I Ran Today
I ran today.
I mean, I REALLY ran. I ran until my cheeks were rosy, and my heart was pounding in my ears. I was chasing my 3-year-old. We laughed and shrieked, sprinting through the cool mountain air, with not a soul in sight. Whenever we paused to catch our breath, we marveled at small creatures or nibbled on purple geraniums. Then, my sweet and creative son would find a 'power stone' to give us energy, and off we'd go again.
The simple beauty of it all is something I won't soon forget.
You see, three years ago, I truly believed I'd never be able to run and chase my baby. I was terrified and depressed, envisioning a future where he grew up with a weak mom, a mom in constant pain, unable to guide him through a fulfilling life filled with the joy of movement.
This might seem a bit dramatic to you, but when you're in the grip of chronic pain, it consumes your every thought.
At that time, I knew I had to change something, "fix" myself. And, like many of you, my journey to better health began with education. I read and researched obsessively, changed jobs to be closer to the healthcare industry, saved up for expensive schooling, and I knew I had finally found where I belonged. My wild and crazy life had led me back to healthcare in a way that made perfect sense and just clicked for me. Moreover, I knew I could help others heal. I could teach them all the things I was learning the hard way. I could help others in the way I needed help!
But...
Imposter syndrome had me in its grip. My lips were sealed tight. My own health didn't seem to be improving. In fact, it felt like things were getting worse! I thought I was eating the right things, taking the right supplements, and drinking ALL the herbal teas. So, I dove deeper... I invested in more schooling, absorbed every book, podcast, article, and Instagram account about healthcare that I could get my hands on.
I was absolutely certain that people could heal. I KNEW our bodies were naturally seeking balance and equilibrium, and with the right tools and building blocks, they'd get there. But I was missing one crucial piece - I didn't believe that I could heal.
We all have a story to tell. We're all the heroes of our own stories.
I ran today. I laughed and laughed, and then I cried. I cried with gratitude for those simple things. I cried because I am healing, and through all the ups and downs, I didn't give up. I am strong, smart, and brave. I am my own hero.
Your journey will be unique, different from mine.
I can guide you,
I can be a helpful resource,
I can be a sounding board or a shoulder to cry on.
But, at the end of the day, YOU are the only person who can decide to change. You must be the one to show up and do the work.
It will be both more challenging and more rewarding than you can imagine. And it will be worth it.
Please reach out if you have questions about the next steps in your healing journey... you deserve to feel like yourself again.
