I truly believe that we are supposed to learn from every experience in life, the good and the bad, the fun and the agonizing. I also believe in not “wasting” an experience. What I mean, is when something happens, good or bad but I tend to learn more in the bad, and we don’t learn anything from it, it’s almost like that experience was a waste.
One of my favorite quotes is “Pain is God’s megaphone.” I firmly believe God has really been trying to get my attention lately. For what? I am not sure yet. last time I injured my foot, after some sulking and pouting, I chose to learn from the experience. If I had not been injured, I most likely would not have started and grown to love weight lifting, which was a huge positive in my Life. So….injury bad, but learning something far greater = good.
So, here I am again, no running, same foot pain again, and not gong to lie, frustrated as heck. I have been doing a lot of praying, and having a lot of “what am I supposed to learn from this?” conversations with myself. My mood tends to change by the day. Some days, I am very optimistic, know I will get better, and will run again. But there are some days, like yesterday, where I let it get the best of me. I was very frustrated, upset, and had a lot of “why is this happening to me…again!” thoughts.
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It’s been a week that I have been back in my boot or constantly wearing stiff soled running shoes, and I am getting antsy. I just want to run, go back to the way things were, cross another day off my training plan. I know I stand to gain some knowledge, some experience or life lesson from this, but I am at a loss as to what it is for now. I know sometimes we may not see the why until way down the road, or ever but I keep hoping and praying it is for good reason, and that my experiences will be used to maybe help other people someday in some capacity. Until I figure it out, I am going to keep on keeping on, learning, growing, and looking for life lessons and experiences through my injury.
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QOTD: What is a lesson you had to learn through a painful experience?
So sorry about your foot pain. I had to take time off (5 weeks completely off!) for severe anemia two years ago, and I felt like you… just didn’t get it. Looking back it made me really thankful for my ability to run but also showed me how I needed to take care of my body so that I could run at all… and be thankful for what my body can do.
I hope your foot recovers soon. It’s definitely frustrating, but at least you have a positive attitude about it and are praying about it. That really says a lot :).
so so so sorry youre struggling.
for me it is my back.
and Im still learning :/
There’s no doubt that He has something planned for you but I know it’s super frustrating to not have any idea what it is. Just keep talking to Him and when the time is right you’re going to have that ‘ah-ha, so that’s what this was all about’ moment. I hope your foot heals quickly and that you can get back into your training plan like you want!
it IS hard to see…but i know you’re helping lots of others out there by showing them the importance of rest and playing it safe!
I really think it is so important to try to learn from all of our experiences the good the bad the really really bad. It’s how we walk away that makes all the difference. I dealt with the whole injury thing and not running for 6 weeks. Lots of crying, wallowing, woe is me moments. But, on the upside, I focused more on strength training again, other forms of cardio, and when I was able to start running, I could focus on form, and trying to start fresh in a way. Figure out how to prevent it all from happening again.
So sorry friend. Just keep your chin up. Things WILL get better!
It is so difficult to be injured. I’m always wondering that too- what will come out of this? Is there a reason? At the very least, injuries have made me respect my body more (and its limits) and have given me greater compassion for others who are sidelined!
so true about the compassion!
Sorry to hear about the injury. I was running really well and injury free all of 2011. I even slashed 58 minutes off my marathon time and was in position to BQ this year. Until I had major surgery to remove a lump from my throat. Thankfully non cancer but I haven’t regained my mojo. All my runs suck…to the point that I’ve pushed too hard and just injured my calf.
On the positive side I’ve grown to relax a bit and enjoy life. I’m a full throttle kind of guy but learned there are different gears in life. So I’m enjoying the ride. The Chicago Marathon is about 12 weeks out. I’m not in shape to BQ but you know what that’s ok. I’m relaxed (as much as I can be lol) and doing what I can. I’ll be 39 in august and I’m in the best shape mentally,physically , emotionally and spiritually. For that I’m thankful to the running gods. If it wasn’t for the journey (good, bad, frustrating and ugly) I may not be a better person.
