We were discussing the fact of how the injury has caused us both to go from 3 steps forward to 5 steps back. That frustrates me because I had my training goals, which I set for myself before 2020 began. When I set goals, I’m incredibly determined to work diligently and in the most committed way possible to achieve them. I don’t think I’ve not reached my fitness goals, because after all, to have success, it’s really up to me.
Then, COVID came into the mix early on in the year, followed with restrictions in place. I was devastated by not being able to chip away at my lifting goals.
The worst part about the situation was being locked at home day in day out, and experiencing anxiety, depression and not feeling myself. I thought I was experiencing some health issues at the time because my symptoms didn’t make sense to me. The truth was that in my life at the time, I was not able to train, and there were a few problems at work. You know when you feel things aren’t right, and people aren’t treating you well? At first, I thought I was paranoid and reading into things too much — but my worst nightmare came true. I lost my job and that I had a month to try and find something else.
I felt that my life was collapsing right in front of me. I didn’t know what to do. It felt that my life too, was taking several steps backwards when I was trying so hard to take leaps forward. This was extremely stressful, as I had to accept work which wasn’t ideal — but as we all have to support our family and make ends meet, I didn’t have any choice.
I know I was one of the lucky ones. I am incredibly grateful for the kindness others had shown me. As Robert Schuler says, — Tough times don’t last, but tough people do; I can appreciate now that have gone through many storms, I’ve come out stronger than ever before. I do hope that you are feeling the same.
As for my training goals, I have learnt to go easy on myself this year. Certain things can and will happen in your life to throw you off course, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up the fight. Perhaps it may take a little longer, or maybe you have to take a break in between. I’ve learnt that this is all ok, and we have to dust ourselves off, sort out the challenge or setback and move forward.
I’ve learnt that I have to keep going and do what I can to keep progressing. No matter if I fall off the bandwagon due to injury, a job loss or a death in the family — each stage in life requires you to stop, reflect, learn and keep pushing forward. Don’t stop — keep going.
