Tuesday, March 17, 2009

A year of growth

March 16, 2008 I looked like this: Happy-go-lucky, training with great friends in California (but living in Pensacola, Florida), loving life, confident in my ability, and excited about my race season.

Then, on March 17, 2008 (as many of you know), this happened: Believe me - it's a good think I'm NOT showing you scar pictures from a few days after the crash. I like the PG-rated version much better.

Then a year went by...

Lots of things happened...

A lot of growing occurred...through some hard times, some sad times, some downright depressing times...

But with the support of Nathaniel, my family, friends, people who read my blog, total strangers who had heard of my story and wished me nothing but the best, I grew. I got better. I became stronger, healthier, and in the long run, a much happier person.

I figured out more about myself than I had ever though possible, why I feel the way I do, how my thoughts and ideas affect my psyche, and how to let go of the things that were holding me back. (FYI: I've also discovered this is a lifelong process - one that requires constant attention. For example - if I have a bad feeling or bit of self-doubt, I need to FIGHT that belief and immediately think of something positive. It used to take a lot of effort, but now I've become pretty much used to the process. Do I still have negative thoughts? Absolutely - but I have a much better understanding of why and subsequently how to deal with them.)

It wasn't always easy, but I was reminded that sometimes we have to through some tough times before we see the light at the end of the tunnel. In the end, it's through our journey that we learn the most. Once I figured out that it was the process NOT the result that I was going after, life became easier and I returned to my (generally) happy state.

Lots of things happened...

Even more growth occurred...

And I made even more friends than I thought possible. There are simply too many to thank. I will forever be grateful to all of your love and support.

March 14, 2009 I looked like this:Happy-go-lucky, training with great friends in Arizona (but living in Carlsbad, California), loving life, confident in my ability, and excited about my race season.

But so much better because of where I've been, the family and friends that I have, the support I've received, the journey I've taken, and the knowledge of who I am (and what makes me happy).

Thank you friends.

19 comments:

Beth said...

What a journey Marit! So glad to see you came out on the otherside healthier, happier and in a much better place. Here's to many more journeys to come... :)

Beth said...

PS I would be remiss if I didn't thank you for sharing that journey with us via your blog and helping us all to learn too. You have been an inspiration to me and many, many others!!

rr said...

What a year! But, you've come out on top, you're such a star.. happy new year :)

cat. said...

thanks for your honesty. it's helped you, me and whoooole lotta other folks.

cheers to all that's ahead!

Jen said...

Hey Marit...You kicked that crash in the ASS! Your story has inspired tons of people.

D said...

:)

Kim said...

What a journey...it really did bring some very low, lows and now its all come back around and shown you so much about who you are. I can only say thank you for sharing because I know it helped others. SO glad to see you smiling and happy and enjoying training. I'm thankful for you friend!

ADC said...

Yay, you are a rock-star. And if I may add, a true inspiration.

Missy said...

Weird how roses can grow out of shit sometimes! YEAH, same picture, difference kind of happiness.

TriGirl Kate O said...

Not many people could recover as you did--you are so much stronger now than a year ago, mentally and emotionally, and that strength will pay dividends your whole life. Yey, Marit!

Shan said...

Big :-D to you Marit! I'm smiling from ear to ear - cheers for a new year!!!!! :)

Jennifer Harrison said...

YES!!!! How far you have come! :) All very good. glad to be on the journey with you!

BreeWee said...

WHOA!
Was that really a year ago?! Holy cow that went by fast (for us, maybe not you), glad you are doing so well!
You look great, thanks for taking us on your recovery ride!!

Anonymous said...

You are an inspiration :-)

Charisa said...

What a year! Glad you are healthy, happy and having fun!

m said...

You came out very strong after a tough accident. Thanks for sharing. It's funny, before I read this I was thinking, and blogging albeit not as eloquently--I was a math major :), about the journey I have been through in the last year. Very different, but I understand the struggles.

Ryan said...

Holy Crap Marit, put a warning disclaimer about an upcoming extendo"crack" picture.
That scared me this early in the morning!

Amazing!

Cy said...

What an amazing story Marit. I don't think there was any doubt (from your FANS) that you'd come out on top!!

Awesome-Keep smiling :-)

Heidi Austin, PT, DPT said...

thanx for sharing your story. i just broke my pelvis and hope that i can recover like you did. you've come such a long way! good luck this season :)