Patience is a Virtue

When I finally went back to dance after having my daughter, I didn’t know how long the road to recovery was going to be. Pre-Covid and Pre-Baby I had been training up to 5 days a week: teaching LaBlast, taking lessons in different styles, and working with a personal trainer twice a week. I felt stronger than I ever had.

I gained 55 pounds during pregnancy. My body wasn’t used to the extra weight and everything hurt from my ankles to my wrists. As my due date approached, all I could think was, I can’t wait to get back to myself again. I didn’t expect “getting back to myself” would still be in progress a full year later.

Arriving at my first dance lesson postpartum, I was a new person in a different body. I remember looking at myself in the mirror and feeling terrible. I was proud of what my body had accomplished, but it didn’t erase the fact that I looked and felt like a stranger. As our warmup began, I was immediately aware of my body’s state. During a C-Section, every layer of the abdomen is cut open and sewn back together – I could tell.

It was impossible for me to hold a plank position. I had zero balance. I felt like my daughter learning to gain control of my own limbs. I cried. All of those hours spent training in the past were a distant memory. I had to start over.

As each month passed I became stronger – physically and mentally. Patience is a quality I’m still learning to rely on.

My daughter turned 1 year in February. One full year of recovery and I can finally do pushups again. I feel lighter and my balance is improving. Sometimes, the area around my incision pulls and I’m reminded of where I started.

The progress both amazes me and encourages me.

We all have our own story of recovery. Perhaps yours is similar to mine, or maybe your recovery is learning to take care of your health for the first time.

Wherever you are in your personal journey, be patient with yourself. You’ll get there. Most importantly, believe in yourself and never give up. The greatest change happens over time, not overnight.

Love,
Khrystal