This morning I watched part of an interview with Ronda Rousey where she broke down after admitting that after her UFC title loss she found herself sitting in a corner contemplating suicide.  My heart just went out to her.  How can this amazing, strong confident woman be having these thoughts?  I have been a fan of Ronda since watching a documentary on her.  First of all I should clarify that I am not a fan of UFC – I have been to one match and am actually going to another soon but that is because I am going with my husband and a group of friends – I will not be jumping around and singing my heart out like at a concert – then again maybe I should ……………… could make it interesting.  Anyway I digress – back to Ronda.  The documentary was about her training routine and mindset.  I have always admired people who take on a task with everything they have and that is exactly what Ronda has done.  She is focussed and most importantly believes in herself.  So what made her break down to this incredibly low point?  I think the answer is simple – the reaction of people after the match.  I was as surprised as anyone when she lost as she is a brilliant fighter but instead of coming out in support of the effort she put in,  the “Tall Poppy Annihilators” came out in force.  Questioning her abilities and asking was this the “beginning of the end?”  Oh My Goodness – SHUT UP!!!!!!  Nobody is perfect, nobody can be on top forever, it is just not possible.  I would love to see some of these so called “reporters” get into the ring with her and then write their “objective opinions” (isn’t that was reporting is?) – hopefully very slowly on their laptops while recovering from the beating they have just taken.  If they are really lucky and they have taken extra strong pain medication we may just get a piece of reporting that is actually interesting to read.

On a positive note I applaud Ronda for sharing her story – you never know, there may be someone out there who has been having suicidal feelings and knowing they are not alone may have helped – I hope so.

Without getting into details I have experienced loss through suicide.  I do not understand it and probably never will.  On both occasions I was left feeling numb and could not get my head around why it had happened, still can’t………   Both people were very much alike – kind, loving and happy – on the outside.  To be that low that you can not see any way to stop your pain must be unbearable – because that is what is pain.

I am happy to see that Ronda is talking about her feelings and training to get back into the ring to defend her title once again against Holly Holm.

Sometimes even to live is an act of courage – Seneca (Spanish Philosopher)