The journey of an athlete extends far beyond the field, court, or arena. While the spotlight often focuses on physical prowess and competitive achievements, a crucial aspect of athletic success lies in the delicate balance between performance excellence and personal identity. As former NFL All-Pro Linebacker Al Smith powerfully states, "You have to know what your identity is and who you are outside of football. Once you understand that and can focus on something other than just the game—it's what you do, it's not who you are" (Choulet, 2025).

Even in everyday life, when stress, anxiety, or complicated emotions feel overwhelming, picking up a pen and allowing yourself to create without judgment can provide relief. Whether it's abstract shapes that represent complex feelings, or simple repetitive patterns that calm an anxious mind, doodling offers a safe space for emotional release. This form of expression can be particularly powerful because it bypasses our usual verbal filters, allowing deeper emotions and thoughts to surface in a manageable way.