Work work work work work

Published by Joy on

Yesterday, I lifted weights for the first time in five years. Ok, so I’ve lifted, like, little five pound weights since then; I’m talking about “lifting weights” in the total bro sense of actually going down to that bottom level of the gym that you didn’t even know existed and yelling “DO IT FOR THE CHICKS” as you bench press half your weight (ok I didn’t do those last two things…maybe the second to last one…but let’s not get too much into that…).

My gym-buddy warned me that I would feel sore in 18 to 36 hours and to take some Advil for the pain. Psh, I can handle pain, I naively thought to myself as he continued to babble.

Well, now it is two days later, AND I AM SO FUCKING SORE. I can somewhat handle the constant achiness, but I certainly can’t say that I’ve gotten stronger yet.

Rose illustrated this beautifully for me last night when I complained about my lack of visible muscle. She laughed at me and explained, “You’re not sore because you’re strong. You’re sore because you’re weak.”

BOOM! Thank you for telling it like it is, Rose. This statement applies on a much broader level to me: I am much better equipped to handle both mental and physical pain now, but I have to admit that I am still pretty weak. I must keep working to get stronger in both my mind and my body. Pain tolerance can help in doing that, but it’s really just one part of the journey. Building strength means not just tolerating pain but actively working through pain and even finding some joy in the challenge.

I’m not a masochist (I think?), but I’m sort of happy to have the physical pain right now to remind me of how weak I still am and of how far I still have to go. Life would be pretty boring if we were just born that clichéd “best version” of ourselves.

So in the words of the ever-beautiful Rihanna, it’s time to work, work, work, work, work.

Categories: QLC