You’ve probably heard it before.
Perhaps, like me, you’ve resisted the message.
Even so, it’s true;
equally as much for athletics as for recovery.
“Progress is not linear.”
Athletics
This year has been far less about my physical fitness progression and much more about spiritual and mental development. This was not by design. For the first time, I’ve struggled with a physical injury and blood markers that have hampered my training. Fortunately, I’ve also been living much closer to nature thereby supporting inquiry.
I’ve spent a lot of time getting clear about my ikigai (reason for being) and my purpose for taking on the upcoming challenge of Ultraman Canada. Both are big questions that I’ve wrestled with for quite a while. Finding answers has brought a sense of relief, a flow of energy, and a positive mindset. Order becomes disorder. Disorder is eventually reordered.
“Purpose fosters motivation, and motivation helps us to endure a greater perception of effort, which leads to a better performance.” ~Brad Stulberg
Recovery
There’s nothing linear in recovery either. It’s a process. For me, it’s a daily re-commitment to the path that I know I’d rather walk. When the dark vortexes of a latent eating disorder or of depression pull on me I remind myself that I don’t want to go down those roads anymore. I’ve been there. I know where they lead, and it’s not pretty.
This is why I spend a lot of time building and maintaining my toolbox of support systems. It’s why I continually clarify my core values, what they mean for me, and how to more authentically live them. They support me in the process while also holding me accountable as a responsible participant.
“Recovery is fucking hard. It’s messy. It takes courage to own that.” ~Rich Roll
Progress is not linear.
It is not consistent.
It is not perfect.
Progress is messy.
Embrace this truth.
Pay attention with steadfastness.
Be in the mess when that’s what’s called for.
Move forward when the next steps emerge.
Namaste
✌️ ∙ 🌱 ∙ 🙏
