I had my four-month checkup with my surgeon last week. It has been just over four months since my Achilles tendon ruptured and needed surgical repair. I was given a stellar review and told I was ahead of schedule in my recovery. So long as things continue on a progressive path, I don’t require any more follow ups.
It felt great hearing that. What felt even better happened as I left. It was a beautiful summer day. Hot but not icky. Bright but not blinding. Outside the medical building, strolling to my vehicle, I caught a glimpse of my reflection in the office windows.I immediately flashed back to my first office visit when I stood beside the same glass. My face was pale, my leg was in a cast, and I was hobbling on crutches; I almost slipped on the ice outside and could barely open the office door. Inside, I struggled to sit down in the waiting room, had an even more arduous challenge trying to stand back up, wrangled with the long haul to get back to the exam room, and could barely pay attention to what my surgeon was saying without wincing in pain.
This time, the face that looked back at me from the windows was different. It changed from grizzled and haggard to fresh and happy. My body transformed from weak and frail to strong and able. My mind had bloomed from gloom and unease to peace and presence. All in only four months.
These four months since my injury were going to pass, regardless of what I did with the time. I could have squandered the time, laid around the house “recovering,” eating whatever I pleased while wallowing in my drama, and at the end of four months, I most assuredly would not have been walking out of that office with a sense of accomplishment.
Instead, I chose to use the time wisely. I worked my ass off for four months, and it paid off.
The same goes for us all. Four months from today is going to pass, regardless of how we use it. How do you want to use it? What are your goals?
Do you want to go into November stronger than you are today? Leaner? Do you want to leave the summer in better shape than you entered it?
The choices we make today define our reality tomorrow, the day after that, the month after that, ad infinitum. Decide what you want. Work your ass off. The consummation of those goals, the feeling of achievement, and the entrenchment of your success in your constitution will far exceed any work it took to attain.
Best part is, you can start anytime. Now, what are you waiting for? Time is ticking…
P.S. This photo is two weeks post-op. I really tried to make the unilateral scooter rack deadlifts work, but this one never quite panned out. 🤣🤣🤣
About the author
Chris Rombola
Chris is the owner of Fit House. He's run the training departments at several commercial gyms, and after years of seeing how awful those environments were for his clients, he opened his own studio. He is devoted to getting people strong, lean, and healthy.
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