From Recovery to Role Model: The Power of Persistence and Community

Three years ago, I found myself at one of the lowest physical points of my life. A significant injury had knocked me off course, and surgery was unavoidable. Upon booking the surgery date, I made a decision that would change everything: I reached out to some local trainers and committed to getting as strong as possible prior to surgery day to improve my recovery.

(Let's also not forget the importance of how they created a safe space for me- shoutout to Irwin Fitness in North Andover, MA).

What followed was not easy. About 8 weeks of training before surgery, weeks of healing afterward with walking down the street as a major goal, and strict instructions to lift "nothing heavier than even a coffee cup".

Then the tough part: starting all over again. As a former long distance runner and generally sporty person, starting all over again with body weight exercises was, to put it lightly, humbling. And with professional trainers watching me? That took some getting used to as well.

It was slow, sometimes embarrassing or frustrating, but I got better at being new and eventually started to feel like "a real gym person". Day by day, rep by rep, I showed up. My kids helped motivate me by counting my reps. My husband created space in our life for me to spend time working out. And I knew I'd see my trainers once a week, which held me accountable to myself. Eventually, strength became my anchor, and movement became my medicine. It became empowering. It became a way of being and showing up in the world. I felt like myself again, but....strong this time.

Fast forward to today, something happened that took my breath away. A woman working out across the gym for me, approached me and said, “Do you wanna know something? It's been my goal since I started here to be able to work out with you.” 

That moment stopped me in my tracks. Not because I felt flattered—although I did—but because I realized just how far I’ve come. Little did she know, I'd picked up a heavier weight because I saw her do so that day.

Three years ago, I was training to feel like myself again. Today, I’m inspiring someone else on her journey. That’s the power of showing up. That’s the power of community. That’s the power of women supporting women.

I smiled and told her, “You pushed me today. We should work out together.” Because this isn’t just about me—it’s about us. It’s about lifting each other up, quite literally.

I definitely did not do it alone and don't feel like I'm "done". Honestly, sometimes I do wonder if it's all worth it. And then I remember the difference in how I feel.

To anyone out there working through recovery, rebuilding strength, or simply trying to find their identity again: keep going.

Your journey is worthy.

Your strength is building.

And you never know who you’re inspiring just by being you.

Let’s keep showing up—for ourselves and for each other.

xoxo,

Sam