Use the Difficulty

 Yes, I chose the same title as Todai Ferris. The video she shared is my life in a nutshell the last few months, and I believe it states great truth. 

Whether it be an injury, work, family, life and everything else that throws a wrench in our laid out plans, we need to be able to adjust, learn, and continue on our path if we’ve made that commitment to ourselves. 

I had my appointment with the knee specialist yesterday. He advised that he believes I have an injury to the LCL - Lateral Collateral Ligament, the outside ligament on my knee. This is where most of the swelling occurs. He’s prescribed some anti inflammatory cream, and to take Aleve daily to reduce the swelling. My MRI appointment is another 4 weeks away, and then a follow up with the specialist again. 

It has been a long road of four months already, with not many direct answers, and a lot of wait times between doctors and testing to be done. In the meantime, I train in the best way I know how, and to not further aggravate the injury. I will also be getting some specific exercises to work on, which I’m looking forward to. This is new for me, as I’ve been fortunate to not have any lasting injuries in my lifetime, so I’m navigating, adjusting, and learning as I go. 

Use the Difficulty.

Anxious

 In another week, I will finally have my appointment with the specialist. I am quite anxious for this, as it has been a long four months. 

I have learned valuable lessons along the way, but I also cannot wait to have an answer to the issue, and a resolution. I look forward to full training days again. I know this still may take some time, but an answer, and a path to recovery will be welcome. I still have to wait another few weeks for my MRI, but I’m really hopefully to at least have a direct path. Physio helped greatly, but until we can inside, we don’t really know. 

I went for a massage this morning, and my therapist commented on the difference and being able to tell that my lower body is not getting the workouts it used to. My uppper half is much more tight, with overworked muscles and tendons. It has been difficult to find a happy medium. 

Seeking Opportunities

 It is no secret that I have had a difficult start to my year. While it may prevent me from doing everything I would like to do, it doesn’t stop me from seeking opportunities. It has actually helped my mindset to seek out opportunity. 

Last weekend I was unable to partake in all of the events I would have liked , but it also presented new opportunities that I haven’t been able to take part in previously, and I learned a great deal, and had a wonderful day at the Tiger Challenge. 

Yesterday was the Farmers Day parade, and it was so Fantastic!! Again, I was a little apprehensive to be a part of it, as I knew I wouldn’t be able to walk the parade much, but I wasn’t going to let that stop me. Even getting on and off the trailer was presenting challenges lol. But again I was able to take advantage of an opportunity that may otherwise not had presented itself. I was able to be a part of the parade dressed as Po, the Kung Fu Panda. I set myself up on top of the parade vehicle (after much discussion with Todai Kohut 😂), and brought Po to life. I had a blast!! To the young and not so young, I challenged them to some kung fu moves, and from the little bit I could see, they were greatly entertained, with big laughs all around. I danced to the drum, and tried to bring the excitement of Kung Fu to all on the sidelines. I was told after that the Panda was a great hit with the crowd. I think I even got a small chuckle from my mom today regaling the day with her lol. 

This team is also such a great inspiration to me, and helps to lift me up when I am down. Great participation from those that joined in the parade, decorating, walking, and entertaining the crowd. Amazing job by Sidai S. Csillag and Todai Thelwall with the lion dance and demo. Sofia Csillag, I know you are not used to being the head much, and Todai Thelwall, your very first lion dance!!! I cannot express how inspiring you both are, and how great you did!! Sihing and Todai Kohut, the float was amazing!! You both inspire me with your endless engagement, and wonderful ideas to bring our school to the world. Had there been placements, I am sure we would have won 1st place!! To all you, thank you for making the day such a great one! 

Opportunities are endless to be engaged, to be a part of this team, and this school, and I am grateful everyday for all of it, and all of you.