Going Uphill? Get a Boost From Behind
Exercise has been a boost for me during many challenging times in my life. After my divorce, I started running to raise my spirits. In a year, I went from a casual jogger of a couple of miles to completing a marathon. Later, I started biking, swimming, doing triathlons. Nothing makes me feel better physically or emotionally.
Shortly after Richard’s death, I was grieving and hurt, but I knew I had to get back into exercise or I’d only feel worse. I started biking with a local group. It sounded fun and would also get me out of the house. During one of our first rides, we went up a hill. Suddenly, I realized I wasn’t going to make it. It wasn’t just that I was out of practice – the sadness from my recent loss felt like a lead weight on my body. So the guy leading the bike group came up behind me and started pushing me and my bike up the hill. With his help, I made it. Now, I’m back in shape and entering triathlons again.
It’s OK to ask for a boost from behind when you’re struggling to make it up a hill. I don’t mean just when you’re on a bike. During any type of challenge in your life – job loss, divorce, illness, loss, loneliness – getting a push from a friend can be just what you need until you regain your momentum. Just ask for it, accept it, and keep moving.
