Last evening I sprained my right ankle pretty badly. I’m not even sure what or how it happened. I was taking the dogs out for their walk, carrying a piece of recycling to put out in the bin in the grass at the end of the driveway which I had moved there earlier for the next day pick up.

(Cue lesson on multi-tasking…maybe?)

I think it was on the edge of the driveway my ankle turned, pop, and down I went with a scream. I’m sure it was quite a sight!

Oh man did it hurt! I was down on the ground for a few minutes and as I tried to get up I felt nauseous and faint. Of course I tried to continue with the dogs’ walk but soon realized I needed to turn-around.

It’s so hard to not be upset when something like this happens – a setback.

I’ve been so consistent walking every day and with my workouts. I don’t want to miss even one of them!

They (my walks and workouts) have become my habits and a big part of my day, my routine.

But I must trust. I must trust my body, that it will heal and I will return. I must trust that I won’t let this setback stand in the way of my goals. I must trust I will return to my routine when my ankle is better.

However, this is difficult for me!

I bet it is also difficult for you. Why do we have a hard time trusting our bodies and ourselves?

With the winter weather or a busy day, I’ve been up and out at 5am to be sure to get my daily walk in.

I know this situation is different than just saying “I don’t feel like it” or “it’s cold out” and not going for a walk. Unfortunately, I don’t have much control in this case. And, also that going out and forcing my body into it, putting weight on my ankle, I could make things worse.

Temporary setbacks are overshadowed by persistence. – Quentin L. Cook

I even just totally envied a woman out walking with her dog I saw out the front window. Amazing how much we may take for granted. And now that I’m unable to do something how much more I want to do it.

While it is challenging for me, I am working on my reaction to this situation. Rather than looking at this setback as a setback, I’m looking at this as an opportunity to strengthen my mindset and my resolve to achieve my goals.

Could setback = opportunity?

For now I will rest and ice my ankle like it’s my job, so I can be back out walking like a boss, as if I haven’t even missed a beat!

And who knows, maybe my mindset and resolve will be that much stronger and my walks will mean even more.