Depression setting in .....

I hope this doesn't sound cold, but you did go out on that errand. Comparing where you are now to what you once were is pointless, and certainly doesn't seem to be making you feel better or inspiring you. It is really tough that you used to be so strong and now are struggling. That sucks, and deserves to be grieved. But you can only start from where you are--you will get stronger if you choose to keep trying. Whether or not you ever get back to where you were after such a serious accident is up to the fates, but you can work toward getting as strong as you can possibly be at this time in these conditions. I would go after that. I wish you good luck and positive thoughts. I know you can do it.

no one will post a better response than that.

Sounds like you're such a badass that you had to start weight training again in hard mode to give everyone else a chance. Go forth and kick some *kitten*!

Sorry to hear about your accident and it's after-effects, but huge congratulations on making the decision to get back into a healthy, fit lifestyle.

I know where you're coming from - I fell full-length when out Marathon training in ice and snow and tore the ligaments in my shoulder. I couldn't so much as open a door for months and even had to use my left hand to move my right hand from the keyboard to the mouse. I couldn't even do up or undo my own bra or wear clothes than went over my head. The less said about going to the toilet the better!

Most exercise was out for me - I even used a sling while running as the impact hurt so much. I used to be a racing swimmer as a youth, but couldn't manage any stroke, my arm just wouldn't move for me. When I started back after the first year I was more or less swimming in circles because I was so much weaker on one side than the other!

But the body is an amazing machine. The fact you're able to do as much as you can now means you're well on your way to recovery, you just need to build the strength back up. Many people who have never had a similar injury can't do as much of the 30DS as you can. It's only because you can remember your former strength that it's extra frustrating. You'll get there.

Three years on from my accident, I can swim properly again and take part in Body Pump classes, even overhead presses. Push ups I still find very hard, but I gradually worked my way back up using these gradual stages. You might like to try them:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/BerryH/view/how-to-do-10-full-push-ups-what-worked-for-me-126396

Hope that helps, and good luck achieving all your goals :flowerforyou:

I'm ticked off that my back is messed up, but at least I'm not mad at myself over it. I didn't pick my DNA, and you didn't ask that driver to rear-end you.

I get that you're upset, but what's with this blaming yourself for it? Sometimes things happen over which we truly have no control. You can be as mad about that as you want to be, but don't be mad at yourself. You know where you sleep.

The entire human condition quite frankly sucks, mainly because we don't have control over everything. Until one of us bright little hairless monkeys figures out how to let us have that control, we just have to deal with it. I guess this isn't a very good pep talk, but I'm truly shocked that you're blaming yourself for this.

There are some really fantastic responses to your post, and I'm glad you put it up there because lots of people are where you are now (for whatever reason) and need to see these responses.

I'm am really sorry that you have to work through this. I actually believe that everyone, everyone, has something in their life that limits them. Whether it's mental or physical. We all struggle with something in life. I have a bad back that really only feels better with exercise, but man does it hurt when I exercise! But hey, unlike my cousin who is in a wheelchair for life and risks death everytime he gets a head cold, I can walk. I can exercise. I live a relatively normal life. I'm friggin lucky! And so are you.

You've already started simply by posting here, so keep it up. Find out what you still can do. And keep inspiring others to do the same!

I think this is only the beginning of your story.
You weren't the strongest "old guy" you knew by accident.

You are still that tough, hard-working guy! Stop tanking your own efforts & giving yourself reasons that failure would be logical and romantically sad - you are no teenage girl!

Finish the story. Write (literally this time) out where you want to be 1 year from now and don't let any excuse stop you.

Your strength has always and still does come from your mind... don't weaken that by continually looking at how hard it'll be.
One day at a time

I hope this doesn't sound cold, but you did go out on that errand. Comparing where you are now to what you once were is pointless, and certainly doesn't seem to be making you feel better or inspiring you. It is really tough that you used to be so strong and now are struggling. That sucks, and deserves to be grieved. But you can only start from where you are--you will get stronger if you choose to keep trying. Whether or not you ever get back to where you were after such a serious accident is up to the fates, but you can work toward getting as strong as you can possibly be at this time in these conditions. I would go after that. I wish you good luck and positive thoughts. I know you can do it.

no one will post a better response than that.

Amen!

I can't imagine the pain you went through, but I do have struggles of my own. It is so easy to think about the past, what happened, whether or not it was justified, what you did, what you shouldn't have done, etc. But the truth is that you have this moment, this day, and that is is. The past and future are merely ways of allowing our minds to process the "now." Now is the only thing we can control, and by controlling the now, then you will have a different perspective on both the past and future.

I know VERY well myself how easy it is to get down about life's circumstances. But I realized that wasn't changing anything, and if anything, it was increasing my depression. Change stems from your mind and the way you think about life. If you want to change, you have to think about today, and today only.

Take inspiration from your past and prove to yourself you have the strength to overcome the trials you've been through and that you're capable of opening your own doors for yourself. Its an amazing accomplishment what you were in the past, but that isn't who you are now. Who you are now is who you decide to be. And who you will become depends on the dedication you put to the moment of the day itself. Not in how you view the past or future, but what actions will you take today to transform who you are?

Strength isn't measured in pounds, my friend. Its the fight and the positive choices you choose to make everyday. That is strength.

At one point, it occurred to me that I dwelt so much on what I haven't accomplished in the past. But that wouldn't change unless I made the decision to do so in the moment. I could only be proud of myself if I put one foot in front of the other, and keep going day to day. That's it. The past doesn't change unless your present does. It seems simple, but its difficult for people to process the present moment. I suggest adding a short mantra or daily meditation (even if only a few minutes) that allows you to focus your thoughts around your accomplishments and goals for TODAY. Because it is merely the combination of multiple "todays" that leads to both your past and future.

Best wishes and blessings~

Its tough.
Its good that are talking about it.
Good Luck.