As a former athlete who had to be sidelined due to injuries. I can't tell you how difficult it actually is. I thought I had my future all planned out and would be still working at it now.
It is devastating when it happens, but finding myself being useful once again is good and I feel ok
Would rather still be doing what I loved since I was a teenager though. Once just can't dwell on the past, ever.
It took me years before I could find something to do that interests me and motivates me to work.