Reflection // Injured Runner Series
I’m about 11 months post-injury. Though I look pretty much healed, and in my mind I am, I’m still on the road to recovery as I get back to 100 percent. I’m limited in the mobility of my ankle, and though it is improving, my flexibility still has a ways to go.
I’ve had months and months to reflect on this trial in my life, and I know it’s really not a big deal in the grand scheme of things. And, even though this circumstance has been challenging for me, when I look at what others deal with daily, I am grateful that all I suffered was a broken ankle!
This journey of recovery has been a real struggle in my life, and I’ve had to cope with all the healing processes that come with injury or loss along the way.
I’ve had to work through my own mental barriers and overcome the trauma of injury. Trauma is a battle, and I have had to work on releasing it from my life so I can go back to living life offensively rather than defensively, watching my every step.
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If I could go back and take this injury away, would I?
In the flesh, I’d say, yes, absolutely! I’ve been unable to do things at the pace I am used to, I’ve been struggling to get back into running, and it just plain stinks. My life and everything in it shifted in a major way because of it. However, I fully believe my injury served a purpose. It wasn’t God given, but it was God used. If I hadn’t gone through it, I wouldn’t be the person I am today or had the learning experiences and growing moments I’ve had this year.
It made me slow down and rest
This is something I’ve NEVER been good at. We live in a microwave-mentality world. Everything needs to be fast and furious. It’s rush from here to there, from activity to activity. Thoughts of slowing down aren’t really natural in this day and age.
However, it’s important to take that time to slow down, sometimes it’s just 10 minutes, sometimes it’s a day, sometimes it’s a season, and if we don’t do it ourselves, then we are guaranteed to have something do it for us.
That something for me was my injury. It completely stopped me in my tracks and forced me to take a break. When we slow down, we can reflect on where we are at and where we are going. We can take time to see if what we are doing is getting us where we want to go.
Sometimes we just physically need to rest and rejuvenate, and that’s okay too! It’s not healthy to carry so much stress and burdens on our shoulders. What this injury did for me was made me slow down and reflect on my life and all the things I had chosen to clutter it with.
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It gave me perspective for what is truly important
Breaking my ankle actually made me have to decide to let go of some things, and it was a time of figuring out what needed to go so I could put my focus on my family and the purpose I feel called to. I can’t do all and be all for everyone, and even though I wish I could, I can’t. It’s only now that I realize that. Being all in in multiple areas isn’t feasible. I have to be willing to pick and choose what will take priority in my life.
Naturally, I’m drawn to leadership. If there’s a role to fill, I’m fairly certain I’m supposed to fill it. I know I’m good at it, and I like feeling like I have an important place in each organization I’m involved in. But the problem with that, is I’m left feeling burnt out and not able to measure up to all the responsibilities I have.
If I let go of that control and let others step up, they can take those leadership roles and flourish in ways I may not have. They come with fresh, new ideas that will keep the organizations going. If I don’t step up, someone else will, and it’s okay to say no to good to wait on best!
It kept me from making running an idol in my life
Anything can become an idol in your life if you let it consume you, and you put all your focus and energy into it. Running is a sport that I’m completely passionate about. I love all the ways it helps me to grow and continues to support my health.
However, there were times that I actually may not have had a healthy relationship with it. My running drives me, but I never wanted to have an unhealthy relationship with it. I don’t want it to consume my life and take the place of what’s truly important and the “why” behind it. I run because I can, because it gives me energy, because it’s my way to stay healthy, because I learn and grow from it, and because I can inspire others with it.
That’s how I choose to use my sport, but I want to also ensure that this running passion doesn’t become my only passion. Breaking my ankle showed me that there may come a day I won’t be able to run, and I need to be able to fill my life with other outlets for exercise and energy. Putting all your eggs in one basket is risky in business and in life.
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My injury wasn’t God-given, but it was God-used.
It made me slow down and rest, gave me perspective for what’s truly important, and kept me from making running an idol in my life.
Don’t be mad at God when trials come. It’s not Him who gives them, but he CAN use them! Injury and trauma stink. There’s no way to deny that. They will take us out for a time, but we choose how long we remain down. My injury wasn’t God-given, but it was God-used because I chose to let Him grow me through it!
I feel like a beginner runner and a beginner in the fitness world even though I’ve been a coach in it for years! This experience made me step into the shoes of those who are new to the world. It also helped me see how I can walk them through the process and rise to the challenge.
I’m not happy that I broke my ankle, but I am grateful God used it for good so I can inspire others not to quit on themselves when the going gets tough or they feel stuck. What has God used in your life to grow you?
Dream huge, and, remember, you are a winner. Just run YOUR race!
I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below and let me know, has God brought you through and used a trial in your life to change you?
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