JULIANPHILIPRODRIGUEZ

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My NEW FOUND Community

I’ve always been a proponent of us as humans finding our tribes, our communities.

Even so far as actively seeking it,

Especially if you’re an ambitious, driven person.

Because if you’re committed to a new life, a new version of you, you have to shed those old beliefs, those old motivations, and old visions.

Community is the best way to step into those new beliefs, motivations and vision.

When you get around others who’ve achieved what you’re after, others who share the same visions, it unlocks your ability to believe that it can be achieved.

They’ll make it look clear, believable and in most cases they’ll make it look easy.

For instance, a common want of us is to cross the line of $10,000 a month, and it seems daunting until you get around someone who makes making $100,000 a month seem like a slow month, Instantly mind blown 🤯 into feeling like “damn there’s so much more I can be doing”

Well my life took a turn when I had a major injury with a full thickness rupture of my Patellar Tendon in my knee🦵🏽🦿

It’s a long road ahead (3-9 month recovery time), and at times especially in the beginning it felt grim, it felt dark, it felt like there’s no chance you’ll be the same.

It’s easy to think -

“This is just the way things are”

“Maybe I won’t be healthy again”

“Maybe I’ll be one of those people who are like this forever”

But I knew I was determined to not only come back the same, but BETTER.

Even that decision felt like I was standing at the bottom of a mountain,

Until I met some people who’ve had similar or the same injuries,

Wether short or long interactions,

Like walking through a Target and crossing a guy who’s in crutches and the same brace I’m in,

Or a stranger holding the door for me in the gym and telling about their knee injury,

Or crutching into my appointment at Kaiser and getting little “Boy do I know that feeling”

Its surprised me just how connected I could feel to someone, just through going something similar.

They managed to turn my mountain into a tiny little speed bump.

And I think that’s the foundation of most tight knit communities, it’s the instant recognition between you and somebody else who’s gone to war and came back and instantly going “I know what you’ve been through”😌

All the more the reason to go actively seek out your own community.

Just because I’m currently dealing with an injury, I wanted to write a piece on what one develops as their coming back from their own injury and the very things that give us that *instant* connection🤌🏽

  1. Resilience and Determination: Injury tests your resilience like nothing else. It forces you to confront pain, setbacks, and uncertainty head-on. Each day of recovery is a testament to your determination and willpower. As you push through the pain, you'll discover a newfound strength within yourself.

  2. Empathy and Compassion: Going through the recovery process opens your eyes to the struggles of others. You begin to understand what it's like to face adversity and rely on the support of loved ones. This experience fosters empathy and compassion, making you a more understanding and caring individual.

  3. Mind-Body Connection: During recovery, you learn to listen to your body like never before. You become attuned to its needs and signals, paving the way for a healthier lifestyle. You may discover new passions like yoga or meditation that contribute to your overall well-being.

  4. Reshaping Priorities: Injury often necessitates a pause in your daily routine. This pause can lead to a profound shift in your priorities. You may realize the importance of family, friends, and self-care over material pursuits. This shift can lead to a happier and more fulfilling life.

  5. Goal Setting and Achievement: Setting small milestones for recovery becomes a habit. This practice can spill over into other areas of your life, leading to a more goal-oriented mindset. You become adept at breaking down big challenges into manageable steps.

  6. Appreciation for Movement: After an injury, the ability to move freely takes on a new significance. You cherish the simple joys of walking, running, or even just stretching. This appreciation for movement can inspire a healthier lifestyle.

So, while injuries may initially feel like setbacks, they can become stepping stones to personal growth. They teach us resilience, empathy, and the importance of self-care. Embracing your recovery journey with determination, and you'll emerge not as a victim but as a stronger, more compassionate, and fulfilled individual.

Remember, it's not about what happens to you; it's about how you respond and grow from it.