I was firing on all cylinders in 2019. I closed 50 transactions with a part-time assistant. I completed a 200-hour yoga teacher training, exercised 6-8 times per week, traveled to Europe for 3 weeks and attended several professional conferences. All of this amazing activity and positive energy came crashing to a halt on January 6, 2020.
It started out like a normal Monday. I was at my 5:15 a.m. CrossFit class and while doing a “dumbbell snatch” I felt something kind of snap in my back. I rolled it out, thinking I pulled a muscle and finished my workout.
By Wednesday morning, at 4:30 a.m., I asked my husband to take me to the emergency room. What I thought was a pulled muscle progressively got so bad that I couldn’t even lay in my bed. It turned out I herniated the L-5/S-1 disc in my spine. A herniated disc means the disc is cracked and leaking. The leaking disc caused pressure on my sciatic nerve that radiated from my hip to my ankle.
I was given opiates, steroids and the number for a physician specializing in pain management. My life and my business came to a crashing halt. I did not post any of this on social media and only those who are very close to me know what happened.
For the next week I was in full-time self-healing mode. I went to physical therapy, did exercises at home every hour, had acupuncture three times, took Chinese herbs, took Epsom salt baths twice a day, and listened to Chakra Healing meditations. Within 3 weeks I was off even over the counter pain medications and practicing yoga several times a week. Within a month, I was back at CrossFit, working out with lower weights.
From Spinal Injury to Shelter in Place
How does this relate to Shelter in Place? The point is that I took control of my body and availed myself of all the resources available to me.
I was forced to change my routine from daily workouts to daily physical therapy exercises and yoga. This injury could have taken months to heal and destroyed my business. Instead, I managed to accommodate 12 new clients, close 3 properties and put 2 under contract, all the while healing myself.
And now we are all faced with something coming at us not from the inside, but from the outside. But the response is the same.
Be flexible and embrace your new routine. Surround yourself with caring people who will lift you up. Take this time to catch up on sleep. Dealing with a new way of life and social distancing causes constant stress and will require more rest. Give yourself the extra rest you need.
I recently went back to taking the Epsom salt baths and meditating at night in addition to the morning because I know these two practices allow me to center myself. What healing practices can you incorporate into your new routine to take care of yourself?
If you stay positive and are well rested, you will have the best chance of resisting the COVID-19 virus should you accidentally become exposed. Be good to yourself. Engage in self-healing and energizing activities. Self-care is not selfish. Invest in yourself and you will find the highest possible return on that investment.
21 Comments
Nancy,
I knew about this because you told me, but reading it again, gave me such encouragement. You encourage me so much my friend. I am honored and blessed to you call you a good friend.
Love you much! Meri
Thank you, Meri! I hope to come visit you in Hurricane soon!
Nancy,
This may not surprise people who know you however I still find your story to be incredibly inspirational and worth sharing!
You are an awesome role model! Bob
Thanks, Bob!
Thank, Bob!
truly inspiring Nancy. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you, Maureen!
Great story . . . my wife suffered a serious horse accident back in October (21 days at the U of U, including 11 in ICU) and then we get Covid-19 (now recovered) in mid-March. Your story was inspiring. We are back on the horses.
Glad you are back on the horses. I am thankful my injury did not involve surgery.
Nancy, this is one of the most valuable things I’ve read lately. I knew you were strong, but this is exceptional. I treasure knowing you and the positive impact you have on others is priceless , whether at work or in life you are an ongoing inspiration.
Cheers.
Vic
Vic, thank you! That means so much to me!
This means the world to me, Vic!
Thanks for sharing your story Nancy! I hope to see you soon.
Thanks, Malia–Hope you are doing great in these crazy times.
Nancy, I am sorry to hear about the pain you suffered earlier this year. You are such a committed and disciplined person that I am not surprised that you bounced back. You inspire me. Stay well, friend. xo
Nancy,
Nice to hear an incredible and inspirational story during these challenging times! Thanks for sharing!
Also regarding healing stories, I would like to mention Kelly A Turners new book, Radical Hope- 10 Key Healing Factors from Exceptional Survivors of Cancer & Other Disrases
Nancy, we are so sorry to hear about the ordeal you have been through! Yours is an incredible story of courage, perseverance, and focus. We wish you all the best in your continuing recovery.
Brenda & Jerry
Nancy, Very well said and executed recovery. I think the Cabin Fever and strange feeling of being down occasionally are normal and a result of our current world/Utah circumstances. We need to remind ourselves to overlook the news and current limitations on our lives and be thankful for our blessings. I think if we have to self isolate what a wonderful place to do it.
Be well and be safe, Norm
Nancy,
That’s an amazing story and so inspirational! Thank you for sharing.
Lori
Great share, Nancy. You are one tough woman! Johnny
Takes one to know one, Johnny!