“For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.”

Now, you may be wondering, why would one of Newton’s great contributions to physics be relevant to figure skating? Here’s a story, my story, that demonstrates why Newton is relevant not only in the sport of figure skating but in life in general.

It was time.

My breath became puffs of white, ephemeral mist obscuring my path of vision. Overwhelming blackness enveloped me. As a competitive figure skater, this patch of ice was the ultimate performance stage. Competing in a pitch-black arena under a spotlight added to the excitement.

As I reached my starting location, I slowed to a stop, waiting with anticipation for the music to start.

With each twist and turn of the song, my nerves relaxed. I closed my eyes to capture the moment. Gliding gracefully down center ice with outstretched arms, I arched my back. This was when I took a risk.

The next moment, the spotlight disappeared. The darkness had caused me to miscalculate my position and speed. I cannot recall making contact with the wall but I do remember shards of ice scraping my skin as my face slammed against that cold, rough surface. My spine felt strange. The music had stopped. It was at this 2011 United States Figure Skating Association (USFSA) National Showcase, my first national competition, that I experienced the dangers of my own momentum. Physics was a contributory cause of my injury.

At first, doctors advised that I should not return to skating. They believed my recovery would be too demanding. All I had to do was accept what had happened, push those skates under my bed or give them away.

But rather than accept this prognosis, I refused it. Yes, figure skating can be a lonely, dangerous sport, but it was my sport. A part of my past, my identity. I was determined to prove them wrong.

This was my ‘reaction.' Newton’s law now applied.

After months and months of painful exercises and physical therapy, my body healed. Strengthened. Eventually, I returned to the sport I so dearly loved.

Three years later, in 2014 at the USFSA National Showcase, I once again glided across center ice. My blades became the only noise heard in the arena. I felt the familiar mix of nerves and exhilaration pound a shaky rhythm in my stomach. This was home.

The loudspeaker’s voice and audience’s applause magnified in volume.

“Ladies and gentlemen, representing the Coyotes Figure Skating Club of Arizona, I present…Liana Sherman!”

Slowing to a stop, I closed my eyes, waiting for the music. The song swirled out from hidden loudspeakers and swept across the ice like a storm. I stared into the dark sea of vision.

I was ready.

Earning a coveted place atop the National podium, I achieved my goal of becoming a National Gold Medalist. Emotions washed over me as the spotlight lifted. It was a memory filled with incomparable joy.

Throughout our lives, situations happen to us that we do not and will not have control over. Some are good, others not so much. However, we choose our responses to such ‘actions’. Call it the ebb and flow of life, if you will.

Newton was right. “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.”

Next time you’re faced with a challenge, remember Newton’s third law of motion. You can overcome that challenge.

How?

It starts with your reaction.