#exerciseismedicine
day 520 : !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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don’t tell my pt’s at @uptsm that i did tigerFIT or multiple instances of jump rope today…three weeks post knee surgery is enough, right?
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my goal was just to clear the jump rope past one foot - almost fainted when i cleared BOTH after a few tries!
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jumping has been my new obsession. every day gets better and better. cannot wait to get after those tuck jumps! #impatience
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#whatparalysis
#tigerfit
#exerciseismedicine
#spinalcordinjury
#scirecovery
#incompleteparaplegic
#moveyourbody
#thecomebackisgreaterthanthesetback
#jumprope
#practicemakesprogress
https://www.instagram.com/p/BrGYcpzBVAs/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=k2ur88s5ir8y
Post link
day 460 : kinda sorta getting better at doing the “normal” thing?!
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trying to give up my hands from taking so much weight off (ahem, cheating) without just faceplanting. #comeonquads #getittogether
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#disabledandcute
#relearningtowalk
#spinalcordinjury
#scirecovery
#incompleteparaplegic
#paralysissucks
#paralyzedlife
#robotlegs
#stairs
#exerciseismedicine
#moveyourbody
#thecomebackisstrongerthanthesetback
https://www.instagram.com/p/BokBq9iBfpa/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=3xfjn2siqtzp
day 447 : let me tell you about how joltingly honored i am to have been included in this first-ever women’s empowerment and powerlifting event benefitting an organization near and dear to my heart, @smartfitgirls.
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feeling the boom of #intersectionalfeminism and meeting some of the most powerful, badass, and confident women i have ever encountered has been beyond humbling.
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i’ve been sick with worry the past few months thinking, how am i supposed to get in front of people and talk about this injury and my life. i’m in a dark place, paralysis is heavy, and what do i currently have to offer to help anyone.
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but, as i’ve made #vulnerability my commitment, i went up there, spoke my truth, and didn’t fall on the stage
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my soul is bursting with magic at seeing how amazing this event was and how impactful coming together to truly support one another can be.
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@chrissy_chard and @smartfitgirls, thank you for letting me be a part of this revolution, and let this be my insta-official notice that i WILL be powerlifting at this event next year. even if i can only crush the 15-pound bar!
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to every person i’ve met this weekend - i am grateful to know you and have heard your story. thanks for sharing your good juju with me.
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#uniteforstrength
#womenempowerment
#strongishappy
#thefutureisinclusive
#thefutureisaccessible
#spinalcordinjuryrecovery
#sci
#wheelchairlife
#wheelie
#thecomebackisgreaterthanthesetback
#exerciseismedicine
#moveyourbody
#vulnerabilityisstrength
#healingisnotlinear
#ambulatorywheelchairusersexist
https://www.instagram.com/p/BoC-LzThXZe/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1p3g4zosf5lwp
Post link
day 437 : 24/7 frozen toes have quite the way of putting a damper on my spirits.
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or maybe that’s the plethora of other issues plaguing my body currently.
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one week post-surgery today. been mainly using the wheelchair to get around because i’m limping a bit and trying to give the knee a rest while not developing bad walking habits.
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the soreness of suddenly starting pushing a wheelchair around a hilly and obstacle-ridden town is no joke. also loading the chair in and out of the car (you can just imagine onlookers’ faces, but i came across the hashtag #AmbulatoryWheelchairUsersExist yesterday so that’s neat). i typically stand and load it in the back, but because my legs aren’t very strong, i can’t squat and lift correctly, so my form suffers and it’s probably not the smartest move (shout-out to bestie for calling me out ). my muscles hate me.
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started full-time at work today. been ramping up my hours the past 6 weeks, but i still felt like it has been hella fast and all of the things that were helping me through my day the past few months i no longer have the time or energy for.
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which leads me to the hard lesson i’m coming to learn about how healing is not linear. i’ve become so disheartened at realizing that i’m in another depressive bout. it so totally and completely sucks to not feel good, to feel numb, to not want to do anything including drinking and eating.
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i know this is not forever, so i just plan on riding it out, gracefully or not. not judging and being kind to yourself is really hard b-t-dubs.
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there’s so much more in my head, but i’ll save that for another day. if you’ve read this far, please know i am thankful for you and that i’m ok, just going through a low spot. thanks for being here, friend.
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oh, and have I mentioned that i’m tired of paralysis and it’s domino effects?
