Dear friends,
Let me tell you about a dear friend of mine. She had always been passionate about running, but after an injury, she had to stop for nearly a year. When she was finally cleared to start again, she was eager to pick up right where she left off. But her body had changed, and what used to be easy now felt like a struggle. The long runs that once brought her joy now left her exhausted after just a few minutes.
She grew frustrated. She thought, “Why can’t I get back to where I was? I’m trying so hard.” The more she focused on how far she was from her old self, the more discouraged she became. One day, after yet another difficult run, she almost gave up altogether.
But then she decided to change her perspective. Instead of comparing herself to the runner she once was, she started celebrating the small wins: getting through her warm-up without pain, running a little farther than she did the week before, or simply enjoying the fresh air on her face. Each run became less about the distance and more about the journey.
Slowly but surely, she found her strength returning. It didn’t happen overnight, but step by step, she made progress. She realized that growth isn’t always measured by how fast or far you can go; sometimes, it’s simply about showing up, doing your best, and being proud of what you’ve accomplished today.
So, if you’re feeling like progress is slow in any area of your life, remember that every small step counts. Trust that you’re moving forward, even when it feels like you’re standing still. Celebrate the little victories along the way, and know that you are stronger than you think.
Dr. Paula Noble Fellingham
