Pesky Little Setbacks

I’ve gotta admit, I’ve had a rough few months! Plagued by not one, but three injuries, I’ve found myself on crutches twice and out of my exercise routine for four and a half of the past six months. I’ve also had my bike stolen, and with it a significant portion of my physical activity (and mode of transportation!)

Those who know me will tell you I’m a very active person, always trying to squeeze in some physical activity into my day. It might be walking a few extra blocks to my destination, biking to my appointments, snowboarding, going to dance classes or throwing in an extra workout just because. I like working out, I like staying active and I feel my best when I am. Physical activity is where I release my tension and frustrations as well as how I take a break from reality. Unfortunately, circumstance has not been so accommodating to my fitness goals lately.

On the bright side, with all my spare time I’ve been able to get some extra stuff done for work and around the house. I’ve been able to catch a couple movies, read some good books and catch up with some friends. And of course, with my extra time on the computer, I was contemplating obstacles and setbacks for the purpose of this blog. According to Dictionary.com:

Setbacks (n.):

1. An unanticipated or sudden check in progress; a change from better to worse.

2.

     a. A steplike recession in a wall.

     b. Any of a series of such recessions in the rise of a tall building.

At first glance, definition 1 fits the bill. It seems my bad luck has caused me to fall back on my goals- I wanted to get in better shape, tone up and loss a couple pounds... sure, who doesn’t? The “check in progress” has slowed me down, but has it stopped me? I might be injured, but I’ll heal in time. It could always be worse.

Now notice definition 2 a. “ A steplike recession in a wall.” If the obstacle is this wall, and goal is on the other side, is this setback actually a way for me to scale the wall and reach my goal? I’d have to admit, with each injury, I’ve been able to stop, reset and build on what I’ve learned about my body from it. With less time in a gym, I’ve been given some extra wiggle room during what’s typically a very busy time of year. And I may not be in my best physical shape, but I’ve had much more time to meditate, stretch and recuperate physically and mentally.

In life we will all encounter many setbacks. You have the option to view them as obstacles in-and-of themselves, or as opportunities for growth beyond what you thought possible. To get to your goals, you’re going to have to scale a few walls. Use those “steplike recessions” to climb up., you’ll make your course a lot easier.