including myself. You are loved and your actions reminded us about the important of having a supportive and loving community …. and to ignore the comments. You are still the G.O.A.T. and choosing to care for your physical, mental and spiritual health is a gold medal decision.

Peace, Sheila