Practicing Stairs and Practicing Willpower

Life feels pretty much like business as usual these days, though I still can’t go down stairs without holding on to the handrails. It’s humbling, but it’s also a reminder of where I’m at in this recovery journey. I’m working on it in physical therapy, and every day I take the stairs in our four-story office building at work. Up and down, up and down. You don’t get better at something without practice.

So yes—I’m literally practicing stairs. It sounds ridiculous when I say it out loud, but here we are.

And here’s the thing I’ve learned: my body wasn’t where I wanted it to be even before my injuries. That truth has a sneaky way of catching up with you. My knee just forced me to pay attention.

About three weeks ago, I decided to do something different. I started intermittent fasting. I’m about 20 days in, and I’ve lost around 10 pounds. Who knew that cutting out unnecessary meals would actually work? (Okay, maybe everyone but me.)

My real weakness? Midnight snacking. There’s something so satisfying about a quiet house and a plate of something delicious when no one else is awake. But you know what’s even more satisfying? Watching the scale move because I finally found the discipline to say no.

I didn’t buy a fancy program, I didn’t overhaul my entire diet—I just made a decision. And for the first time in a long time, I feel like I’m losing weight on my own terms and through my own willpower.

It’s a small step, but just like those stairs, every little bit of practice adds up.