Don’t Call It A Comeback

… “Don’t call it a comeback, I been here for years.”

For all you ’90s hip-hop enthusiasts out there, here’s a test of your musical knowledge. Who’s the mastermind behind this iconic line, and can you recall the title of the track it’s from? Get ready to prove your hip-hop expertise!”

Okay…maybe I am dating myself, but I have loved LL Cool J since the 90s, and that lyric is from his song, Mama Said Knock You Out.

I know, I know…where are you going with this Doc?

It was the first song that came to my mind as I watched the media interview with Sha’Carri Richardson after she won the 100-meter dash last week at the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary.

I am a Sha’Carri fan! Perhaps you are not a sports enthusiast. However, most of us know her 2021 fall from grace story. In the summer of 2021, she solidified her spot in the Tokyo Olympics with a stunning performance at the U.S. Olympic Trials, winning the 100 meters with remarkable ease. The world had high hopes for her, envisioning gold medals and records in her future. However, just as Sha’Carri’s star was rising, she faced a setback that would test her mental resilience and strength. Shortly after her triumphant victory at the trials, news broke that she had tested positive for marijuana. This revelation shattered her Olympic dreams, as she was suspended from competing in her signature event.

Sha’Carri shared about the traumatic and unfortunate events that were going on in her life at the time. She disclosed that her biological mother died the week before her race, and her drug use was the result of being “blinded by emotion, blinded by bad news, blinded by just hurting, hiding hurt honestly. … I was just trying to hide my pain.” There are many ways we anesthetize our pain.

In the midst of this turbulent time, Sha’Carri turned to an often-underestimated aspect of athletic success: mental health and self-care. She openly shared her struggles with the world, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and addressing mental health challenges.

This week, I saw a different athlete. Sha’Carri looked healthy and healed. Sometimes, a setback is just a setup for your next big win or accomplishment. There are times when God will step into a situation you have been praying for and shut the door. He knows you are not ready for all that is going to be required, and while you can’t see it, He can.

Trust me, God will humble you.

After her win in Budapest, she said, “Y’all say I’m back. I’m not back. I’m better.”

In celebrating her successes and acknowledging her setbacks, we can all find inspiration to pursue our goals, whether in sports, mental health, or any other aspect of life. Sha’Carri Richardson’s story is a reminder that setbacks are not the end of the road; they can be the beginning of something even greater.

What’s your resilience narrative? Can you reflect on past setbacks that ultimately turned out to be beneficial in the grand scheme of things? How do you plan to convey your experiences to inspire others?

I love to share parts of my world with others to inspire, motivate, and create community. If you are a therapist who would love to connect with other therapists around the world and seek creative content on wellness and self-care, connect with Dr. Clack on Instagram @drangelaclackspeaks and click the link in the bio labeled TherapyTribeHub. It’s time we took our rest and self-care seriously.