So, I’m in “A Place”.

On June 31st, I injured my right knee during a workout.

I didn’t stop. I kept going.

In hindsight, definitely should have stopped.

THEN, not only did I not stop, I decided to play tag with my kids.

THAT is where I REALLY did it!

For the past few weeks, I haven’t really been able to exercise, at least not in the way that gives me all those good “after workout” feels.

Now, working out is THE WAY I manage my anxiety and stress.

I am literally a different human when I workout daily…

And, I’m a different human when I don’t.

Being unable to workout has put me in a rather “blah” space.

Ironinically, days before this injury took place, I spent quite a bit of money on material related to strength-training, hormones, and ways of eating in order to do a deep-dive research into what makes us feel strongest and our best.

Instead, I find myself having zero interest in deep-diving, consuming WAY too much coffee, and opting for unhealthy food and drink options because they’re giving me that endorphin rush I’m craving, and am currently unable to reach with exercise!

Life, right?

Now, why in the world would I share this information as a health coach!?

I’ll tell you why.

FOR YEARS, entering “this place” had me seeing myself as a failure.

I saw it as yet another screw up that would last forever…

I saw myself needing to “start over again”…

And I felt as though I put in all this “hard work”… for nothing.

I truly believe a HUGE mistake we make, especially those of us with a history of disordered eating (not eating disorders), is one in which we make a change, and expect to NEVER STRAY FROM IT AGAIN!

To remainly *perfectly* on point… forever and ever.

Friends, this expectation is unrealistic, and will have you experiencing a lifetime of disappointment.

If you are like me, and have a history of disordered eating; binging… emotional… skipping meals… fad diets… etc…

There’s a GREAT chance you’ll see that place again from time to time.

I surely do.

And sincerely, I believe I’m better off for EXPECTING it.

It’s almost like having a 2-year old… and expecting them to act like a business man when out at dinner with the fam.

It’s not going to happen.

Expect them to act like a 2-year old, and you’ll be a lot less stressed when they do.

What’s truly important, is that we become aware!

That we learn and know our triggers.

Although these experiences are far from fun, when we know our triggers, we can become more proactive.

Even if we give in for a day, or two, or a couple weeks… chances are good your “blah” feelings will be short-lived each and every time you experience them.

I highly dislike being in this place.

It’s icky, uncomfortable, and doesn’t feel good AT ALL.

I LOVE to move, be busy, be silly and playful with my kids, be my inspirational self…

And with being forced to slow down, it has me feeling very lost.

Through my awareness, however; I am able to recognize the trigger in all of this is being unable to exercise, I am able to accept that this all is temporary, and I’m able to realize all of these feelings and behaviors I’m currently partaking in will be short-lived.

I know this, because I’ve been here before, and I have proven to myself that I CAN overcome it.

So, how do I overcome?

What’s next?!

How do I get out of “this place”?

Number 1… I PRAY.

Prayer has a way of magically coming to my rescue EVERY TIME I get back in “this place”. I’m talking sincere, deep from the heart, specific prayer.

God always comes through.

Number 2… I choose TWO things to tackle each day that are more in line with who I am and want to be.

Most likely food prep, and some kind of personal development or inspirational podcast.

Number 3… I commit to 10-minute daily meditations.

These help me greatly with my stress and anxiety, and I trust they will be a great alternative to my physical exercise at this time.

So… Beautiful People…

Please know…

It’s OK to be in a “blah” place.

It’s OK to *feel* ALL the feelings.

It’s OK to take a *temporary* step or two back from where you want to be.

What’s important is that after you’ve experienced “the blah”, felt the feels, and partaken in whatever brings you that *in the moment* temporary joy…

You make the decision to have a plan to get yourself back to being YOU.

The YOU that has you feeling your best.

The YOU that allows you to live your best life.

Believing in YOU,

Believing in me.