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#rebuild
#spinalcordinjury
#scirecovery
#learningtowalkagain
#notimeforparalysis
#whatparalysis
#notalldisabilitiesarevisible
#paraplegiclife
#incompleteparaplegic
#thecomebackisstrongerthanthesetback
#brokenbody
#bionicbadass
#lifeaftersci
#nothingisofflimits
#exerciseismedicine
#moveyourbody
#takecareofyourbodyandyourbodywilltakecareofyou
#liveyourbestlife
https://www.instagram.com/p/BnpZGm4hGJv/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=dxqt5sbg5w0r
Post link
day 430 : didn’t think i’d be going under the knife again so soon.
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having minor surgery done to my left knee where i’m missing a chunk of cartilage. it’s making my recovery very difficult because i’ve got bone on bone popping every time my knee flexes and extends.
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feeling eh about all of this because i know it’s going to set me back a bit for a small while, but i just want them to FIX IT. i have paralysis to attend to. #fixitnow
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#rebuild
#spinalcordinjury
#scirecovery
#learningtowalkagain
#notimeforparalysis
#whatparalysis
#notalldisabilitiesarevisible
#paraplegiclife
#incompleteparaplegic
#thecomebackisstrongerthanthesetback
#brokenbody
#bionicbadass
#lifeaftersci
#nothingisofflimits
#exerciseismedicine
#moveyourbody
#takecareofyourbodyandyourbodywilltakecareofyou
#liveyourbestlife
#craighospital
#chickswithsticks
#keeponkeepinon
#neverstopplaying
#justgottagetthroughit
#vulnerabilityisstrength
#disabledandcute
https://www.instagram.com/p/BnWFkUNhB-h/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1uly371caafmy
day 414 : missing my body a little bit (ok, a lotta bit) today.
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return to work has been more difficult than i’ve given it space for. been go go go the past few weeks without really processing how i feel about it.
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working at a college recreation center means you’re surrounded by fit and capable bodies that like to move and play and exert massive amounts of effort. and i’m reminded every moment that i don’t recognize or trust this new body. i try to be present and positive, but spinal cord injury is like a snapchat filter that never turns off and has dampened my flame a bit. sorry if i’ve been a downer lately (and i know i shouldn’t be apologizing for it, but still)
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anyway. it’s not all darkness inside of me these days. my burpee is getting stronger every time i try it, and our brand new fitness facility inspired me to get on my head again. i guess bionic spine still works the same upside down.
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#rebuild
#spinalcordinjury
#scirecovery
#learningtowalkagain
#notimeforparalysis
#whatparalysis
#notalldisabilitiesarevisible
#paraplegiclife
#incompleteparaplegic
#thecomebackisstrongerthanthesetback
#brokenbody
#bionicbadass
#lifeaftersci
#nothingisofflimits
#exerciseismedicine
#moveyourbody
#takecareofyourbodyandyourbodywilltakecareofyou
#liveyourbestlife
#craighospital
#chickswithsticks
#keeponkeepinon
#neverstopplaying
#justgottagetthroughit
#vulnerabilityisstrength
#disabledandcute (at Clemson University)
Post link
day 413 : oh hey everybody, i went to florida last weekend
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learning to walk on a moving boat for the second time in my life.
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thanks mom & dad for boat life that i am so grateful for it was one of the things that ran through my head most while using a wheelchair because i didn’t know how i was going to make it happen. it’s a struggle to get around now, but getting easier each time.
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#rebuild
#spinalcordinjury
#scirecovery
#learningtowalkagain
#notimeforparalysis
#whatparalysis
#notalldisabilitiesarevisible
#paraplegiclife
#incompleteparaplegic
#thecomebackisstrongerthanthesetback
#brokenbody
#bionicbadass
#lifeaftersci
#nothingisofflimits
#exerciseismedicine
#moveyourbody
#takecareofyourbodyandyourbodywilltakecareofyou
#liveyourbestlife
#craighospital
#keeponkeepinon
#neverstopplaying
#justgottagetthroughit
#vulnerabilityisstrength
#disabledandcute
Post link
day 404 : it’s not if you fall, it’s when you fall right?
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i fell at work. lol. good thing i work at a gym and my co-workers are beasts. @jenlynnrod you the real bionic mvp today.
