DEAR HARRIETTE: I recently ran my first half-marathon, and it was one of the most fulfilling experiences I’ve ever had.
I trained for months, and over time, running became more than just exercise; it became a passion, a stress reliever and something I truly looked forward to each day. It gave me structure, confidence and a sense of accomplishment I hadn’t felt in a long time.
Unfortunately, not long after the race, I had a bad fall and broke my ankle. My doctor says I’ll need several weeks to heal, and even after that, it’s unclear when I’ll be able to return to running at the level I was at before.
I’m absolutely devastated. Not only do I feel physically limited, but I’m also struggling emotionally.
Running gave me a clear outlet and helped me feel strong and capable; now I just feel stuck. I miss the routine, the goals I was working toward and the community I had started to build through running.
I know I should be grateful that this injury is temporary, but right now I’m finding it hard to stay positive. How can I cope with this loss of a hobby that brought me so much joy? How do I stay mentally strong and maybe even find purpose while I recover?
— Injured
DEAR INJURED: Create a wellness calendar with clear weekly goals.
Put your all into your recovery, including physical therapy, at-home exercises and healthy, nutritious eating. Meet new people wherever you go, including at therapy. Strike up conversations with folks who are struggling just as you are. Make the absolute most of the moment by engaging with those around you.
Don’t give up on your goal to run again. Just recognize that the road to recovery is long. Pay attention to the little victories along the way. This will help you to stay motivated.
DEAR HARRIETTE: My husband is a procrastinator. Anything important that needs to get done, he puts at the bottom of his list of priorities.
When I mention that he needs to pay attention to something, he shrugs it off and gets snippy with me. This includes getting an annual physical. My husband is getting up in age, and I’m worried that he doesn’t even have awareness of his health status.
How can I get him to take these things more seriously? Right now I’m tied up in knots worried that something terrible is going to happen. I don’t think he has had a physical for more than five years, just as an example.
— Make a Move
DEAR MAKE A MOVE: Do you think your husband would go inside if you surprised him with a doctor’s appointment? Try it. Schedule an appointment and take him to the doctor. He may be mad at you, but at least he will have had the appointment — assuming he goes in.
Beyond that, sit down with him and tell him you are concerned and want him to get a physical so that he has an evaluation of his health. He can decide what he wants to do about whatever he learns, but the American medical system is known for its excellent diagnostics. Encourage him to take advantage of that for your peace of mind.
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.
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