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Visit the “A Bedtime Story” show website to submit your story ideas for a future episode!
Lena loved soccer more than anything else in the world. At just 12 years old, she was the star midfielder for the Riverside Rockets, known for her fierce determination and sharp instincts on the field. But Lena had one small problem—every time she headed the ball, her glasses would crack, bend, or shatter. No matter how careful she was, the combination of speed, impact, and adrenaline always seemed to end with her glasses in pieces.
Her parents had replaced her glasses more times than they could count. Her coach even joked, "If we had a trophy for most glasses broken in a season, Lena would win it hands down."
But to Lena, it wasn’t funny anymore. She grew frustrated and anxious, afraid to head the ball, which made her feel like she was letting her team down. She started questioning her abilities. Maybe I’m not as good as I thought. Maybe I’m just the girl who breaks her glasses, she’d think after every game.
One day, after yet another pair of broken glasses, Lena sat on the bench, clutching the bent frames, fighting tears. She stared at the cracked lenses, feeling like they mirrored her own confidence—fragile and broken.
Coach Ramirez noticed and sat beside her. "Lena, what’s on your mind?"
"I love soccer, Coach," Lena whispered, "but I’m scared. Every time I go for a header, I freeze. I don’t want to let the team down, but I don’t know how to fix this."
Coach smiled thoughtfully. "You know, it’s not about being perfect. It’s about finding your way through the tough parts. What if we thought differently—not about how to avoid the problem but how to face it head-on?"
Those words stuck with Lena. Determined, she started researching. She learned about sports goggles—durable, impact-resistant eyewear designed for athletes. She convinced her parents to get her a pair. When she first wore them, she felt self-conscious. What if everyone thinks I look silly? But she remembered Coach’s words and decided to focus on what mattered: playing the game she loved.
During the next game, a high corner kick soared her way. Lena hesitated for a split second, doubt creeping in. But then she took a deep breath, leaped, and met the ball with a powerful header. She landed, bracing for that familiar cracking sound—but there was nothing. Her goggles stayed firm, unscathed.
The crowd erupted in cheers, not just for the goal she scored but for her courage. Lena grinned, realizing that the real victory wasn’t just about the goal or the unbroken goggles—it was about facing her fear.
From that day on, Lena wore her sports goggles with pride. They didn’t just protect her vision; they symbolized her unbreakable spirit. She discovered that confidence wasn’t about never feeling afraid—it was about showing up, even when you do. And as the season continued, Lena played with a renewed heart, knowing that her strength came from within.
By Matthew MitchellVisit the “A Bedtime Story” show website to submit your story ideas for a future episode!
Lena loved soccer more than anything else in the world. At just 12 years old, she was the star midfielder for the Riverside Rockets, known for her fierce determination and sharp instincts on the field. But Lena had one small problem—every time she headed the ball, her glasses would crack, bend, or shatter. No matter how careful she was, the combination of speed, impact, and adrenaline always seemed to end with her glasses in pieces.
Her parents had replaced her glasses more times than they could count. Her coach even joked, "If we had a trophy for most glasses broken in a season, Lena would win it hands down."
But to Lena, it wasn’t funny anymore. She grew frustrated and anxious, afraid to head the ball, which made her feel like she was letting her team down. She started questioning her abilities. Maybe I’m not as good as I thought. Maybe I’m just the girl who breaks her glasses, she’d think after every game.
One day, after yet another pair of broken glasses, Lena sat on the bench, clutching the bent frames, fighting tears. She stared at the cracked lenses, feeling like they mirrored her own confidence—fragile and broken.
Coach Ramirez noticed and sat beside her. "Lena, what’s on your mind?"
"I love soccer, Coach," Lena whispered, "but I’m scared. Every time I go for a header, I freeze. I don’t want to let the team down, but I don’t know how to fix this."
Coach smiled thoughtfully. "You know, it’s not about being perfect. It’s about finding your way through the tough parts. What if we thought differently—not about how to avoid the problem but how to face it head-on?"
Those words stuck with Lena. Determined, she started researching. She learned about sports goggles—durable, impact-resistant eyewear designed for athletes. She convinced her parents to get her a pair. When she first wore them, she felt self-conscious. What if everyone thinks I look silly? But she remembered Coach’s words and decided to focus on what mattered: playing the game she loved.
During the next game, a high corner kick soared her way. Lena hesitated for a split second, doubt creeping in. But then she took a deep breath, leaped, and met the ball with a powerful header. She landed, bracing for that familiar cracking sound—but there was nothing. Her goggles stayed firm, unscathed.
The crowd erupted in cheers, not just for the goal she scored but for her courage. Lena grinned, realizing that the real victory wasn’t just about the goal or the unbroken goggles—it was about facing her fear.
From that day on, Lena wore her sports goggles with pride. They didn’t just protect her vision; they symbolized her unbreakable spirit. She discovered that confidence wasn’t about never feeling afraid—it was about showing up, even when you do. And as the season continued, Lena played with a renewed heart, knowing that her strength came from within.