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#rebuild
#spinalcordinjury
#scirecovery
#learningtowalkagain
#notimeforparalysis
#whatparalysis
#notalldisabilitiesarevisible
#paraplegiclife
#incompleteparaplegic
#thecomebackisstrongerthanthesetback
#brokenbody
#bionicbadass
#lifeaftersci
#nothingisofflimits
#exerciseismedicine
#moveyourbody
#takecareofyourbodyandyourbodywilltakecareofyou
#liveyourbestlife
#craighospital
#chickswithsticks
#keeponkeepinon
#neverstopplaying
#justgottagetthroughit
#vulnerabilityisstrength
#disabledandcute
Post link
day 395 : this day has been a long time coming!
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i remember being in the hospital and asking how long people tend to wait to return to work after spinal cord injury. shocker, everyone’s different, but they told me that some people wait 2 years. i literally couldn’t believe it and could not even imagine taking 6 months off.
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13 months later, to the day, i’m finally back. and i felt like i needed every moment of each of those months before being alright to return. the mental struggle has been real, and most times harder than the physical. but i finally feel well enough to continue doing my life’s passion.
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my office has been so incredibly supportive of me this past year, and i’m very grateful that they worked with me to get a more accessible office location, sit/stand desk, and a swivel chair with a lock on it. because those things are scary af.
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super extra shout out to @vickicroberts for wearing your headbands & hightops shirt for my return and setting up my office so i wouldn’t want to crawl into a hole and hide after not touching these things for a year
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from the bottom of my heart, #fikefam thanks for being so supportive this past year. i’m ready to keep making you proud of me!
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#rebuild
#spinalcordinjury
#scirecovery
#learningtowalkagain
#notimeforparalysis
#whatparalysis
#notalldisabilitiesarevisible
#paraplegiclife
#incompleteparaplegic
#thecomebackisstrongerthanthesetback
#brokenbody
#bionicbadass
#lifeaftersci
#nothingisofflimits
#exerciseismedicine
#moveyourbody
#takecareofyourbodyandyourbodywilltakecareofyou
#liveyourbestlife
#craighospital
#chickswithsticks
#keeponkeepinon
#neverstopplaying
#justgottagetthroughit
#vulnerabilityisstrength
#disabledandcute (at Clemson University)
Post link
day 394 : here’s a compilation of some things i’ve been working on lately
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any decent health professional would probably be concerned with me doing most of these things right now. Yolo, right?
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vid 1️⃣ recap : psyching myself up to do what i’m about to do, my attempt at a jog because i have this overwhelming urge to run, little foot shuffle, mini squats, backwards monster walks, the best squats i’ve done in a year+, scaring the heck out of a pup while trying to jump without having something to grab if i fall, and my second day trying to do a modified burpee. [spoiler: i messed it up right away and don’t know how to hide my embarrassment]
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vid 2️⃣ recap : massive struggles trying to fix myself, just giving up and showing you how i stand up now, and a real attempt at another burpee [i fell again lol], struggling, compensating, and YAY I FINALLY DID IT! #burpeesforever
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#thegrindneverstops
#bettereveryday
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#rebuild
#spinalcordinjury
#scirecovery
#learningtowalkagain
#notimeforparalysis
#whatparalysis
#notalldisabilitiesarevisible
#paraplegiclife
#incompleteparaplegic
#thecomebackisstrongerthanthesetback
#brokenbody
#bionicbadass
#lifeaftersci
#nothingisofflimits
#exerciseismedicine
#moveyourbody
#takecareofyourbodyandyourbodywilltakecareofyou
#liveyourbestlife
#craighospital
#chickswithsticks
#keeponkeepinon
#neverstopplaying
#justgottagetthroughit
#vulnerabilityisstrength
#disabledandcute
Post link
day 380 : soft blades of grass and beads of dew will forever be etched in my memory of physical feels.
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i finally did it. i’ve been talking about attending a live yoga class for an incredibly long time. once again, mental blockage preventing me from going through with it.
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a surprise encounter with an old student and soul sister this past weekend was just the i needed.
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i love being outside and botanical gardens are my favorite. it was such a beautifully overcast morning and it was just what my body and soul needed.
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these past few days have just been comedic (in the twilight zone sort of way). my favorite thing about yoga is being able to cut the crap out for a bit and bliss out by appreciating the heck out of the power and magic that make up our bodies. this was that for me today
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#paralyzedyogi
#rebuild
#spinalcordinjury
#scirecovery
#learningtowalkagain
#notimeforparalysis
#whatparalysis
#notalldisabilitiesarevisible
#paraplegiclife
#incompleteparaplegic
#thecomebackisstrongerthanthesetback
#brokenbody
#bionicbadass
#lifeaftersci
#nothingisofflimits
#exerciseismedicine
#moveyourbody
#takecareofyourbodyandyourbodywilltakecareofyou
#liveyourbestlife
#craighospital
#chickswithsticks
#keeponkeepinon
#neverstopplaying
#justgottagetthroughit
#vulnerabilityisstrength (at South Carolina Botanical Garden)
Post link
day 374 : someone made this cake for me a year ago today.
