I felt such a deep sense of pride. Not from ego

This morning my biokineticist sneaked in a photo while I was training. When I looked at it, I felt such a deep sense of pride. Not from ego, but from remembering a moment in my life that could have defined my limits. About 18 years ago I went in for a hernia operation. What they thought was a small hernia turned out to be much more serious. While I was under, the surgeons discovered that it was not just the small bubble on the surface, behind it was a hernia the size of a tennis ball, and in order to repair it, they had to tear through the muscle lining of my stomach. After the operation I was told that I would never be able to properly train my abdominal muscles again. Now, if there is one thing about me, it is this. Nobody gets to decide what I, or my body is capable of, especially not when it comes to my own determination. Over the years, no matter what phase my body went through, 90% of the time my abs have remained incredibly strong. And this morning, looking at that photo, I was reminded of that journey. My biokineticist explained something interesting when I told him this story. The abdominal muscles are deeply connected to stability in the body. They support the spine, balance, and movement. It even helped explain aspects of the back injury I later experienced. But the deeper message for me was this. Be very careful about the limitations you accept from others. Sometimes professionals speak from statistics. Sometimes people speak from their own fears or their own understanding. But your body, your mind, your will and your determination are uniquely yours. If I had accepted what I was told 18 years ago, I might have never even tried to rebuild that strength. Instead, I listened to my body. I stayed patient. I kept showing up. And slowly, consistently, strength returned. Do not let anyone decide your limits for you. Your body is capable of incredible healing. Your mind is capable of incredible focus. And your spirit is capable of far more than most people imagine. If you believe you can, you can. Your body. Your life. Your journey. ~ Angy-Lee ~ Our Heart Centre 💚🌱 Join us for our Plant Medicine Ceremonies 🌿🌵 and Know Thyself healing workshops/email info@ourheartcentre.co.za