If you are accident prone like I am, then you have a basket
full of stories about injuries and recoveries. Like the time I twisted my ankle
while sliding into 3rd base (in case you were wondering, I was
safe). Upon looking back at those injuries, I can laugh at them. But what
happens when you get injured as an adult and your body simply refuses to heal
in the normal 3-6 weeks?
I’ve been struggling with peritoneal tendonitis for the past
6 months due to a combined ballet and running injury. Like Maria, I am an
active individual. Running, dancing, swimming, biking, skiing – movement is my
natural stress reliever, my anti-depressant, my generator of happiness, a way
of life. So through my denial (it can’t be that bad of an injury), my anger (no
activity and in an AirCast for 4 weeks), my bargaining (with doctors for some form of
physical activity), and the feeling of worthlessness (due to inactivity and
thinking others see me as a lazy slacker), I have come to accept the healing
process of my injury.
What does it mean to accept a prolonged healing process?
Just like losing a loved one, the loss of movement freedom leads to methods of
coping and rebuilding. I have chosen to prioritize my health over my research
and pride. I have come to appreciate my body for what it naturally is, not what
I want it to be. I have become more willing to try new things, like yoga, in
order to optimize my physical limitations. I acknowledge that I cannot do everything
yet, but I am doing what I am able to at this stage of healing.
And that could be the best lesson I could have learned from
this lengthy recovery because now my body dictates what I do, not what my mind
or pride says I should be doing.
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