Who knows what the future has in store for you. Look at the past as a life lesson. Use the present to be a better person then yesterday. A better mentor, advocate, cheerleader for those trying to find their paths towards their goals. My mantra Carpe Diem. I have no doubt that better days and things are right around the corner.
I love carpe diem!
GL in your race!
Man, lessons like this are frustrating. I always try to be hyper vigilant in these situations because I don’t want to “miss” the lesson I am supposed to learn and have to do it all over again, lol. Stay focused, you can get through this! Plus, with all the lifting your doing in the meantime you’re gonna have some wicked arm muscles!
exactly! I def don’t want to miss the learning lol!
I am convinced there is a reason for every thing that happens in our lives. Even this! I have had times in my life where I wanted to do, but could do nothing. All I can tell you is to focus on HIM. Take your focus off of you and what you cannot do, and put it all on HIM and what HE wants to do through you. “Let us know. Let us press on to know the Lord; his going out is as sure as the dawn; he will come to us as the showers, as the spring rains that water the earth.” Hosea 6:3
thank you so so much for the kind words.
First, thank you for sharing your faith on your blog. Trust in HIM and He will make your path straight. We don’t always understand what is going on around us or in us. It’s encouraging that you are preparing yourself and you are aware that He is teaching you something through all of this. Keep your eyes on Him.
this went to my spam! ack! Thanks so much for your sweet comment. I know my sharing may not make me the most popular blog, but that’s ok. ;0)
I’m so sorry about your foot. I completely agree that everything happens for a reason, though. BUT I usually don’t find out the reason until I’m long removed from the situation. I know that’s not at all helpful to you now, though. 🙁 I really, really hope your foot will be fully healed soon!
So sorry you are injured girl. It’s definitely not fun. But I LOVE your attitude about it all! You are determined to learn from it and listen to what God has planned for you! That takes awesome strength! You WILL get through this girl!!! Hugs!
What an inspired post! I’m so sorry you are struggling with so much pain and injury. I do love the approach you are taking though in seeing the positive in it! I’m sure this is a great learning experience for whatever the reason may be! This will certainly make you stronger as a person! I just read a post earlier today at committed to nutrition and she was talking about God only giving you as much as you can handle. I think this holds true in life. Stay strong lady! My thoughts are with you!
so sweet, thank you!
As a fitness instructor I’ve had to learn to scale back how many classes I teach. Just because I can fit another class or a certain number of classes into my schedule, doens’t mean I should do it. Hip Flexor injuries, pulled muscles, a dislocated rib (and teaching during all of the injures). Eventually I caught a clue and started cutting back. It’s not fun when you can’t do the things you want to do, but sometimes you need to. I hope your foot feels better soon!
Sorry to hear about your injury! It’s great to see how you are turning this experience into one you can learn from! Very positive and inspiring 🙂
I have a tendency to launch into something without thinking (surprise, surprise!) and have gotten mildly hurt on a few occasions, with the scars to prove it. Typically, those accidents remind me that forethought can be a good thing 🙂
I hate injuries! They are just plain awful! I am sorry you are struggling with your injury, but you will get through this! I like to think that the hard times brings enlightenment on my true character and brings me closer to God. I pray a lot during hard times 🙂
thanks for the encouragement! 🙂
God does speak through us in many ways. He also listens to us. Praying for you to have a speedy recovery. I hate that you are injured. Try to stayvsitive like you always do. Keep shining for HIM!
thanks for the encouragement!
I’m so sorry you are dealing with this. It is so frustrating. I’m about to go through a similar experience (of recovering) and it is hard to understand the why. Especially after having just spent nearly a year recovering from a torn MCL in my knee. I felt like I was finally back to making progress in my running journey. But I will learn something from my experience. And I have faith that you will as well. Keep up the positive attitude (even though it is hard at times!).
I really hope your pain goes away SOON! 🙂
I had to learn to try and keep my big mouth shut!! I’m very opinionated about teaching, school, etc. This past year I got myself into trouble with my principal because I told someone at a another school in our district that got back to the central office who in turn called my principal. He was NOT happy with me. From now-mouth is zipped!!! 🙂 Hopefully!
Shannon
http://www.irunreadteach.wordpress.com