It’s curious, isn’t it, how the idea of lost identity can be scarier than the idea of losing one’s life? Across my own journey, I found the prospect of losing my work identity scarier than the idea of dying - and it took me over three years to recognize this. But maybe these losses feel more tangible / less theoretical?
Have just started to read your Substack, but already your words are resonating!
These writings On Strength are so insightful and compassionate. I am in wonder and gratitude for your skill and strength in sharing these moments you are wrestling thru. Cheering you on to full return to health!
I believe we can and should work to stay strong, and should accept our limitations too. During some phases of life the limitations are more limiting than at other times, but they are always there. I don't have any illnesses at this point, but still I'm always conscious of that balance: effort / expectation / acceptance. (I lift weights in my garage and teach other over-50 women to powerlift for fitness, so I have lots of opportunity to think about this.) (Another parenthetical - if it's okay to say this - I encourage you not to think a muscle has to fail to get stronger. Muscles have to be stressed in order to adapt. But for a good workout, at least in lifting weights, it's not necessary to do reps to literal failure. You probably know that - can't help myself - best wishes and get well soon!)
It’s curious, isn’t it, how the idea of lost identity can be scarier than the idea of losing one’s life? Across my own journey, I found the prospect of losing my work identity scarier than the idea of dying - and it took me over three years to recognize this. But maybe these losses feel more tangible / less theoretical?
Have just started to read your Substack, but already your words are resonating!
These writings On Strength are so insightful and compassionate. I am in wonder and gratitude for your skill and strength in sharing these moments you are wrestling thru. Cheering you on to full return to health!
I believe we can and should work to stay strong, and should accept our limitations too. During some phases of life the limitations are more limiting than at other times, but they are always there. I don't have any illnesses at this point, but still I'm always conscious of that balance: effort / expectation / acceptance. (I lift weights in my garage and teach other over-50 women to powerlift for fitness, so I have lots of opportunity to think about this.) (Another parenthetical - if it's okay to say this - I encourage you not to think a muscle has to fail to get stronger. Muscles have to be stressed in order to adapt. But for a good workout, at least in lifting weights, it's not necessary to do reps to literal failure. You probably know that - can't help myself - best wishes and get well soon!)
Thank you for this! The fatigue lingers - I'm in much better shape now, slowly slowly ramping up my training again, but oh, how tired I get, still.