You’re Stronger Than That

It was Thursday evening and I arrived at 9Rounds, the kickboxing gym I go to.

It had been a day. The kind of day where you want to throw the covers over your head and not come out for a long, long time. 

It had been a day after a long, few weeks. 

I wrapped my knuckles and wrists with my purple hand wraps and started the first exercise: jump rope. Although the endorphins hadn’t kicked in yet, I was glad I showed up.

After three minutes, I moved to the next station: standing press with dumbbells. 

For those not versed in gym-talk, something I’m still learning, this is when you take a dumbbell in each hand and lift them over your head. I grabbed the eight pound set.  

Immediately, the owner looks over and says, “I think you can lift more than that."  

“Really? I don’t know,” I responded, not in the mood to push myself. 

“Yeah. You’re stronger than that.” 

Whoa. 🤯 

“Well, that's a metaphor for life!” I said as we both laughed. 

I was stronger than that. The rest of the workout was a breeze. Not because it was easy, but because I became mentally stronger. 

I dominated the speed bag, I smashed the Challenge of the Week, and worked my butt off because, I'm stronger than that! 

That evening, she helped bring my Adult-self more present, while I realized how present my Inner Child had been.

Your Adult is the one who knows you’re strong. 

Who knows you’ve survived and overcome huge obstacles, worked hard, accomplished goals, and have made so much happen for yourself! 

Sometimes, in life, one thing knocks us down. And then another, and another. 

Bit by bit, we slowly become a smaller, weaker version of ourselves. 

If we don’t stop, reevaluate, and check in with reality, things can feel big and scary, fast.

And sometimes, all it takes is a little reminder, to remember that you’re stronger than that. 💪