I’ve been dealing with some injuries over the past month and it’s been frustrating.
This blog is just me talking to me.
I’m sharing it because maybe it’ll find someone who needs it too.
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Just under two weeks ago, I ran 80.38 miles up and down a set of stairs (the Rocky steps) in 24 hours (blog here). Going into that event, I had been dealing with some neck pain with radicular symptoms into my R arm and that had been hard to deal with. While running the steps, I felt some L foot pain with about 6 hours left and like any good runner would do…. I popped some Advil and kept going. It wasn’t long after finishing the steps that I realized I had done some damage. So there I was, sleep deprived with neck pain, arm symptoms and a throbbing foot (not to mention some pretty gnarly chaffing).
With all of this being said, the past month has been hard for me. I’m not sharing that because I want or need sympathy, instead, I’m sharing it because it’s true. I’ve had the wind taken out of my sails and even though I’m able to hold it all together, part of me is just sad (and that’s ok). This season is a beautiful reminder of why I chose to pursue the profession of physical therapy in the first place; because when people don’t feel well in a physical sense, they don’t feel like themselves in a human sense. Here are some of the things that I’ve been reflecting on while dealing with these injuries and I hope one of them is helpful to you.
- this too shall pass (this season won’t last forever)
- you’re not a victim (there is growth on the other side of this)
- this is happening for you (you are planted, not buried)
- this is an adventure (this is all new for you and that’s exciting)
- find gratitude (don’t let this blind you to what’s good)
- control the controllable (one step at a time)
- you’re down, not out (choose to get back up)
No matter what kind of spin you put on it, injuries aren’t fun . With that being said, it could always be worse and the truth is that this season is still filled with so much good. The mindset that I’m choosing to navigate these injuries is the one that I’ve cultivated through years of hardship and thousands of hours of intentional work to shappe the perspective that maximizes this life. There’s a small part of me wants to wallow in sadness however, there’s a bigger (louder) part that’s shouting to stand up and move forward… that’s what this blog is all about – making the choice to get up when life knocks you to the ground.
If you’re going through something (we all are), just remember that it’s your choice… down, NOT out.
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This topic fires me up and therefore I needed a second quote ⬇️
“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.”
Elisabeth Kübler-Ross
“And once the storm is over, you won’t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won’t even be sure, whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in. That’s what this storm’s all about.”
Haruki Murakami
Do hard things.
Joe Rinaldi
IG: @joearinaldi
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