Our Struggle is Part of Our Story

It was three long months ago that my mother-in-law came over to watch Madeline so I could run a couple errands and get a mani-pedi. I had planned some much needed mama relaxation time. I was coming off of what had been at the time the biggest month of my business since I began it a year ago. I had two new ladies I was responsible for training and was just feeling good. I felt the healthiest I had since having Madeline and honestly a bit before, too, and was just really content with life.

I was stopped in traffic drinking a Le Croix, having a trivial debate with myself about whether I should get hot pink or coral polish on my toes for that pedicure when I was hit from behind at a speed of 50 mph by a driver using their phone. There were no skid marks or evidence that the driver ever attempted to brake or slow down because they were looking at their phone.

One concussion, severe whiplash, and a fractured clavicle later I found myself staring at 9-12 weeks of physical therapy, countless hours away from my daughter and business, and months of modified workouts ahead of me. I felt so defeated. When fitness is your business, an accident like that can cost your family a lot. Not to mention how I physically felt and the hours upon hours I had to leave Madeline for appointments, x rays, and physical therapy visits.

This has been a harder road than I anticipated if I’m being completely honest. When I had my initial doctor’s appointment, I was told I could resume light yoga in a few days but wouldn’t be able to lift more than five pounds for several weeks. I know all of you who are mamas know how hard that is because I don’t know any toddler that weighs less than five pounds! I was told over and over how much faster I was healing than anticipated due to being in great shape (particularly having strong back and core muscles) before the accident yet it still feels like it has taken an eternity to get to this point.

Emotionally I have had a lot of anxiety driving again when I would look beside me and see everyone on their phones. Or watch Snaps or IG stories people recorded while in the driver’s seat, totally and completely oblivious as to how much two or three seconds of inattention could actually impact another family.

For those of you that have followed along for awhile, you may know that I am pretty Type A and a planner by nature. Having the control taken out of my hands has been so hard. But also humbling. We’ve all heard the saying if you want to make God laugh, show him your plans.

This has held so true as this certainly wasn’t in our family’s plan for the summer but I’m happy to say that last week I was finally dismissed from physical therapy. When I walked out the doors for the last time I was nearly in tears knowing that I would be getting hours of my life back every week. Each of these appointments was several hours long so there would be no more anxiety over whether I could get a day time sitter for my next appointment or if I would be finished in time for preschool pickup. I could use my free time for my business again, for my family, and for myself. But most importantly, I felt so relieved that I could close this chapter.

I still have days where I have headaches or some pain but overall I am feeling so, so, so much better. I was selfishly worried about how much strength I would lose and of course what this would mean for my business. But I am so humbled and proud to share that three months later, I am feeling strong again. My business even survived, too. It was certainly a good reminder that our struggle is part of our story.

And to put that phone away when you are driving because that short time of distraction can really mean a lot to another family when hours and months of their time are taken from them.

Oh, and I did finally get that mani pedi, even though it was much-delayed. I went with the hot pink.