When I was 13 I was kicked in the mouth during a soccer game. Here's what happened- I was a Goal Keeper, came out of the box, slid out to save the ball and while I was at it, tackled the oncoming Forward. I saved the ball in a dramatic fashion. I felt like a hero.
That incident reminds me of how I have to stay tough in life. When a coach tells you to "walk it off" as a kid, in the middle of a game- you really don't have a choice. You gotta get back in. No time to get upset, or dwell on the pain. Life moves on if you are, or if you are not ready for it.
I actually still have a small fracture in one of my bottom teeth. It's a great reminder of how tough I can be when I need to be.
