Learning from Injury

Photo by valeehill, from flickr.com

I have the irrational belief that maybe if I can demonstrate that I have learned my lessons from these injury and health problems, they will go away.

I was thinking about it as I was swimming tonight -- one of the exercises I can still do well.  Spinning is another favorite.  One of the things I realize is how much I have taken for granted all the things my body does for me without complaint.  I really am learning to appreciate how lucky I am to have my good health, even though it's not perfect.

When I was healthier and fitter, I really didn't understand why more people weren't jumping on the fitness bandwagon. After all, it felt so good! Today I tried to take a walk in the beautiful sunshine, and my toes began complaining after only a few minutes. That pain -> inactivity -> pain thing can become quite the vicious cycle. I felt so discouraged I almost didn't go to my swim class, which would have been really self-defeating.  But I felt defeated already.

I am hoping that this whole experience will teach me to be more supportive and understanding of those who go through similar struggles. I have really valued the supportive comments I have gotten here (Carol, thanks especially for that latest one, it really lifted my spirits).  I know that I haven't always been that supportive to others and have even judged them for not making the commitment to fitness that I knew was so important.

I'm also trying to take Jillian's advice that when you can't exercise as much, you need to be super-vigilant about your calories.  Luckily, I really am enjoying the healthy recipes in the Flat Belly Diet! Cookbook, and feeling satisfied with less food.

According to Tarot.com, this full moon tonight is all about accepting vulnerability and changing our habits:

The Full Moon in sensitive Cancer on January 8, 2012 at 11:30 p.m. (PST) is a reminder to attend to our feelings. The opposing Sun in dutiful Capricorn sometimes hardens us to our inner needs, but this lunation touches us deeply, even spurring crises of insecurity if we're not taking care of ourselves. Establishing a healthy routine with a balance between work and personal matters is essential now. 

I'm really trying! Here's hoping that the next cycle will bring some healing.