I hiked 3 mornings in a row and on the 3rd day I had work after the hike. It isn't some crazy long hike, but a 3 mile trek (total) up and down this mountain with a ~900 feet elevation gained when at the peak. It's a great workout with great views.
I work as a food server at a restaurant, so naturally it requires being on my feet a lot, lifting quite a few heavy items, and being in motion most of the day. I must've overdone it because on the 3rd day of hiking, at work my body was howling at me via an aching lower back, upper back (into my neck and head), and my feeeet.
I played D1 soccer, have trained for and completed 6 half-ironmans, and live a fairly active lifestyle. What's 3 days of hiking in a row? Apparently with crappy night's sleep on night 2, the results are body chills, achy muscles, and the sense of "uh-oh, I might be getting sick."
The fact that I've utilized my body for sport at a high level has added to the perceived normalcy of pushing through discomfort. This has also added to the potential disconnect I sometimes experience between my brain and body, or more aptly: a disconnect between my mind and my body.
My brain is still full on assessing what's going on in my body, it still works like a gem (thank you, god, the brain is SO COOL). My mind, however, and the way I'm choosing to interpret some signals that my brain is receiving from my body... that is what might need some attention. Fortunately, I heard those signals loud and clear yesterday at work: "SLOW THE F*CK DOWN, I'M TIRED. I NEED REST."
And so I did. After I sludged through my 6 hour serving shift, I flopped onto my bed and stayed there for nearly 14 hours. I got close to 10 hours of sleep and woke up feeling much, much better. I drank lots of water, ate nourishing foods, and rested. Again, thank god for the way my body can recover and my mind can slow down and listen. More where that came from, please.
After years of pushing perceived physical limits, going further distances, and testing my body - I am delving deeper into how to know (aka how to live) my recipe of a balanced life and what my ticket looks like for continuing to pursue a life of adventure, do lots of fun and sometimes challenging physical activities, eat delicious and nutritious foods, and not burn out mentally or physically with pain/exhaustion.
My life's pursuit is essentially this: to live holistic well.
For one thing, I know it takes time to care for myself. I also know that this balance, recipe, and ticket is different for everyone. It is awesome how are aren't all built the same exact way. So who knows which concoction is the right one for us? We're the only ones who can know for ourselves. It takes patience, trying things on for size, failing, assessing and reassessing, trying, exploring, and being open to possibility. There is no right way, but you may come to find that there is a wrong way. Trial and error is good for that.
I like that there are general guidelines and suggestions to what could be a great way to live. I like that there are literally 7+ billion other humans out there right now trying things on for size. Many of whom are openly sharing their experiences and what is/isn't working for them in their life's journey. The options are limitless. This life is infinite and anything is possible.
How exciting!
I like to let that notion fuel my next decision, and the way I choose to show up. Because while the choices we make for ourselves is one thing, we must add in the fact that there other humans our lives interact with. This is entirely different ballgame, and another topic (sort of). I would like to note that it interesting how when we care for ourselves, our interactions with others usually becomes more upbeat, positive, and good-feeling.
Regardless of where you are on your journey, however, at the very least leave no trace and do no harm. And if you can muster it, why not have an ever-so-slightly positive impact on that stranger you will inevitably interact with either on the phone or at the grocery store? Even a small smile will do or a head nod.
Cheers to you! Happy trails.
With love,
Brooklynne on a bike
P.S. Going in pursuit of a regular "perfect" stool continues to be a mission in life. Idk, why not. Seems legit.
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