Push Your Limits

Have you ever been in the middle of an activity (workout, homework assignment, work-related activity, anything) and ever thought, “Gee, I wonder if I could…” Well, that happened to me the other day when I was working out with my friends.  After one circuit down, my friends (all non-wheelchair users) decided to get some planks in.  Obviously, I can’t do a plank, so I started thinking about what I could do instead, to work on my core strength, while they completed their planks.  Noticing a table/bench on the side of the gym area that we were using, I had a thought, “Gee, I wonder if I could get on that table, onto my belly, and do a modified plank.”

AND GUESS WHAT?! I DID IT!

(Here is the proof)

Just because you think you are not able to do something, does not mean it’s true.  What is the harm of trying something new?  If it doesn’t work, oh well; but what if it does?  

Getting into fitness did not just help me physically.  It showed me all of the things that I could do, and it pushed me mentally and socially.  Two years ago, I started attending a couple Zumba classes.  These classes were taught by 2 girls, that I have grown to be friends with.  Through this experience, I have met more girls that are all connected by Zumba, and these are some amazing girls!  I am proud to call them my friends.  

Zumba has become more than just a workout.  It is a chance to hang out with friends, dance, sing, yell, and just have fun.  I really look forward to working out on the nights of Zumba.  I have also grown more confident in myself and have started to break out of my shell among people I don’t know.  Before Zumba, I was (still partially am) a very shy person.  I don’t know how to start conversations with people I don’t know, and have been seen as stuck up because of this.  

So, I may still not know how to start conversations with people I don’t know, but Zumba has made me less shy to try.  As stupid as it may sound, yelling and singing during the songs have helped me grow confidence in myself.  It has helped shift my mindset.  I am the only person at my gym that does the group classes in a wheelchair.  I stand out like a sore thumb.  However! I have found that everyone at the gym is only there to help each other, and that includes me!  

At first, I had people come up to me, saying how much of an inspiration I am for them.  Keep in mind, these are normal “able-bodied” individuals.  How can I be an inspiration for them, when they have no idea what my story is?!  That’s what my thought was.  BUT, I have come to realize that I was afraid of being that inspiration, and played down what I do.  Because I have grown more confident in myself, I have also grown more confident in being considered an inspiration.  Before, I would replay with “Oh, well, thank you, I’m not doing anything that great.” And let it go.  Now, I embrace it, and then say something genuinely great about them.  What’s the harm in building them up as well?  Here is a person that has taken time to say something sweet about me, and help build me up.  Why shouldn’t I return the favor?

Imagine how much more, we ALL could do in our lives if we treated each other with this type of respect and genuine caring?  Because people have shown me how caring humans can be, I have grown physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally.  This post started as a way for me to share an accomplishment that I had with some friends watching.  But, it goes way beyond that.  I encourage all of you to start to shift your mindset.  When you see someone struggling, instead of making fun of that person, or judging that person (either in your head or out loud), how about asking them if they need help? Or, say a few words of encouragement?  

I could go on forever about this topic.  It is one of my passions.  I’ll save some for a future post and let you get on with the rest of your day!  Please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or comments.  Let’s get out there and start building one another up!