A Small Step Backwards

I'm holding onto the saying, "two steps forward, one step back."  After meeting with the Physical Therapist today and hearing how running is out of the question for a little while I was ultimately discouraged.  Running is not something that I just do to stay in shape, I use it as a stress reliever, a chance to enjoy the sunshine and the beautiful trails of Colorado and just to be able zone out and have some "me" time.  Running is part of my daily regimen...so now without it, I have to get creative.

After my PT appointment today, I was thankful to have a few things lined up in order to enjoy the sunshine and get a little workout in.  In addition to the exercises I have been told to do by the PT, I was able to spend a little time at the playground with an adorable little two year old!  While we played on the jungle gym and ran around the park, I was also able to get a little upper body workout in climbing around on the monkey bars!  What's better than a lunchtime hour spent outside in the beautiful sunshine, on a playground with a little munchkin?!

After the work day was over, I met a friend for a little vinyasa yoga at the Prana store in Cherry Creek. Throughout the hour class we worked on several inversions and had a hardcore ab workout.  Knocking out my headstand was definitely the highlight of my practice tonight!  But it was during our meditation at the end of class that I had a chance to really free myself of a few things and set forth my intentions for the next few weeks.

On my walk home from class I decided that I was not going to let this "no running" thing discourage me.  So while this might be a step back in my fitness regimen, I now have the opportunity to focus on a few different things.  I can step up my yoga practice (something I've been meaning to do for months).  I can work on my upper body strength (something I've always been horrible about doing) and I can focus on working more on my core strength.  So even though I'm discouraged about the no running, I'm definitely excited to take my fitness in a few different directions.

Sometimes it takes a step back and a few weeks of "rest" for us to be able to fully gain acceptance for who and what we are so that we may leap forward and take those next two really big steps!  In all walks of life, that's what it's about.  Two steps forward and one step back...  This time it's the opposite...one step back and two steps forward...I'm looking forward to those leaps!

Strength

By definition the term strength means, "the quality or state of being strong; bodily or muscular power; vigor.  Mental power, force, or vigor.  Moral power, firmness, or courage."  With that description, it is clearly stated that strength comes in many forms besides physical strength.  Your strength might encompass emotional and mental facets as well.

Yesterday I read a quote from my friend Sara that seemed to clearly describe me and what I consider strength.  "She was fierce, she was strong, she wasn't simple.  She was crazy and sometimes she barely slept.  She always had something to say.  She had flaws and that was ok.  And when she was down, she got right back up.  She was a beast in her own way, but one idea described her best.  She was unstoppable and she took anything she wanted with a smile."  - r.m. drake

For all of you that know me, this pretty much sums up my life and my personality!  I'm definitely crazy and even with things get me down, I do my best to get right back up and ensure I have a smile on my face through it all.

With everything going on in life, we sometimes get down on ourselves because we can't perform to the levels we want.  What we fail to realize is that it takes strength to get through each and every day (physically, emotionally, and mentally).  And if you're reading this, that same strength has a 100% success rate as you are living yet another amazing day.

Last night I attended a yoga workshop for women in Boulder, CO at the PrAna store (http://www.prana.com/life/retail-stores/boulder-store/).  We did a 1 hour Hatha Flow yoga class followed by an amazing 20 minutes of visual meditation all lead by the wonderful Grace Starr.  During the meditation portion of the evening, I realized just how much of my everyday life is lead by strength and how important it is to continue to have that power inside of me.  Strength starts from within and once you have it there, you will see your strength in the physical form.

So if you're having a rough day and don't think you have that strength to get through, I encourage you to dig deep and you will locate the source that triggers that strength for you.