Move Your Body, Heal Your Mind

When I was a teenager, I seriously struggled with confidence. I second-guessed everything I said, compared myself to everyone around me, and just felt... stuck. Looking back, I realize how much of that came from not really having an outlet; somewhere I could just be myself and let go of all the pressure. That all changed when I got involved in sports.

I didn’t join a team to become a star athlete or win awards. Honestly, I just needed something to do after school. But once I started showing up to practices and games, I started feeling different. Stronger. More focused. I made real friends. I stopped obsessing over what other people thought and started caring more about how I felt — and how I could keep growing.

Now, as a graduating college student, I can see just how important that experience was. It wasn’t just about getting fit, it was about building self-esteem, managing stress, and realizing I had something to contribute.

That’s why May is such an important month. It’s both National Physical Fitness and Sports Month and Teen Self-Esteem Month, and honestly, the two go hand in hand. Movement helps mental health. Feeling capable whether it’s from running a mile, scoring a goal, or just showing up to practice makes a huge difference, especially for teens.

Unfortunately, not every kid has access to sports or extracurriculars. That’s where Start 1 Spark comes in. We’re working to make sure every child has the chance to explore their interests, build confidence, and just feel good being themselves, whatever that may look like.

So this May, let’s not just talk about fitness and self-esteem, let's do something about it.