We're closing in on the one year anniversary of a major injury for myself and I wanted to take the time to reflect on the injury and some of life's lessons. First and foremost don't let peer pressure get the best of you. It is never a good idea to arm wrestle when your arm is already sore. Especially after having to strain for what seemed like 2 minutes to beat your previous opponent. I had participated countless times in this pastime in my life prior to that fateful night, however knowing what I know now I tell everyone to stay away. I am obviously an amateur when it comes to arm wrestling, but I had no idea of the stress you put on your humerus bones and elbow joint just by the positioning of your arm and wrist. Spiral fractures like the one I had are common from arm wrestling. Second, the decisions you make can have positive and negative consequences. You don't know how good you've got it until it's gone. For the first time, I felt like I was just starting to hit my stride in the gym. I was in the middle of a solid program and was making noticeable improvements in strength and overall fitness week by week. I really enjoyed waking up early each morning to train. That all came crashing down in one night. So be wise with your choices and don't take what you have for granted. When things aren't going your way take time to reevaluate and look for something that you are doing better even if it minute. Third, after an injury it becomes as much mental as physical. As soon as the injury happened and I was told I needed surgery I immediately had to set my mind to the road ahead. I pushed for surgery as soon as possible knowing that the sooner it was put back together the sooner I could start to rehab. Speaking of rehab, there were times that I thought I may never be able to straighten my arm or that it would always be disformed. I'm not going to lie it was tough at times to watch the hard work and progress I had made disappear week after week. I prayed a lot and told God to give me the strength to set my mind to keep pushing forward. When I wasn't in physical therapy, I researched supplements to take for bone strength or looked for success stories of people who had recovered from the same type of injury. I focused on anything positive that I could find to put into my head. Last, hard work does pay off. I worked harder and went through more physical and emotional pain the past year than I had to in the 29 previous years of my life. From stretching the arm in physical therapy 3 times a week, losing 25lbs, to literally not being able to pick up a 10lb dumbbell with my right arm. I had to start from scratch. Now I can tell you that I have bested my previous totals on 2 of the 3 big lifts. I'm not going to lie there are days when I feel it in my right elbow more than my left and that may always be something I have to learn to deal with, but I'm excited that I get to do something I am passionate about again. I never realized how fun fitness could be before I didn't have it in my life. I learned to persevere by keeping my head down, working harder, fighting for it and putting my faith in God. It's amazing what God can give you the strength to do. So if your injured or sick and you feel like there is no end in sight, put your faith first and bring your work ethic!