Sometimes our fitness journeys are not all flowery and happy. Sometimes, they are simply hard for a time.

Recovering strength has been slow going. It has had ups and downs which is expected, but not enjoyed. I have caught myself feeling like I am failing in recovery as it isn’t going as quickly as I would like. I had to “take those thoughts captive” (2 Corinthians 10:7) and practice Philippians 4:8. The truth is that recovery takes time. These ups and downs are normal. We must persevere.

I want to keep this real. You see, my point in this is not to complain. Instead, I am simply sharing the rollercoaster of battling for strength and health with disability and chronic illness in case it will help you. Having an off day or maybe not absolutely nailing your health one day is not a reason for discouragement. The journey taking longer than anticipated is not failure. It is helping you build tenacity. (Yes, I am talking to myself as well.)It is not easy, but it is good. We are finding ways around the roadblocks and moving forward, choosing to see unexpected speed bumps as an adventure. Here are some of them:

• Walking and being outside is good. Pollen is bad. PSA: Extreme allergies are not optimal while you have stents in both eyes. I am learning to limit time outside and exercise inside. It is not preferred, but is still keeping me moving forward!
• Walking more is good, like really good. Figuring out good, economical walking shoes with an ankle foot orthosis on one leg is a struggle. God continues to provide shoes! God proved again that He is the great Provider and answers prayers.
• Walking and movement make us feel so much better. Arthritic joints are not always so sure that they want to walk. It has made me pay attention to my body, slowly increasing activity instead of barreling forward at a rapid pace. I am learning once again to take it at my body’s pace, slow but steady.
• Exercise is amazing for me. I am loving it. Balancing work, household chores, and exercise is a constant battle. Prioritizing has become a daily occurrence. This is not a bad thing, but helps me work to do what is best always.

These are some of the battles that I have fought over the past few weeks. For each one, we are adjusting, researching, and trying again. When I look back each week now, I see progress. Strength is still coming. Endurance is slowly building. One step at a time!

A video I saw this week encouraged me. For those who roll instead of walk, substitute a movement that you can do per your medical professionals’ instructions. (Adapting is the name of the game for us!) Even short, consistent bouts of movement can help in our health.

Keep on moving through the ups and downs!

How was your health this week? What are your goals for the coming week?