“Self-discipline is self-caring.” —M Scott Peck
A week ago, I finally made my triumphant return to the gym. For today’s article, I wanted to put it all out there.
After all, this blog is one of my sources for accountability.
If you’ve been in an accident that has interrupted your health journey, please know you’re not alone. I share my story today in hopes to help someone.
WHAT HAPPENED…
Last November, I was in a car accident that left my right shoulder in a lot of pain. I stopped working out to make sure I fully recovered. Truthfully, I didn’t want things to get worse to a point where I would have to push back my sweat sessions further.
I also thought all would be better if I just switched wearing my bag to the other shoulder and become a temporary lefty.
I was wrong.
Washing my hair was painful. Putting my hair in a low ponytail was painful. Reaching for something hurt. Even extending my arm to use my mouse at work got so bad that I had to pull it closer to me. As serious as this was, I totally felt like a T-Rex at work, ha!
And yes, wearing anything that wasn’t zipped or buttoned up hurt. On top of all this, I was not getting quality sleep I needed. Pain would shoot through my arm in the middle of the night and jerk me awake. This happened for what felt like months and my upbeat, positive spirit started to fade.
REAL TALK ABOUT MY HEALTH STRUGGLES
As I started to work out again in late spring, I heard clicks in my shoulder every time I worked out. Over time, my motivation to work out died. I became angry at my situation/limitations. The only things I did to help me feel better about not working out was taking the stairs/walking everywhere and eating healthy about 70-80% of the time.
After months of not weighing myself, I finally took to the scales two weekends ago and learned that this is the heaviest I’ve weighed to date. If you know how I feel, insert disappointed emoji face here.
Although you can’t see it in the photos I’ve been posting of my outfits, trust me. I have only been able to fit into 5% of my wardrobe for the last nine months. I’ve felt sluggish, constantly exhausted and very unmotivated to do anything.
Yep, I said it.
On this blog where I talk about leadership, empowerment, pushing yourself and being a light for others, I was unmotivated.
I’m being transparent about this because my blog is also about being real. And yeah, let’s be honest. Even in a positive person’s life, down days are included.
Here’s the truth of my routine for all of summer 2017: work, come home, eat/shower, sleep. Repeat.
How do you publish your blog posts then, Huong? Um, I write them on my lunch break at work and schedule them. Seriously though, after work, I get home, change into my pajamas and eat. And most of the time, I pass out on the couch, wake up to shower and pass out again.
A few weeks ago, I got tired of feeling the way I felt. I began to make plans to change and started taking steps.
Here’s my plan on how I’ll get back on track by Thanksgiving:
REST
My progress hit a plateau late last year (before the accident) and I knew it most likely had to do with sleep. I’ve been getting a lot of intentional rest lately so I’m happy about that. However, I have to find my “magic” sleeping hours.
Figuring out when to go to bed to get enough rest to get up early to work out and have my alone time with God has been a bit of a struggle. I’m sure I’ll figure it out soon enough!
FOOD
I’ve been eating a lot more veggies lately. Since I’m not a big fruit person, I’m currently pinning snack and meal prep ideas (that also include fruit) that aren’t boring that I can glean from. Still drinking lots of sparkling/plain water with lime, no problem. I just need to up my food plan and increase the amount of water I drink.
I also signed up for Tone It Up!’s Summer Tone Up (I know, I’m SO late to this. Anyway, stay tuned for a SUPER fun giveaway regarding TIU!) to mix up my sweat sessions. I’m also thinking of eating raw for 30 days. Not sure yet. Anyone have experience with this?
EXERCISE
Tonight will be my first workout in a long time. I know it’s going to be hard, but I also know I don’t want to keep feeling this way. Anyway, I figured out why I would get so angry when I worked out earlier this year. I had been struggling with forgiving the woman who hit me. Here were the thoughts I had: “I was doing so well! I ate clean, worked out everyday and started being consistent.
Honestly, I started looking forward to my sweat sessions (I know, right?)! Then this accident made me lose my momentum, positivity and all the progress I made! Ugh! All. That. Hard. Work. Gone.” and “I already have my knees, elbow and jaw popped out of place and now this?! All that consistency. Gone.” You get the idea. I’m pissed about losing my consistency (which is a major goal for me this year).
I still have to work on forgiving that woman and know that once I completely let it go, I can finally move on and make my progress an epic comeback. If you believe in prayer, please send some my way. I’m going to need it.
I know I may sound like I’m complaining.
But I must say that if you’ve ever started a health journey only to have to start all over again because of someone else, I’m sure you’d be mad too.
Don’t get me wrong.
I know I’m blessed to be where I’m at and that many women wish their starting point was my starting point. My accident could’ve been worse too. I’m well aware of my blessings and just wanted to share my health struggles with you and document my journey.
I will say that I did my 5-day detox last week and lost several pounds so I’m happy to be getting back on track! I know I’ve got a long way to go in order to feel good again, but it feels great to feel a bit better.
I’m not going to lie. Starting all over again in all areas of my health makes me mad, but I know I can do it by having faith in myself and in God. Baby steps is better than no steps, right?
How about you guys? Are there any health struggles you’re battling with?
On another note, feel free to enter the Smile Brilliant giveaway to win a free teeth whitening kit! I thought they were so kind to keep it open for more of you to enter!
Note: I was going to publish this post last week, but I felt it was more important to me to share with you ways you can support the Hurricane Harvey relief efforts after hearing from my friends the effects they are now going through.
