Redefining Resilience: What Simone Biles Taught Me About the Power of Stepping Back

Simone Biles' journey has resonated deeply with me, especially as someone who has often fallen into the pattern of over-functioning. Her story is a powerful reminder that there is strength in knowing when to step back, in recognizing that our worth isn’t tied solely to our productivity or achievements.

As an over-functioning woman, I've always prided myself on my ability to handle everything, work, family, responsibilities, constantly pushing myself to do more, be more. But watching Simone’s courageous decision to prioritize her mental and physical health in 2021, even at the peak of her career, has made me reflect on my own habits. It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that we must keep going, no matter what, to meet the expectations others have of us or the impossible standards we set for ourselves. But what Simone has shown is that true resilience isn’t about never stopping; it’s about knowing when to pause, when to give yourself the grace to rest and recover.

This is a lesson I need to learn and that I am constantly struggling as it has been 55 yrs of feeling unworthy of this: that it’s okay to step back, to take care of myself without feeling guilty or inadequate. It’s a reminder that taking time to heal and recharge isn’t just necessary, it’s vital for long-term success and well-being. Simone’s story encourages me to redefine what it means to be strong and to embrace the idea that self-care is not just an act of preservation but an act of power.

In reflecting on her journey, I’m reminded that I don’t have to do it all, all the time. There is wisdom in knowing my limits and in honoring the need for balance in my life. Like Simone, I can shine even brighter when I allow myself the space to breathe, to reflect, and to care for my whole self. This isn’t about stepping back out of weakness, but about positioning myself to move forward with even greater clarity, purpose, and strength.

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