Hey Reader! 👋

Vacation was awesome. I got plenty of sunshine, fresh air, exercise, and rest. So the sudden twinge in my right knee is really throwing me. I can't think of anything I've done to injure myself. I decide to do three things:

1. Limit my pickleball play time
2. Put new insoles in all my athletic shoes
3. Use my PT app to work on my knee pain

I've had great success using my TENS unit during pickleball matches to prevent my calf muscle from seizing, so I decide to give it a try on my knee.

It is definitely helping until my left calf tightens up. Now I'm unsteady on both legs, and it is only a short amount of time before I jump up to reach a ball and land the wrong way, further tweaking my right knee.

I'm bummed and crossing my fingers that I won't need more than a week off to recover. Yet, in the back of my mind, I'm wondering if I am pushing too hard and not listening enough to what my body is telling me. Perhaps I need a longer break and a fuller recovery, rather than the quick gratification of playing again. Do I have the discipline to rest instead of play?

Reader, does this tension feel familiar?

In what area of your life are you pushing instead of listening to what is needed?

What story about missing out while you rest and recover is overriding your better judgment?

The reality is that we all expect to be able to go about our normal business without restriction.

We don't plan to slow down or stop, and often become upset when we are unexpectedly forced to do so.

It is equally true that expecting to never encounter a setback is unrealistic.

So this week I'm going to practice embracing rest and honoring my body's need for recovery.

Reader, where do you need to apply the discipline of rest?

P.S.

While you are resting, be sure to catch up on the latest episodes of The Story I'm Telling Myself podcast.

Have an awesome week!

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