Walking Through Pain

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I'm better now.

But in 2018 I hurt: My legs hurt, my hips hurt, my back hurt.

Doctors told me this was caused by arthritis and pinched nerves in my back.

In late January 2019, I decided to try walking. So I downloaded the Pedometer++ app for my iPhone.

Then I set a daily goal of 7,500 steps.

And now came the critical part: Go for a walk.

So I put on my walking shoes, stepped out the front door, and closed the door.

That left one choice: Start walking.

I limped to the sidewalk. And then stopped.

The pain was so bad that I stood there for minutes, wondering if I should give up and go back in the house.

But a voice deep inside, shouted, "Keep going."

So I began walking (limping, actually).

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Step by painful step.

After about ten minutes the pain began to subside a little.

And I finished the walk.

Then I went for a walk the next day. And the day after that. And the day after that.

Update: As of Sept. 15, 2019, I have met that goal of walking at least 7,500 steps every day for 233 consecutive days.

I walked in the house while it was raining. I walked up and down the hallway in a hotel. I even walked 7,500 steps while riding Amtrak. Yes, I walked back and forth on the train while it was chugging along.

Now, I'm about 80% pain free.

I hope you realize there's more to this story than overcoming pain.

This shows the power of:

1) Setting a goal for a specific, realistic action that you can control.

2) Supporting that goal with a means of keeping score.

3) Taking the first step.

4) Being persistent and creative in overcoming obstacles.

Consider: What single step can you take today toward an achievement?