Last week was probably my worst week so far. I did not feel well physically or emotionally. I have lower back pain due to a combination of a bad hip and arthritis. Despite the constant pain, I push through and do what I can. However, the pain was pretty bad and I didn’t workout but maybe two times. Emotionally, I was sad and frustrated. I felt that everything I was doing was not getting me anywhere because the weight is not coming off as much as I thought it would.

Not only was I upset over the weight, I had other things happening that affected my feelings. I couldn’t shake the feeling of sadness and being down most of the week. I lost my drive.

When Saturday afternoon rolled around, I was finally feeling more like myself and started reflecting on the week. Yes, it was a difficult week. Yes, I was in pain. Yes, I was sad for multiple reasons. Why wasn’t I cutting myself some slack? After all, not every week is going to be fantastic.

So what if I didn’t get in all my workouts? It’s not the worst thing that could have happened. I suppose I felt betrayed by my own body. I was discouraged I couldn’t do what I have been doing for the past several weeks.

It was challenging to get out of my own head and give myself grace to just be ok with the situation. I am grateful for my support and accountability group. I knew if I told them what was happening, they would help me. I wasn’t wrong. They gave me tips and tools on how to get out of my funk. They also emphasized that I need to be gentle with myself. I found I was receving the advice I normally give to others!

It is completely ok to take a break, as long as that break doesn’t last too long. I compare it to a parking space. I can park in it but I can’t stay in it forever.

Eventually I have to move.