This year I've been LISTENING to my body

Personal share - water-falling & ankle-rolling: 
On January 12th I took a beautiful hike with my dear friend and our dogs along a trail filled with waterfalls.

On the way back down,  I stumbled and rolled my left ankle laterally 90% with the ankle-
bone rolling and crushing down onto hard granite.  I managed to hike the mile-and-a-half back to the car.

(sprained ankle tip: keep on moving if not broken, natural pain relievers and inflammation reducers will keep you at bay until you can get to your destination or help)

For the next 3 months I pushed a hard pause on my trail-marathon training, and went through some rough endorphin withdrawals.  I knew that this was going to be an opportunity to dig deep into my toolbox of skills to listen to my body and emotions with curiosity, self-compassion, and patience as it slowly recovered...................

Here is a peek into my journal where I reflected on lessons from my ankle.
  

In the past, I have been frustrated by injuries and angry at my own body.  This time I chose to intentionally observe, listen, love and learn. 

I applied skills and tools that I offer to others - here's the list that kept me sane and healing:

1. Daily meditation
2. Thinking and communicating words of self-compassion
3. Researching and consistently doing rehabilitation and strengthening exercises
4. Celebrating small wins during my recovery
5. Patience with re-building my running endurance, then speed

I'm happy to say that this past Sunday,  I completed the North Face Endurance Challenge Half-Marathon, and beat my estimated finish time significantly. 

This year has been hard work both physically and emotionally, and as I crossed that finish line, I had a joyous feeling of, "that was well worth the effort!"

Thanks to all who support me through this journey of life!