Movement Is A Gift

"As soon as you see movement as a gift instead of a burden your whole perspective will shift."

- Megan Christian Training.

I read this sentence a few weeks ago, & you know what happened?

My perspective shifted.

As many of you already know, I had minor heart surgery last September &, to be honest, I am still dealing with the physical & psychological changes from it. The first two weeks post-surgery was challenging. Exhausted, winded, and dizzy just from standing up from a seated position was the most defeated feeling I have ever experienced & I never want to go back. Once I was clear to exercise I started off strong as far as consistency goes. I was definitely weak and started from scratch but that was okay. I saw improvement, especially with my endurance.

Just when I got into the swing of things, I had another surgery. I had a breast implant rupture. Why I had implants in the first place is a whole other post. Instead of replacing the ruptured one, I decided to have them removed because I had been contemplating removing them for a few years prior. Anyways, I should have had about a 6 week recovery period but it turned into 12 weeks. Twelve weeks of itchy, swollen, sore, red skin because of an allergic reaction to the incision glue. To say the least, it was not fun & quite miserable.

After that battle was over, I lacked the motivation to workout. Zach would encourage me to work out with him, but I just couldn't bring myself to it. If you have never had surgery, you may not be aware of the post-op sadness. Normal, day to day tasks become a burden and you can't necessarily do them by yourself. Some examples include using the restroom and pouring a glass of milk. Your body is healing but your mind is hurting and it can lead to a sad state of mind.

I do suffer from anxiety so I think that was becoming more prevalent since I was miserable & uncomfortable for about three months, not to mention two surgeries within three months of each other. I was starting to take steps backward but luckily it was time for my 6-month post-op appointment with my Cardiologist. He refreshed my memory on the importance of doing something for my body. There was something about walking back into the hospital almost a year after my first appointment at the Cleveland Clinic that made me want to never have to walk in again. So, I began walking as an exercise. It was simple, enjoyable, and good for my heart.

The cool thing about working out is the fact that it is contagious. I'm so thankful to be surrounded by an active family & follow such active friends on Facebook. When I slowed down my husband, brother, sister & brother-in-law kept going. They continued to run, lift, & practice yoga. My brother came to visit for a few days and utilized our home gym. We have so much available to us & I was choosing not to use it!

Thanks to the opening quote, I finally started utilizing this gift. Movement is a gift, so take advantage of it when you can. Life will bring some hurdles just don't forget to always start again.

What does your exercise routine look like? Let me know on Instagram and don't forget to follow & Subscribe.

If you are looking for some guidance & motivation for exercise I encourage you to check out Megan Christian Training on Facebook. She is truthful, motivational & overall just a beautiful person.

Always,

Erikka