Sunday, July 6, 2014

Injuries that force rest and how it affects you mentally...



I don't usually talk about my personal life,  but I feel like I need to share this.
 
Last year I hurt my low back lifting weights and it took several months to baby it back to normal. I have since been very careful in an attempt not to reinjure it. Unfortunately, you can only be so careful and I did something last week that aggravated that old pain.
 
This past week I was very mindful of it and took precautions to not aggravate it any further. Then this Thursday, while lifting, using good form and technique, I reinjured it:-( Same pain I felt last year back just like that in one rep.

 So needless to say I was quite emotional, including annoyed,   depressed,  and nearly defeated. 
"How could this happen again to me?" I asked myself.

For the past 2 days I have rested. But let me tell you resting is harder then lifting. I was mentally challenged. Those of you who have been injured and forced to rest know exactly what I am talking about. And this is only 2 days!  

 Being in the gym lifting weights is my sanity and where I go to unwind, clear my head, and feel better when everything else in my life might be going wrong.
 
So what does one do when that is taken from you, even briefly?
 
For me it was a psychological roller coaster. Questions that I battled with....
What's going to happen to all that hard work I have been putting in for months?
How far will this set me back?
Am I going to get fat?
How am I supposed to become better injured?
Maybe I am not meant to lift heavy weights?
Maybe I should just quit?

Crazy thoughts I know, even for me.  But lets be honest here for a minute. If these thoughts run through my mind, someone who knows better, isn't it safe to say there are others out there dealing with these same thoughts?   
 
That is what led me to blog about this.  I want people to realize even those of us who are successful deal with the same feelings and emotions as everyone else.  You are not alone.  I may not disclose my feelings openly to everyone, but I am human too.

So with that being said, I have come to this conclusion.  I am extremely privileged to be able to do what I do with the abilities God has given me.  I can no longer take for granted the simple things such as being able to stand up and walk around.  Although I am in pain, I am thankful that I am able to stand up and walk around.  I am also thankful that I can train and workout around the pain.  Being injured was a reality check for me as well as a blessing in disguise. 
 
For the 2 days I have had to rest, I have been able to spend much needed time with my daughter and have enjoyed every moment.  I have also realized I need to take more time off from training and spend time with my loved ones doing outings and just connecting with them.  Life is too short.
 
I apologize for the lengthiness of this blog, but I needed to share this in hopes to reach others! 
 
I hope that this has helped or inspired you in some way shape or form.  Thank you for taking the time to read and have a blessed day!