I never truly appreciated the depth of the question, "How are you?" until now.
Before, I always thought it referred mostly to physical well-being, which seems particularly relevant given my current situation. However, during our weekly checkups post-operation, my surgeon emphasized this question even more. “No, but, HOW are YOU really?” he’d ask, looking beyond my physical state.
The truth is, I wasn’t okay, and he knew it.
Recovery, much like running a marathon, is often more mental than physical. If your mind isn’t in the right place, the journey toward normalcy can be torturous. I had to find ways to clear my mind of negativity to finally see progress.
Surprisingly, watching other people running on Instagram was harming my self-esteem, so I decided to limit my online presence. Instead, I focused on spending quality time with my family. We took a few fun trips, the most significant being to NYC, where I reconnected with my non-runner friends—the ones often neglected during marathon training.
I also decided to stop comparing my situation and progress to others. Everyone heals at their own pace, and I needed to honor that individual journey.
Two months after surgery, I still can’t walk straight. This used to cause me anxiety, but now, I give myself grace and celebrate every little step I take without assistance.
I’ve learned to appreciate these small victories, and I look forward to the day I pleasantly surprise myself again.
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