9.4.22 Life Update

Per usual as of the last several months, life has been just a big old “did that really just happen?” from one chaotic event to the next. Given my conversations with others, it sounds like that’s just kind of the trend for 2022. Fortunately, I’ve gotten to a place where (most of the time) I can just laugh it off because I expected no less than something insane to take place.

I’ve not got much else to say today other than to catch you guys up on the last five (gosh I’m sorry for my inconsistency) months of life.

In May, I traveled down to Florida for my partner at the time’s amputation (we’ve since gone our separate ways, but that’s a whole story that is not just mine to tell so I probably won’t get into that). But yeah, you read that right. Amputation. I’ve got an entire arsenal of seemingly really insensitive dad-jokes pertaining to amputees but don’t worry, he thinks they’re funny. I worked remote while being down there (whenever the technology permitted, that is). We went to a local box (slang for crossfit gym) while down there and met some of the most incredible people. We were welcomed, blessed, prayed for, and gifted meals/rides/well wishes from both the coaches and athletes. I can’t express how much it meant for me to be involved with such kind people, who I still keep in touch with to-date. I also got to do a trial run in my photographer bestie’s new studio space, and we all know I love being the subject of a little risky-business photoshoot.

June was full of work-catch-up and personal development. I spent a ton of time in the gym, learning new roles at work, and getting back into martial arts training with the help of a dear friend who was willing to train with me at a park to help alleviate some of the anxiety I’ve had with getting back on the mats. I put some really unfair expectations on myself for my return to this, and it caused and still does cause a lot of anxiety for me trying to train martial arts again. My gym bestie decided to commit to her bodybuilding journey, so working out with her and watching her journey unfold has been such a beautiful privilege.

July was full of dark anniversaries. A lot of death that was close to my heart hit in July of 2021, and trying to work through the grief and memories took up a lot of my headspace and mental and emotional energy. Oh, and I totally struggled through a 22-mile roller blade that was just a series of unfortunate events. Long story short, I ended the adventure on 5 of my original 8 roller blade wheels. The said roller blades are still cast off into recreational activity purgatory until I forgive them for their mechanical failures. At the end of July, I re-tweaked the back injury that I’ve been nursing for months and definitely couldn’t walk for awhile. However, I’ve gotten an absolutely incredible and life changing physical therapist in my corner now who has been making a world of difference in conjunction with my equally amazing Chiro.

August came and went so much faster than anticipated. I had a tattoo consult in July for a tattoo I’ve been pondering for over a year. I hadn’t decided whether I wanted to commit to starting a leg sleeve or not, but I did finally make the decision and was able to get my most recent tattoo on August 31st. And, I am absolutely obsessed with it. Big shoutout to Ryan for always doing exceptional work, and making my very chaotic vision come to life. The rest of August was absolutely packed with physical therapy, chiropractic care, other doctor’s appointments and relearning my body and what I can do in the gym and in daily life after angering my back. I still can’t do much for weighted lower body workouts right now, but gosh dang are my arms getting strong. I can currently bench more than I can squat—LOL. However, I’ve gotten back into running short distances (too much is still too much compression on my spine) and I’m loving having running as an outlet again. Letty loves it too.

Today is September 4th and I’m currently sitting on the deck of my brother’s home, watching Letty-girl sunbathe and catching up on doing the things that make my heart and soul feel happy. I’m getting some quality time in with family, and spending some time resting, reading, writing, and just existing in the outdoors. I’ll head to my next destination on my short vacation, tomorrow morning.

It’s been at least since January that I’ve had a moment to take a pause. It’s been since then as well, that I’ve taken the time to do something just for myself. It’s been far too long, and I’m going to try to remember that it’s okay to make myself a priority.

Highlights of the last few months:

· Roller blading the trails—it’s a funny story even though it was really not funny at the time

· Spending quality time with friends and family

· Tattoo

· Shinedown concert

· Doing my first dip (at the gym, not tobacco)

· Taking Letty paddle boarding

· Trips to the river

· Seeing my Floridian bestie babe while in FL

· Podcast recording/progress/planning/creating

Lows:

· New heartbreak and traumas

· Busier than I’d intended

· Forgetting to take time to take care of myself and mental health

· Back re-injury

At the end of the day, my positives list is always going to be longer than my “lows.” And even though I listed them, I basically just listed them to not gloss over the fact that less-than-ideal events have happened. But I’m thankful for the lessons they’ve taught me along the way, and the support system I’ve got to help me get through it all.

Oh, and just because I absolutely cringe at this statement:

Happy Fall, Y’all