First You Have It, Then It's Gone

Finding out about MINE's Strength Embodied program and then being accepted was exactly what I needed, when I needed it! 

I had been hoping and affirming that something would get me off the couch on a regular basis, and get my body back in the shape and tone it knew. This was the answer, and I was diligent and consistent and encouraged  to continue to improve. I even got my balance back! I was so grateful and so joyful to feel good about my body again. Then the car accident happened, only 2 weeks after graduation.

Upstate, on a mountain road, I hit black ice (under the snow) and careened down a hillside crashing into a tree. Nighttime. 20 degrees out. Terror. Then pain.

Since the end of November, I've been in and out of the hospital 3 times; with 1 of those episodes involving emergency surgery. All I could do during those long winter months was rest, heal, and rest some more. 2 weeks ago, I was given the green light. No more crutches! No more vacu-seal device staying at my side wherever I went! Whew! I was finally free!

One of the first places I wanted to visit was the gym. All I was able to do was get on the stationary bike for 5 minutes. After a few visits, I was able to increase that to 10 minutes. Now I am pedaling for 15 minutes, and sweating! Soon, I'll begin lifting weights, starting over and retrograding to last September.

At first, I was cringing and worried about not keeping up my routine. And always I came back to: I am so blessed to be alive! I was grateful to be able to move my arms and take myself to the toilet. Now, I will never be complacent about exercising and moving and training. How many people would give anything to be able to walk freely? They can only dream about lifting a 5 pound weight! 

The blessing of exercise and strength-training and movement is something most of us take for granted until we're not able to do it. It is a blessing I will always use!

About the Author: Susanne survived a horrific 25 year abusive relationship, kicking out her abuser 8 years ago. Over the past 8 years, she has been a passionate advocate for other survivors, working through the Mayor's Office attending and speaking at public events, and raising awareness about the domestic violence epidemic. She graduated from MINE's Strength Embodied program in 2024.