Life is full of ups and downs.  Ask anyone and they will tell you they experience them regularly. It’s what you do when things are not going your way that can help you tap into your resilience.

I’ve had ongoing foot and ankle pain for over 3 years. I have tried everything,  from exercises, treatments, braces, surgeries, shots, and complete rest. Nothing has given me long term relief.

I’ve been walking funny for so long that it is taking a toll on my whole body. The pain goes all the way up the chain, from my foot and ankle, into my knee, hip, back, shoulder, and neck, all on the left side of my body.

Some days are worse than others but lately I’ve had increased pain and sensitivity. I feel it all day but it is especially noticeable in my yoga practice. Things that used to be easy for me, like twists,  are no longer accessible, and things that were already challenging have taken on a whole new dimension. 😂

It has not been an easy road for sure. I have my days where I get really upset.  I go ahead and let myself have my pity party so I can move through all the emotions and then I have the opportunity to decide what happens next.

Am I going to wallow in my misery or am I going to focus on what I can do and move my mind out of the muck?

Yesterday’s practice is a great example. Everything was hurting from the moment I woke up, but I rolled out my mat and focused on my breath. I chose not to get caught up in all the things I can’t do. I just kept breathing and moving and did what I could.

Sometimes I even surprised my self. I haven’t been able to drop back for over 6 months. But I’ve been working everyday to go deeper without killing my foot. And suddenly it happened! I took a moment to acknowledge and celebrate my little victory and recognize the daily commitment that allowed it to happen.

I’m not going to act like everyday is perfect, I’ve had my share of tearful days, but I do my best to change the way I frame the situation.

By changing how I look at my situation, I am able to show up tomorrow, and the next day, and the day after that. The life lessons that happen on my yoga mat translate to what happens when I step off my mat. They remind me how I want to show up in the world and for myself. They also remind me that while I may not get to choose my circumstances I can definitely choose how I respond.

Life is not easy but we get to choose how we respond to the situations life throws at us. Our choice will either make the situation a little easier, or a little harder. So, choose wisely!