When to Fight and When to Fly: A Ka-Globe Athlete's Guide to Balance

Being a Ka-Globe means pursuing excellence, but never at the expense of well-being. We empower our talents to embrace both strength and stillness as vital parts of their growth. Whether in the office or on the mat, we believe that sustainable success comes from a healthy balance—knowing when to fight with passion, and when to take flight to heal and reset.

We are incredibly proud to introduce Leah Jhane “LJ” Lopez, a 25-year-old Ka-Globe and Atletang Ayala who recently made waves at the 2025 SEA Games. Bringing home a Bronze medal in Women’s Kata Judo and a Gold in the Mixed Team event, LJ is the embodiment of resilience.

But behind the medals and the podium finishes lies a journey of grit, mental battles, and the crucial understanding of self-care. Here is LJ’s story, in her own words.

Winning the Battle Within

By LJ Lopez

People often see the result—the medals, the flag being raised, the smiles on the podium. But the life of an athlete is far from "normal." It’s a cycle of intense physical demands, pressure, and moments where you question if you’re heading in the right direction.

As a human being, I felt tired too many times and wished to live a normal life. I had started doubting myself, what I'm capable of, and the direction I am heading.

I started young in this sport, but it led me to bigger things I could never have imagined. Truthfully, I know it all comes down to prioritizing what matters most to me. My sport, my passion, and my goals are important to me. Yes, there may be some things that are considered "normal" in life that I may not experience, but the rewards of being an athlete far outweigh any sacrifice that comes with it.

I’ve lost count of the injuries I’ve had from head to toe. I’ve lost count of the times I’ve fallen down and gotten back up again, sometimes with nothing to show for it but rejections and doubters who didn’t think I had what it took.

During one of my training sessions with my coaches

But if there is one thing I’ve learned on my road to the 2025 SEA Games, it’s this: It’s always win or learn.

Recognizing the Signals

One of the biggest opponents an athlete faces isn’t on the mat—it’s burnout. The physical demands can lead to injury, but the mental strain, the anxiety of performing—is just as heavy.

I’ve learned that strength isn't just about pushing through pain; it’s about listening. From my experiences, I know that it is time to take a step back to rest when I feel completely drained physically and mentally. One should be aware of all signs that can lead to these challenges. Regular check-ins with yourself and days of rest will help keep one from burning out and staying on top of your performance.

I'll always be proud to bring our country's name to the podium

My Toolkit for stillness

When things get overwhelming, I don't just "tough it out." I learned that self-care should come first. I make sure I'm getting enough rest, take a balanced diet, and engage in relaxation activities as well as de-stressing activities. But, I also rely on three specific relaxation techniques I learned from psych experts to help me refocus and maintain calmness:

1. Breathing Exercises: It sounds simple, but concentrating on slow, deep breaths allows good things in and releases the bad things out. It slows the heart rate and cuts through the anxiety.

2. The Body Scan: This is my favorite. I focus on different parts of my body, from my toes up to my head, finding where the tension is hiding and letting it go as I exhale. It connects the mind and body in a powerful way.

3. Writing It Down: I let myself write freely.thoughts, feelings, concerns. It brings clarity and helps me visualize my goals again. This enables me to process my feelings, clarity, and mental imaging of the goals.

Consistency is key! Keeping myself disciplined to be at my best at all times.

The "Fight" Mentality

Of course, there are times when motivation fades. When I feel like quitting, I tell myself, "You have come too far to give up now."

My mantra is: "Malayo na, pero malayo pa."

It reminds me that while we have accomplished so much, there are more battles waiting. It stirs the fire inside me.

I remind myself of my purpose. Why did I start? When you are tired in the middle of the process, it’s easy to forget the "why." Reconnecting with that purpose strengthens my commitment and helps me pull through when the winds aren't favorable.

I will always look back to where I started. Before bagging wins, it's a journey of grit and hardwork!

Grounded in Support

Success is never a solo act. I surround myself with positive people because your environment impacts your mental health. I talk to my family, my coaches, and the Almighty God to find wisdom in my decisions.

To my fellow Ka-Globe: Things are not always black and white. Success isn't just a straight line of winning. For every success, there are trials that precede it.

My advice? Do not stress over the things you cannot control; focus instead on what you can prepare to live a little healthier.

Believe in yourself and pursue your passions with vigor. Allow every setback to be a lesson learned. Stay focused, work hard, and help each other.

Whether you are fighting for a gold medal or fighting for a project deadline, remember to breathe. Sometimes, to keep fighting, you first need to learn how to pause.

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Let’s take inspiration from LJ’s "win or learn" mindset and remember that taking care of our well-being is the most powerful move we can make. What about you—how do you find your balance between "fighting" for your goals and taking "flight" to rest? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!

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