Resilience isn’t linear
Understanding the ups and downs of emotional recovery
As a physical therapist, I often tell my patients that “the recovery process is not linear.” As much as we would like for each day to get better and a little easier, there are often plateaus in progress, as well as minor setbacks along the way. Building resilience is a lot like the recovery process. There will be days where you feel like you can conquer the world, maybe you’ve just hit a big milestone, and you feel like a million bucks. And then the next day, maybe your pain comes back, that milestone you just hit is forgotten, and you think what is going on…
I want to assure you- this is all completely normal. Let’s take a step back and look at the big picture of things in my favorite way- a metaphor. For me, using the metaphor of hiking makes sense in my mind (but you can imagine whatever works for you). Picture yourself in the middle of this beautiful, challenging hike, and you know from pictures that the views from the summit are AMAZING. You’ve been on this grueling hike for hours now, expecting, and excited to see that summit. But what if we reframed this idea really quickly- you’re still on this beautiful hike, and you’re excited to get to the top, but on your way up this really challenging switch back you look over your shoulder to your right and you see the most beautiful sunrise rising up over the peaks to the east of you. You stop. You pause. You take it in. You think to yourself how lucky you are to have witnessed something so profoundly beautiful.
Here you are in your recovery, your summit is your end goal (healing, walking, having less pain- whatever that looks like for you), and you’re currently on your hike. Are there things that you do every single day that you can be proud that you accomplished? Take a “pause” in your hike to take it in. What are those things you’re proud of? Some days, that may look like getting up and getting out of bed (and I get it, I’ve totally been there!). And some days it’s meeting that big milestone, maybe taking your first steps, or you’re able to make it through the day without pain meds, maybe you’re at your 8 week, 3 month mark which allows you less restrictions in your protocol and the ability to achieve more physically. Each and every one of those big and little wins are all a part of your journey! The point to this story is that yes you may be so focused on the end goal that you forget all of the little achievements along the way. This is your reminder to be proud of each of those achievements along the way- big and little wins.
Action items:
Let’s start by writing down 2-3 things you did today that you are proud of. Remember, this can look different for all of us.
For the next 3 days, write down 2-3 more items that you’re proud to have accomplished.
After you’ve done this for a few days, write down 1 or 2 things you wish to achieve by the end of the week (1-2 mini goals). When writing your goals, here is a gentle reminder “I’m going through a lot right now, and I’m doing the best I can.” Give yourself grace, and set realistic, achievable goals.
Feel free to put your goals on a sticky note, on your bathroom mirror, or as a reminder in your phone. Once you complete your goal, check it off to remind yourself of what you’ve just accomplished!
Lastly, remind yourself of this fact; the surgery, rehab, and resilience processes are not linear. Bumps in the road are normal, and a part of your bigger journey. Focus on what you can control, and seek assistance, guidance, and support for those things that may not be in your control. Remember, that you are your own greatest source of power and strength.
The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this site. Reliance on any information provided in this blog post is solely at your own risk.
