This morning I went to a spin class at my local gym. It’s the first one I’ve been to in over five months since returning from an ankle injury. Since the doctor cleared me to return to regular activity, I’ve been simultaneously excited and humbled. I’m grateful to be back, challenging my body, and taking on hard workouts, but humbled by the fact that I feel out of shape, need to take frequent breaks, and can’t go quite as hard as I’d like.
I shattered my ankle during my first Spartan Race in April. OK, technically, I either tore or sprained three ligaments; I got the MRI so late after the race that there was no way to tell the grade of the injury. But shattered just sounds so much more badass, am I right? It happened about halfway through the race, but I was no stranger to ankle injuries as a former basketball player. I knew I could finish the race and pay for it later.
Today, while struggling to keep my legs moving, I briefly flashed back to something I heard years ago that has always stayed with me. I’ve shared in previous posts that I am a gratefully recovering compulsive overeater; during my years in recovery and attending 12-step meetings; I heard a fellow share that he listens to love songs while he works out because exercise is how his body prays.
I’m not religious myself, but this struck a chord with me. Maybe, instead of looking at exercise as a way to punish my body, I could think of it as a way to celebrate the things I’m capable of. It’s even more critical now, as a mom, because it’s how I show up for myself and how I get to continue to feed my competitive, athletic side and lean into a part of me outside of being a wife, mom, or working professional.
Instead of being mad at myself, I began to reminisce about all of the amazing things my body has allowed me to do, both big and small, and wanted to share the highlights, in no particular order:
Gave birth to two wonderful boys
Officiated hundred of basketball games, including women’s junior college games
Climbed Mt. Whitney, Half Dome, and Mt. Baldy, in addition to countless other hikes around San Diego
Ran the Disneyland and Carlsbad Half Marathons and a bunch of 5 and 10Ks I can’t remember (I don’t like running)
Completed the MCRD Bootcamp challenge 3 times, the last time while 8 months pregnant
Ran the San Diego Spartan Sprint on an injured ankle and running the Socal Sprint in October!
Did the bike leg as a relay team of the Solana Beach Triathlon (and got beat by all the actual competitors)
Recreational indoor rock climbing
Let’s not forget home workouts with my boys!
And the most remarkable thing is I’ve been able to do this after completely shattering (see, it sounds badass, right?) my knee. I tore my ACL, MCL, and Meniscus all in one shot and had several surgeries due to scar tissue problems. So while my hopes of playing college basketball may have been crushed, look at all the amazing things my body has allowed me to do!
This post isn’t meant to be a humble brag; I’m not even close to on some other people’s levels (but this isn’t a competition, right?) This is meant to be a reminder that our bodies are amazing. They let us do many beautiful things every day, from pursuing hobbies and passions to playing with our kids and holding our loved ones. So this is a reminder to myself and anyone else who may need it that instead of being hard on ourselves, let’s celebrate our strength and be grateful for all the fantastic things we can do.
Your Turn
So here’s my challenge to you. Make your list! Let’s celebrate the big and little things we tend to take for granted. Why are you grateful for your body? What does your body allow you to do? Share in the comments below or share it on Instagram and tag me (@sonsoutpunsout) with #donthatecelebrate
And remember, don’t forget to celebrate YOU.