I remember being a kid and anytime I fell off my bike or got injured playing some sport, I'd go to my Dad for medical treatment/advice (he's not a doctor, just a Dad..but to me it was the same). He'd look me over and usually say something like "You'll be a little bruised, but nothings broken" or "walk it off". lol Either way, I went with it and continued doing whatever it was I was doing because I knew I'd be just fine. Well, here I am 30 years old and I recently fell off one giant bike; aka: LIFE! One thing after another was happening and I was beginning to feel pretty down about it all and at some points I felt, broken. It was an awful feeling, one that I hadn’t felt before.
One day while at CrossFit; it was the middle of the WOD and I heard the coach yell out “Do it unbroken”. Like that, a switch went off; UNBROKEN!!! At that very moment I felt so many emotions in such little time. I needed to be unbroken. When I hear the term “unbroken” I think of double unders, pull ups, etc.. I think of Louis Zamperini, warriors, survivors, strength, power, something complete. So many things come to mind when I hear “Unbroken”.
The definition of Unbroken:
1. Not Tampered with; intact
2. Not violated or breached
3. Uninterrupted; continuous
4. Not disordered or disturbed
5. Complete or whole
6. Undaunted in spirit.
What a powerful word! So, I decided during that WOD (workout of the day) that I was going to be unbroken. I’m applying that term to every aspect of my life right now and honestly, I’ve felt so much better and peaceful. I’m not going to let what’s happened define who I am, change what I believe in, stop me from achieving my goals. That’s giving in and I’d only be disappointing myself; and if I can’t even trust in my own abilities, why would I expect for others to. I deserve more than that. It’s okay to be sad, hurt, down, disappointed, confused; but it’s not okay to let those emotions control or break you down. I think it’s important that we allow ourselves to feel those things but how we overcome them is what’s most important. Don’t let the everyday stresses, heartache, work, work outs, obstacles break you down.
Some people may not understand how Crossfit can teach you things other than how to be physically fit; but this is perfect example of how it teaches mental strength and determination. I hope everyone has an outlet or hobby in their life that challenges and makes them a better person.
I guess what I’m saying is it’s okay to get bruised, it builds character; just don’t allow yourself to be broken. Just push through, walk it off, learn from the mistakes, try it again but differently, don’t give up, be stronger!
I’m happy to say, I’m bruised but not broken! J
