The Power of Perserverance: Fitness, Disability and Life Lessons

Fitness and disability. Two very contradictory things. At least that’s what I used to think.

In my mind, the words exercise & fitness conjured up images of super healthy tri-athletes, and the like. Sure, intellectually I knew there were wheelchair sports and other things that I could (and should) do to keep moving. But,  doing those things would never make me “strong”, so why bother?

No, fitness wasn’t attainable for me. And it certainly wasn’t fun. I went  to physical therapy when it was forced upon me, and that was pretty much the extent of my effort to exercise.

Then something happened. About 2 years ago, completely out of the blue, I decided I wanted to wheel myself in a 15k (9.3 mile) race. I have no idea where the came from. Quite honestly, it was out of the realm of reality. But once I get an idea, I am usually stubborn enough to follow through with it. Or at least attempt to.

So, knowing that I needed to up my fitness level, I joined a gym. After a while, I found that exercise wasn’t so bad. Surprisingly, I loved it, and the carryover into my health and life has been definite.

No, I am not a athlete. I’m not skinny. Or in shape. And truth be told, I haven’t done that 15k.  Here’s what I am though: A better, happier, healthier version of myself.  I’ve done an 8k, tried boxing, and really do enjoy going to the gym. I’ve learned that my mind and my body are both capable of more than I thought. And most importantly, I’ve learned that sometimes…Probably most times in life, perseverance does matter more than ability.

Moral of the story: Other than self-reflection, and trying to give myself the motivation to get back in the gym (which I really need to do)…

The point is this: How many times in life do we feel like something is so beyond our capability, that it isn’t even worth attempting? That feeling is bound to visit all of us at some point in life.  Sometimes it’s false. Sometimes the things that we aim for may truly be out of reach. But, you will never know unless you try.

Laura Lee Minutello of Valrico just completed her reign as Florida's Ms. Wheelchair.