Get in the Game

 “You Are More Than Your Sport” is a must read for athletes of ALL ages.  Being an athlete teaches you so many great things, but the longer you do it, the more laser focused you become on what “it” is, and what everyone thinks “you” are.  Erin’s own life experiences and the courage to be open to that initial sit down with Dr. Darden helped her not only grow as person, but also helped change the trajectory of where her injury could have taken her. 

As a former professional athlete who continues to navigate and learn who “I” am outside of the jersey number, helmet, and shoulder pads, I commend Erin for the raw look into her experience and perseverance when she hit adversity, and had to transition from being the “great golfer”, to ERIN. No matter what level of athlete you are, one day the sport will not need you any longer.  Whether that is from injury, the inner drive and discipline, or the sport telling you you no longer make the cut , it all ends at some point.  What you do from that point on to leave your real legacy is how we really show what the sport taught us.  

I have gratitude that Erin was willing to put all this on paper, as it is a good reminder for many of us out there to keep pushing forward on our journey.  Thank you Erin for the reminder that my “real” me is not what I thought it was many years ago, and that my true legacy has only begun to take shape with what I do and who I can help moving forward.
 

You Are More Than Your Sport is a must-read for any student athlete or competitor. Erin seamlessly weaves the through line of enoughness, identity and ultimate value being greater than that of your most celebrated skillset. 
As a former collegiate and professional athlete who experienced a career-ending injury at a young age, what a gift it would have been to have this book as a guide along my journey. The heartfelt experience of devastating loss exposing a false identity and distorted image of success; only to reveal your true identity and accurate depiction of success — is a story that must be told. Whatever it takes, find your own “blue chair” and get comfortable. 
In the words of Mrs. Haney: “As long as I like who I am, it doesn’t matter what everybody else thinks.” 
Thank you Erin for reminding us all that we are more than our sport!

 “You Are More Than Your Sport” should be required reading for all student athletes who limit themselves by believing the sport creates their one true identity.  Based on her own experience, Erin shows you how to dig deeper into who you really are to find answers that let you know your self-worth and value extend beyond your sport.  A must read.

 In this compelling and insightful book, the former athlete-turned-author navigates the depths of the human spirit beyond the arena. 

Through eloquent prose and personal anecdotes, Erin conveys the profound truth that athletes are not defined solely by their sport. This work is a testament to the resilience, complexity, and untapped potential that resides within every athlete, offering the reader a profound journey into the multifaceted lives of these remarkable individuals. 

Recommended also for those who are not athletes, but work in athletics, work with athletes, or just have an interest in what goes on behind the field. A must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the human experience beyond the scoreboard, I urge you to pick up a copy and explore what lies within you beyond your sport. 

 What an impactful and inspiring read! Erin Baer has hit a hole in one, with You Are More Than Your Sport, as she authentically reveals how she redefined herself from I Am Erin the golfer, to I Am Erin – and this is enough. Erin articulately reminds us that we are not defined by our sport, our job, or any other outside factor. Each one of us is enough and worthy, as is. If you don’t currently believe that, I strongly encourage you to read this book, find your own Dr. Darden or Mrs. Haney, and let them mentor you until you fully believe it for yourself. We can all become the ripple effect in the world around us when we realize, like Erin did, that we don’t need to prove ourselves to anyone. God already knows our worth and that is enough. So, be authentically you! 

Erin Baer’s You Are More Than Your Sport takes an honest look at how we can get stuck by hinging our self-worth on one area of competency. While not an athlete, I could relate to holding on to defining myself in just one way. For me it was grades. It was a long road to realizing I am worth more than my achievements. I love that Erin is helping others see themselves as whole people.

 Erin has once again hit her reader with yet another account of her raw and real realities that not only she, but many others like her, have faced while feeling like there is no hope, no way out of a dark place and time. Through time, patience, many setbacks, trials, and tribulations, she found solace in a single blue chair. A chair that would allow her to dig deeper within the impeccable, amazing individual that lies below the surface of her outer shell. Erin is a true inspiration and motivation for all walks of life and shares her climb to the top of a mountain she once thought was unattainable, and has shown time and time again that life is always gonna throw you obstacles, the question then becomes, just how bad do you want what's on the otherside, and accepting that there are people out there that truly want to see you succeed and help you. You just have to be willing to take the first step and take hold of the hand that is there to help. When you're at your lowest and feel there is nowhere left to go, it is then that you need to give it to God and let it go. 

While Erin's book tells of her struggle to find out that she was so much more than her sport, golf, her book can pertain to anyone, even when no sport is involved. When we really step back and look at our lives, I think we can all agree that "life" is very much like a continuous sport. When you feel you have hit the end of the road, find your blue chair, and look around you, I promise there is more to your sport. You just have to be willing to take that leap of faith. 

Erin's book is a must-read for all ages. A page turner, and cover to cover read.  She draws her readers in and takes you through the laughter and the tears right along beside her.  She inspires her readers to dig deep within themselves to  find that they are so much more than their "sport" and lights a fire from deep within to set the world on fire if they so choose too. Never be afraid to find YOUR Blue Chair. It might just be what ignites a spark in your soul.