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#timehop has been simultaneously a bright light and a pot-stirrer the last 10 or so days. going through the pictures and feelings of those first few days has contributed to my #ptsd flaring up and a ton of “oh shit” moments that i haven’t had in a while.
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nevertheless, what’s written on this cake could not be more true. regardless of how difficult this road has been, i wouldn’t trade it for ANYTHING.
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#rebuild
#spinalcordinjury
#scirecovery
#learningtowalkagain
#notimeforparalysis
#whatparalysis
#notalldisabilitiesarevisible
#paraplegiclife
#incompleteparaplegic
#thecomebackisstrongerthanthesetback
#brokenbody
#bionicbadass
#lifeaftersci
#nothingisofflimits
#exerciseismedicine
#moveyourbody
#takecareofyourbodyandyourbodywilltakecareofyou
#liveyourbestlife
#craighospital
#chickswithsticks
#keeponkeepinon
#neverstopplaying
#justgottagetthroughit
#vulnerabilityisstrength
Post link
day 361 : bouncy chair coming through making me smile when i’m weighed down by bad feels today
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a lot. is the only way i can describe where i’m at right now. paralysis is a lot for the brain to handle. if one more person tells me how great i’m doing, i might lose it.
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it’s been almost-a-year of A WHOLE LOT. physically, i am fully aware of how damn lucky i am to be at this point 12 months post-injury. mentally, depression and listlessness is kicking back in. i assure you i’m here for the fight, but i’m not here for the sugar coating. as always, #paralysissucks
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rough patches pass, as do all things. incredibly grateful for the people in my life right now. thanks work friends for letting me just cry.
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#justgottagetthrough
#keeponkeepinon
#neverstopplaying
#vulnerability
#rebuild
#spinalcordinjury
#scirecovery
#learningtowalkagain
#notimeforparalysis
#whatparalysis
#notalldisabilitiesarevisible
#paraplegiclife
#incompleteparaplegic
#thecomebackisstrongerthanthesetback
#brokenbody
#bionicbadass
#lifeaftersci
#nothingisofflimits
#exerciseismedicine
#moveyourbody
#takecareofyourbodyandyourbodywilltakecareofyou
#liveyourbestlife
#craighospital
#chickswithsticks
day 354 : i interrupt your insta-feed to bring you two minutes of ridiculous antics that come with doing something for the first time.
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find more ways to move. find more ways to play. #movementiseverything
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awkward finger dance (just for you @addymariewillis) and makeshift curtsy at the end!
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thanks @silaswade for and making sure was on point.
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#hulahoop
#newthings
#firsttimeforeverything
#rebuild
#spinalcordinjury
#scirecovery
#learningtowalkagain
#notimeforparalysis
#whatparalysis
#notalldisabilitiesarevisible
#paraplegiclife
#incompleteparaplegic
#thecomebackisstrongerthanthesetback
#brokenbody
#bionicbadass
#lifeaftersci
#nothingisofflimits
#exerciseismedicine
#moveyourbody
#takecareofyourbodyandyourbodywilltakecareofyou
#liveyourbestlife
#craighospital
Post link
day 249 : bum foot ain’t gonna stop my from trying new things.
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i find jumping fascinating. i can’t quite figure out how to get the power behind it, but this was the first attempt at a jump. second was WAY more successful.
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don’t mind my gimp bum foot walk, and also almost falling. i’ll catch myself at important times like this, but not when i’m doing silly things like locking a door or walking to a bathroom.
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#rebuild
#spinalcordinjury
#scirecovery
#learningtowalkagain
#notimeforparalysis
#whatparalysis
#notalldisabilitiesarevisible
#paraplegiclife
#incompleteparaplegic
#thecomebackisstrongerthanthesetback
#brokenbody
#bionicbadass
#lifeaftersci
#nothingisofflimits
#exerciseismedicine
#moveyourbody
#takecareofyourbodyandyourbodywilltakecareofyou
#liveyourbestlife
day 351 : treat every day like an adventure, because that’s exactly what it is.
