Quote

Self-care is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation.

- Audre Lorde

Real Life

In 2022, Simone Maier won the Multisport World Champs Kathmandu Coast to Coast (NZ) race for the third time. It was an outstanding achievement for Maier who had had to go on a long journey of healing before she was able to reach such successes.

When Maier was 14, she experienced flashbacks and dreams that led her to discover that she had been sexually abused as a four and five year old. Her parents acknowledged what had happened, but did not encourage Maier to seek help. They expected the memories to be ignored. Several times Maier spoke to someone searching for help, but instead of receiving support she was admonished for making things worse.

Over time Maier’s mental health deteriorated. First with cutting herself, then bulimia and anorexia, and eventually a suicide attempt. Her parents still did not support her seeking professional help, but her boss at the time, did. With his support Maier courageously reached out to someone who could help and went into rehab.

Once out of rehab Maier lived with caregivers who encouraged her to get into running and cycling and she soon rediscovered how deeply she loved sport. She found that sport gave her strength and joy, and even goes as far as to say that it saved her life. She started competing in triathlons and ironman races and has now won numerous races and events around the world, including, of course, being the women’s coast to coast champion three times.

Sometimes when wounding things happen in life, others may minimise them and not provide the support we need, but we need to keep looking. The bible says that above all else, we need to protect our heart (Proverbs 4:23). Our heart is the wellspring of life, it is the centre of our wellbeing and before we care for anything else we need to care for that.

Bible Verses

Above all else, guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life.
Proverbs 4:23

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank You that You always want what is best for me. Help me to have the courage to seek help when I need it and to find my way to the healing You intend for me.

Author: Sarah Auld   |   Content Editor: Phil Pawley