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Don't Give Up

All right, remember how I was supposed to be better by April? That didn't quite happen as I had planned.

To start off, I did try to run on my own. However, when I did that my back locked up for a week and a half. I could not move it really in any direction without pain. So I decided to really push for physical therapy and a new MRI. The doctor didn't want me to get an MRI, but I was determined because of what happened in the past. Thankfully that prescription went through right away, so I now have an updated idea on the condition of my back. However, the physical therapy prescription was lost. I asked for it in February, March, and April. Finally, at the start of this month, it went through. Talk about frustrating. I had hoped to be better by April (done with physical therapy), so I could be fit and prepared for my six week hiking and camping field studies class. Even though that didn't happen, I did make it through my class with minimal problems. At least minimal to what could have happened.

So here I go. I've started physical therapy now and I'm on track to reaching some new goals I've set for myself with the guided help of my amazing physical therapist. Here they are:
1. Run 5 miles consecutively by the time I graduate from college.
2. Lift (weights) my body weight by the time I graduate from college.

The purpose of these two goals is to help strengthen my core, regain motion and flexibility, improve my overall health, and (I'll be honest) feed my stubborn ego. I will be healthy and I'll push myself to new levels. I know I can be physically capable of completing these two tasks. It will give me something to look forward to and work on. I will be strong again.

That last sentence prompts me to give some recognition first. I will be strong again. But, I know I am weak without God. I know I need him. I know I'm not invincible. I know I am less than the dust. But He is my Father and I know He will help me take care of my body as I faithfully follow Him and seek to do His will daily. I cannot do this without Him. He has given me the strength I have now and helped me heal enough to serve a full-time mission. I am completely dependent on Him.

So let me rephrase the sentence that made me stop: With Him, I will be strong again.

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