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one of the things i’ve enjoyed most about not having much to do each day is seeing what kind of adventures I can get myself into. my life can currently be described as a perpetual state of limbo, so learning to live this way has been good for my mental health and sanity.
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hoping to carry this way of thinking into my next era, which should be coming soon.
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y’all should be proud i didn’t go all out and try the paddleboard, although i SERIOUSLY considered it before being talked out of it from my physical therapist. i suppose i’ll try it for the first time with them, since they know what they’re doing or something like that
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the ocean is my home, but i’ll accept a lake for now.
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#workperks
#adaptivekayaking
#outdooradventures
#neature
#rebuild
#spinalcordinjury
#scirecovery
#learningtowalkagain
#notimeforparalysis
#whatparalysis
#notalldisabilitiesarevisible
#paraplegiclife
#incompleteparaplegic
#thecomebackisstrongerthanthesetback
#brokenbody
#bionicbadass
#lifeaftersci
#nothingisofflimits
#exerciseismedicine
#moveyourbody
#takecareofyourbodyandyourbodywilltakecareofyou
#liveyourbestlife
(at Lake Hartwell)
Post link
day 348 : sitting solo in my own next-to-vip section. #paralysisperks
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may also have gotten chocolate all over me.
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*UPDATE* got upgraded to a padded comfy chair by just asking nicely…and maybe batting my eyelashes a bit.
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#soloadventures
#favoriteband
#livemusicismedicine
#rebuild
#spinalcordinjury
#scirecovery
#learningtowalkagain
#notimeforparalysis
#whatparalysis
#notalldisabilitiesarevisible
#paraplegiclife
#incompleteparaplegic
#thecomebackisstrongerthanthesetback
#brokenbody
#bionicbadass
#lifeaftersci
#nothingisofflimits
#exerciseismedicine
#moveyourbody
#takecareofyourbodyandyourbodywilltakecareofyou
#liveyourbestlife
(at Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre)
Post link
day 343 : sub-30 minute mile!!
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less afraid to fall with these bad boys on. #gladiatorstyle
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the looks i get are my favorite.
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annoyed i can’t run yet. and i thought this injury had taught me patience.
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#rebuild
#spinalcordinjury
#scirecovery
#learningtowalkagain
#notimeforparalysis
#whatparalysis
#notalldisabilitiesarevisible
#paraplegiclife
#incompleteparaplegic
#thecomebackisstrongerthanthesetback
#brokenbody
#bionicbadass
#lifeaftersci
#nothingisofflimits
#exerciseismedicine
#moveyourbody
#takecareofyourbodyandyourbodywilltakecareofyou
#liveyourbestlife
Post link
day 342 : hypersensitivity + mosquito bites =
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also super fun to deal with my non-feeling patch of skin. there are few things that drive me madder than having a (hypersensitive) itch and not being able to find it. <— that probably doesn’t make sense, but that’s how it is
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#paralysisproblems
#spinalcordinjury
#scirecovery
#learningtowalkagain
#notimeforparalysis
#whatparalysis
#notalldisabilitiesarevisible
#paraplegiclife
#incompleteparaplegic
#thecomebackisstrongerthanthesetback
#brokenbody
#bionicbadass
#lifeaftersci
#nothingisofflimits
#exerciseismedicine
#moveyourbody
#takecareofyourbodyandyourbodywilltakecareofyou
#liveyourbestlife
Post link
day 339 : this helped today.
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while i’ve been feeling on top of the world lately, not all days can be good days.
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y’all already know how i feel about #vulnerability, especially when it comes to #mentalhealth.
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feeling the depression and anxiety attempting to make a comeback. feeling the fight between old me v. new me. everything is easier said than done.
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these past 11 months have been a tough lesson on #mindfulness. grateful for the headspace i’m in now. the days will always exist, just gotta get through them with as much peace and compassion we can hold onto.
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when all else fails, stick to your basics that get you through the funk. you deserve to know/do/feel the things that make your magic light back up when it dims down.
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#pimpcane
#outdoorwalk
#spinalcordinjury
#scirecovery
#learningtowalkagain
#notimeforparalysis
#whatparalysis
#notalldisabilitiesarevisible
#paraplegiclife
#incompleteparaplegic
#thecomebackisstrongerthanthesetback
#brokenbody
#bionicbadass
#lifeaftersci
#nothingisofflimits
#exerciseismedicine
#moveyourbody
#takecareofyourbodyandyourbodywilltakecareofyou
#liveyourbestlife
Post link
