4 months ago today I was in surgery to repair a herniated disc that was pinching a nerve in my left leg. I went from the intensity level of double workouts to laying on the floor of my family room questioning why things happen. I've pretty much learned that God has a plan for everything and my thoughts today are focused on my physical wellness...something that I had stopped appreciating. I was consumed with wanting to push my fitness to the next level but why? I had a Spartan race in mind, but I was also masking a lot of pain in my life. I thought I could out-fitness everything. I wasn't guarding my body and recognizing the limits. And I over did it and compromised my physical health.
While lying on the floor, all I could think about was wanting to hike a mountain in Alaska again. I have only done one with my brother & it was life changing. I almost didn't get out of the car because we saw a bear on the way up to the trail. My brother Nick told me to suck it up and that bears are afraid of noise and he had the dogs. Although I wasn't comforted, I can never say no to an adventure. Sigh...We climbed several thousand feet to the peak of Dome mountain. It was epic, the world melts away, and it's just the peacefulness, the one with nature, and the ability to exhale.
On the day of surgery I didn't care about getting back to high intensity workouts, my body image, or the scale. All I could think about was how I wanted to climb another mountain and get outdoors. And I honestly did not know how I would ever get back to the old me. Then again...I don't think I want that old me. The new me appreciates the ability to walk every day, to be an active mom & taking the girls to a park, hiking a trail, swimming for leisure not competition, and just the ability to be physically healthy.
That is what it is all about. It's about a feeling, an energy, confidence, comfort in your own skin, and just feeling physically emotionally and spiritually present. Wherever you are in your health and fitness, just begin again. Treat each day as a fresh start & new adventure. I hear another mountain calling my name and can't wait to add another memory to this journey called life.
Xo, Natalie Rene
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