"Are we there yet?"

[Guest]

by Mike Napierala, PT, SCS, CSCS, FAFS

When you're hurting, when you're unable to do the things you love, it's so hard to be patient, isn't it?

What's wrong with wanting to be better NOW?  

Probably everyone has taken a vacation or at least a long car ride somewhere. Think about this analogy. You're in the car driving to New York City. Woo hoo! Everyone's excited. Never been there before. There's talk and anticipation about all the cool sites to take in and history to learn and skyline to see. Not to mention the ethnic restaurants and the excitement of Times Square.  

You know it's supposed to be a 5-hour trip from Rochester.  Imagine making it to Albany and the driver explodes with, "I can't believe we're not there yet!" In a state of upset and disbelief, he exclaims, "We're turning around. This is ridiculous."

Sounds crazy, huh? You're in Albany, for crying out loud!  It's only been 3 hours.  You're not supposed to be in NYC yet. It's okay. 

No need to turn around.  

You're doing a great job!  

You're right where you're supposed to be.

As a patient it can become a life-saver, or at least a heart-saver, hope-saver,.a sanity-saver, to keep these in mind.

• "Magic bullets" can be hard to come by! Hope for them, look for them, but don't bank on them 
• Our bodies are designed to heal naturally when we provide a supportive environment
• Getting better happens quickest when we REMOVE THE BAD and when we ADD THE GOOD
• Getting better almost always takes someone longer than they'd like
• Doing it "the right way" is rarely the wrong choice!

Remember, it's okay that you're not in NYC just yet.  You're on the way though, and that should be exciting. Keep doing the right thing and good things should be right around the corner.  Your body will honor you best when you honor it!

Don't give up on yourself.  Your NYC isn't as far away as it might feel!