From Heckling to Healing: How I Found My Stride and My Strength on the Road to Recovery

They say exercise is medicine, but during my breast cancer journey, it became something more of a source of resilience, a path to self-discovery, and a catalyst for creativity.

It started with walking. Gentle steps, one foot in front of the other, reclaiming my body and my strength. Each walk was a victory, a defiance of the illness that tried to hold me back.

Then came the urge to push further. The first attempts at jogging were... humbling, to say the least. Imagine this: me, finding my stride again, only to be met with heckles from passing motorists urging me to "go faster!" It stung, but it also fuelled my fire. I tuned out the noise and focused on my rhythm, and my progress.

Gradually, the jogs became easier and more joyful. The endorphins flowed, the road became my sanctuary, and the 5k my sweet spot. But those quiet walks? They held a different kind of magic. Fewer distractions, more space for introspection, for ideas to blossom.

One walk, in particular, stands out. I was wrestling with how to celebrate my late mother's 80th birthday, searching for a way to truly honour her life. And then, it hit me. A fully formed concept for a video tribute, complete with pictures, structure, music, and emotional impact – all brought to my consciousness during that walk. For those of you who were there, I'm sure you'll agree it was an incredibly moving tribute. Mom often said how much she loved that video, and we watched it together countless times.

What I am learning on the road to recovery:

• Drown out the doubters: Focus on your journey, not the expectations of others.
• Progress, not perfection: Celebrate every step forward, every milestone achieved.
• Listen to your inner voice: Push when you can, rest when you need to, and trust your body's wisdom.

Disclaimer:

The information shared is based on my personal experiences and journey with exercise as a breast cancer survivor. It is not intended to provide medical advice or replace professional guidance from your healthcare team.

?Contact: sokoudie@gmail.