A moment that changed me: I was terrified of my own body
I grew up with spinal conditions that solidified my sense of being ‘weak and weird’. By my late 30s, I was feeling burnt out. But an invitation from a colleague set me on an unexpected and exhilarating new path
TL;DR
- The author grew up with spinal conditions like scoliosis, lordosis, and spondylolisthesis, which made her feel 'weak and weird' and afraid of movement.
- A second opinion from an orthopaedic surgeon advised against a major surgery, suggesting monitoring instead, but the author still harbored a low-level terror of physical activity.
- In her late 30s, feeling burnt out from a demanding career, an invitation to a short bike ride evolved into long-distance rides in the Rocky Mountains, challenging her self-limiting beliefs.
- A doctor's assessment at age 40 confirmed no significant spinal deterioration, allowing her to pursue fitness without major limitations.
- At 58, while trekking in the Alps, she realized her paralysis was mental, not physical, and at 60, she now embraces running, jumping, and strength training, viewing her body as an ally.
- Transforming her physical strength has led to a deep personal change, redefining her beliefs about what is possible in all aspects of her life.