In this episode of Question It., with its *Trigger Warning*, I explore how our drive for athletic success is often tied to a form of conditional love—seeking validation and worthiness through achievement. From elite athletes to kids in Little League, I examine how we use sports as a way to meet emotional health needs, striving to feel seen, accepted, and valued. But what if all we truly want is to be loved unconditionally, for who we are beyond our accomplishments? Join me as I question the cultural narratives around sports and consider a healthier path to fulfilling our deeper emotional needs.

Key Takeaway: Our pursuit of success in sports often reflects a deeper longing to be loved unconditionally by our parents, not for what we achieve, but simply for who we are.

Peace. Love. Connect.

Links/References:

Original Source Article: When Compensatory Behaviors No Longer Work — The rise in “mental health” “cracking”.

https://fejguy.medium.com/when-compensatory-behaviors-no-longer-work-8084d8526b63

uchiTribe Episode Code: Request to join this episodes uchiTribe, for up to 4 weeks after this episode goes live, using the code: QI-Ep32

Here’s the Google Form: https://forms.gle/wgv8mUk8NU9DnHKcA

And a few sample questions we might discuss:

1. How do you think society's focus on achievement influences the way we seek love and validation?
2. Have you ever felt that your worth was tied to your performance in an activity? How did that impact you emotionally?
3. When was a time you felt truly loved for who you are, regardless of your achievements or abilities?
4. What messages about success and love do you think children pick up from watching their parents’ reactions to wins and losses?

Contact Info:

Kevin’s social media is typically: @KevinRStrauss

Website: https://KevinRStrauss.com – Connect directly using the Contact Form there.

Uchi: https://uchiconnection.com – Real conversations. Real connections.

#mentalhealth #emotionalhealth #love #connection #belonging #relationships #QuestionIt #podcast #unconditionallove #simonebiles #naomiosaka #michaelphelps #tigerwoods #GOAT