Slice of Life graphic

Reflecting today on how my fortitude and mental toughness have increased along my strength training journey. (Apologies for posting a  Tuesday Slice of Life on a Wednesday!)

Drops began to fly against the windows as I rose out of bed early this morning. “Thank goodness for rain,” I thought as I peered out a window to see the wet street glistening in the light of the street lamp across the street.. As I drank my first cup of tea and prepared to drive to the gym across town, the rain continued, sometimes harder but then lessening to spattering drops.

Hmmm…31 degrees…but the rain would keep ice from forming on the roadways (I hoped).

Just as I reached for the doorknob, the heavens opened and rain pounded down on the roof. Oops…more rain gear needed! With a hooded rain jacket on, I ran to my car. The first bit of unease rose up as I saw the layer of ice on my windshield being battered with rain. Then the windshield fogged over on the inside as the heater began its work. People who live where it rains would roll their eyes at my unease. To a desert girl who grew up where water roars through arroyos during a brief storms, hard, fast rain makes me uneasy even when it isn’t too dark outside to see. Determined not to be that timid girl, I pulled out of the driveway and made my way down the street. Mercifully, only one or two other people were out on the street.  

The wipers worked valiantly but could not keep up with the downpour washing across my windshield.  A stream filled the right lane and covered the white stripes that I needed to orient myself. I nearly turned into a parking lot to call my trainer to tell him I wasn’t coming in. However, I plodded along instead. Once I was up on the well-lit loop, staying in my own lane was easier. The flow of traffic was less than 50 mph whereas drivers are regularly ticketed for going 95 mph on this road during weekday commuting times.  

By the time I arrived at the gym, I was shaking a little from the adrenaline pumping through me, but I was thankful that I had faced my fear and kept going. Upon reflection, I realize that pushing myself physically over the past five years beyond what I thought possible has given me courage and confidence in all areas of my life. When I set about to become stronger, I had no idea that mental strength would increase alongside physical strength.