Day 47: A Week of Healing and Hustle

A New Step in the Journey

Day 47, I woke up at 5:20 AM, early, groggy, but determined. The first rays of sunlight filtered through my window, casting a warm glow in my room. It’s been a full week since that boxing injury, and the bruise on my ribs still tingles with pain, a constant reminder of my battles. Still, I started my day with a cold shower and a quick, solid breakfast, small rituals that remind me I’m still here, still moving forward. I made sure to eat something substantial to fuel my body. The little victories in my routine have become crucial to my mental state as I push through these challenging times.

Putting in the Work Outside the Gym

On the bus to school, I used my downtime for breathing practice, leaning into the Wim Hof Method to calm my mind and steady my body. Deep inhales followed by controlled exhales helped clear the fog and prepare me for the day ahead. I found solace in the rhythm of my breath as the bus rattled along the road. It’s amazing how moments like these, where I can center myself, can significantly impact my ability to handle stress later on.

My school day was intense:

• First session: a free period, which I used to keep preparing exam papers, my one per day rhythm. It feels like a juggling act, balancing lessons and assignments while making sure I stay on top of my responsibilities.

• Second: I taught with enthusiasm, hoping to spark interest in the subject matter. I tried to keep my energy high, even if my body was telling a different story.

• Third: I subbed for someone else, stepping into a different role that required adaptability and communication skills. It was definitely a challenge, but unexpected situations like these often push me to grow.

• During break: I supervised students, moving between conversations and managing the excitement of young minds. This was a necessary reprieve; interacting with students always re energizes me.

• Then three more back to back teaching sessions came, a whirlwind of questions, explanations, and learning moments.

• After that: another free session, back to exam prep. It’s like being on a treadmill, always moving forward yet feeling the strain.

• Last session: teaching again. I wrapped up the day, exhausted but fulfilled, knowing that in every lesson, I was sharing knowledge that could have lasting effects.

It was a non stop grind. Whenever I had a spare moment, even just a minute, I’d text supervisors, plan ahead, or write. My focus has been laser sharp: finish the exams so I can breathe easier next month. Each moment spent working feels like an investment in my future, albeit tiring.

Where the Day Tested Me

By mid-afternoon, my fatigue hit hard. My legs were still sore from yesterday’s leg workout, and my ribs, though better, weren’t exactly silent. I didn’t have time to rest or indulge, there was no reprieve between classes.

Mentally, it was draining: constantly switching roles, teaching, supervising, subbing, planning; no space to just be. And emotionally, there was the tinge of missing my usual training sessions. The longing to throw punches, to feel the rhythm of sparring, was there, but I gave myself permission to hold back.

What Today Taught Me

I learned that productivity and healing can coexist. Even when my body is recovering, my mind doesn’t have to idle. I can push forward in other ways, writing, planning, teaching, without jeopardizing my physical recovery. Each opportunity I take to engage creatively or intellectually is also a step towards healing. The tension of my ribs underscores every lesson, yet I continue to adapt and find ways to thrive.

This hustle, this grind, isn’t separate from my martial arts journey. It’s part of it. So is rest. So is recovery. I began to see the interconnectedness of my experiences; every moment spent nurturing my mind contributes to my overall well being.

Moving Forward With Purpose

Now that I’m almost done with the exam papers, just the revision sheets to go, I can finally see the light at the end of this tunnel. It shines brighter with each completed task. Once the exams are fully ready, I’ll free up space in my head and my schedule. That freedom will allow me to focus on healing and getting back to my desired routine.

I’ll keep focusing on rest for my ribs. I’ll continue working on my blog, pouring thoughts and insights onto the page as a therapeutic release. And when it’s time, I’ll return to the gym, stronger and more disciplined than before, ready to face the challenges that await me.

Day 47 Lesson

Healing doesn’t mean pausing purpose, it means continuing to build in new ways. Throughout the struggles, I’ve learned resilience and adaptability, qualities that will aid me in both my personal and professional life.
Day 47 complete. The road continues.

👉 When you’re forced to rest, how do you keep your momentum going in other parts of your life? What strategies do you use to stay connected to your goals while navigating obstacles?