The Fitness Retrainer on Starting Over
I saw a meme a few years ago that read, “The comeback is always stronger than the setback.” Today, 4 years after my original cancer diagnosis I fully agree. I did not always feel that way because as much as I am all for a great motivational quote the reality is the climbback can be grueling.
As much I know you would enjoy the details of my climbback I think for this blog, I instead will focus on HOW you can start over after a setback.
Picture the moment a baby takes their first step. Even if you do not have children surely you have seen a show or videos on FB with parents frantically recording the milestone moment. It usually begins with a baby climbing a sofa cushion and bouncing around like Chrissy on Three’s Company (I have really dated myself now). This usually follows laughter and sounds of joy and soon their legs become strong enough to turn and attempt a step or they squat from the ground up (a skill most of us lose as we age), balance and step forward. The excitement from the adults in the room can shock the baby’s concentration, which at times creates them to fall. Here is a defining moment for that child’s subconscious…the reaction of the adults determines how the baby will rise.
It is in the Climb
1. Retraining the Brain
The big people in our lives are the examples that teach us what is safe, how to handle pain and disappointment and what it takes to get back up when we fall. Some of us may have to undo the negative beliefs we adopted growing up. These old habits are dug deep in the brain, so it is a conscious retraining of the mind and support is usually necessary.
Here is the toolbox that worked for me:
Subscribing to podcasts with hosts & content that is relatable to your setback and provides encouragement on overcoming
Hiring an authoritative certified counselor or Life Coach
Participation in Self-discovery programs, workshops or retreats focused on healing
Develop your relationship with God (it is not about church although that can provide you with supportive relationships but about your own spiritual journey)
2.Get Off THE Couch
When you get chronically ill, go through a divorce, lose your job, or experience a setback there is loss, grief and sadness. This is normal and so instead of “shoulding” on yourself, allow the space to grieve the loss. This will look different for each individual. Once you can breath again, you see the sunshine again; you laugh again…GET OFF THE COUCH!
Attend a movie, painting class, have coffee with friends, go out to eat
Take a walk, go back to the gym, go to the farmers Market and buy fresh produce
Sing, dance, play, take a road trip or a vacation
Get back to work and reset your goals
Start your dream biz (that is me)
3.Write Your Bucket List & Go for it
Ask yourself to remember what you love, what makes you passionate, what things do you find value in, what is something you dreamed of doing…NOW write without judgment. You may or may not do everything on this list, not the point, just write it down so it serves as a resource. Circle 2-3 things to start, you may not have all the information so Google it, find a specialist to guide you, create a plan of action and take a step!
My once athletic body was foreign to me post cancer. Radiation had changed things, surgery altered things and chemo had destroyed my blood chemistry.
Here is how I handled it:
Committed to physical therapy, chiropractic care, hyperbaric chamber therapy, Muscle activation therapy, reflexology & medical massages.
Choose to change my workouts from athletic, heavy weight training to yoga, Barre, Pilates & walking
Researched mobility & core training, improving cellular & gut health and saw a specialist to get the tests to determine my inflammatory issues
Started back with 3lb dumbbells, endurance training and focused on functional movements that promote strength
I am not done climbing! The top seems more within reach now and so I press on to make the most out of every opportunity as it presents itself and seeing how strong the comeback looks!
Are you ready to start again? Let me know if I can help!