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Training for any race, building a career or trying to achieve a goal is a journey filled with discipline, dedication, and determination. As runners, we meticulously follow our training plans, eager to cross the finish line with pride and satisfaction. Much of our discipline spills over into our life. However, life has a funny way of throwing curveballs when we least expect them. Plans change. Sometimes they change drastically, leaving us feeling disoriented and uncertain. How do we navigate these unexpected detours in our training or our life and lean into the gifts they might become?
In the last several months there have been a lot of changes in my life that I didn’t plan. At first, each time I was thrown a curveball I was annoyed, but clearly, I was supposed to learn something. When life throws us off, we must adapt. Flexibility becomes our greatest asset as we navigate the twists and turns of life AND when we finally stop fighting it and let go it can be a real gift.
In June I was told my defibrillator only had 2% battery life left and had to be replaced. I knew it would happen, but I was not ready. I had planned on spending the summer working and covering patients for Noelle (our Serenbe PT) who was out on maternity leave. Instead, I had to “take it easy” and ask for a lot of help. While I was initially not happy about it, I learned a few important things along the way.
My team I built at Precision is even more amazing than I thought. Even though it was hard, they truly thrived while I was out. I realized that they don’t really need me anymore for the day to day (thankfully they did say they missed me!) This is every business owner’s dream. I am so proud of my team and grateful for them.
I learned that even though I love to help others I am terrible at receiving help and love. When my community learned I was having surgery they were incredible. They brought me books, food, flowers, and company. It was hard for me at first, but I didn’t realize how much I truly needed it and it was amazing. This was a reminder that no matter how strong and capable we are we still need to ask for help sometimes.
Lastly, I realized I like to treat patients AND I was burning myself out trying to treat too many people while balancing writing, research, speaking, building an app and running two offices! Something had to give and when I went back to treating too early, my back went out. I was on the floor for more than a week. No fun. BUT I finally realized that I can’t do everything. So, I have been coming back much more slowly than planned and am seeing even less patients now.
As we learn to roll with the unknown, we discover a newfound strength within ourselves. The ability to pivot, to adjust, and to continue moving forward despite setbacks is a testament to our resilience as people and as runners. Next time your plans change, or something happens that throws everything off. Try letting go and leaning in rather than pushing back and fighting it every step of the way. You may find it is easier and a lot more rewarding.
Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards PT, DPT, OCS
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