CHALLENGE YOURSELF

I've had a rough two years where knees are concerned. Two surgeries within in a year of each other and even though its been two years now since the last knee surgery, my active lifestyle as I knew it diminished.

Anesthesia with the two surgeries didn't help matters either and for some reason my immune seemed like it was under attack, and it was!

In the past two years I have had to contend with another immune disease (I also have Celiac Sprue), Hashimoto's Disease (Hashimoto's Thyroiditis). For those of you who don't understand this autoimmune disease, it is where the immune system attacks the butterfly-shaped gland in the neck or thyroid. Antibodies attack the thyroid cells, the damage that is caused by this disease leaks hormones, and the thyroid becomes enlarged (a goiter). I am now at the stage in this disease where something has to be done, but I am taking my time researching my options.

I continue to learn every day. No one is exempt from troubled times. It is how we chose to deal with troubled times that makes all the difference in the world.

My experience is why I say keep challenging yourself. Don't give up. This is your life and for the most part you are in control of how you behave and what you do.

I have had to learn extreme patience through my journey. There are good days and there are some not so good days, but overall, my life is beautiful, I am alive, and I am grateful. I will NOT take no for a answer.

I graduated with my bachelor's in September of 2015. I was certified in life coaching in March of 2016. I launched my life coaching business in May. I will start my master's in September of this year.

I kept moving forward where I could. I did things that were in my control where my body did not want to cooperate.

And even when my knees said no, I would push them a little more and more each time.

When all I wanted to do was sleep because of Hashimoto's does that, I kept myself awake and pushed myself.

I've started spin classes and love it. My knee is holding up so far (supposedly I am to have a knee replacement--we shall see). Spin class is truly helping my knees to become stronger. I am stronger overall and I am happy I challenged myself that one day when I was intimidated to start the class.

I'm finally doing serious hiking again and building up my endurance. Is it easy? No. It's rough right now, but like I mentioned before, the only way we are going to get somewhere, the only way we are going to move forward is to start DOING.

Yesterday was the first time in 3 years I could hike without it causing me extreme problems. Nature is my sanctuary and Northern Nevada has a lot of beauty to offer. It felt good. It was peaceful and I was elated that I could do what I could without major setbacks.

Keep challenging yourself. If you feel as if you have been defeated, trust in that fact you have not. Whatever the issues is, it is only temporary.

Keep trying. Nothing in our life is easy. Good things happen with determination.

Challenge yourself and don't give up!

~Sarah

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