I Started looking up this quote on the internet and was surprised that I couldn’t actually find a single person recorded as saying “Pain is a reminder that we are still alive.” That was the quote I was really looking for. As I was looking, I found the one I did post, because it’s a great rendition of the same message.

I really became familiar with the concept of pain being a reminder we are still alive, when I went through the Sheriff’s academy. It seemed like daily someone yelled it out, or I reminded myself quietly as I was pushing through some sort of physical pain.

Later, I’d remind myself of the saying as I experienced emotional pain in my life. I told myself the pain in my heart meant I was still alive and still able to feel love, without it there would be no pain. In fact, read the quote by the Master Chief, it is VERY accurate when being equated with matters of the heart. Pain helps us decide who should be in our lives and what matters the most to us. It reminds us who we really are and what we really want.

Today, as I hit day three of my “getting back in shape” workouts, I am reminded of this quote. Only because I am in pain. My husband and I walked for an hour and a half on a trail that is up a huge hill. Sure, half of the walk was coming back down the hill, but let me tell you, I was starting to wonder if I would make it. I stopped several times to breathe and “rest my hands on my knees”, all the while Steve stood next to me, not even breathing heavy. I was like an old tired person with emphysema. I’m not kidding, I’m so out of shape it’s ridiculous.

Between having the house on the market last spring, moving, then going back and forth to the ranch house I’ve allowed my schedule to not include any workouts. I may have worked out about 5 times since last spring. I know, it’s so bad, but it is what it is and I couldn’t let the new year begin without getting back on the wagon. I’m 20 lbs over weight again, turned 50 years old, and lost a ton of strength. Now I hurt, a lot. I’m so sore.

But as I sit here, I am reminded that the pain means I’m doing it. It means I am able to do it, because I’m not so old or so broken or so lazy that I can’t do it. I feel the pain, I appreciate the pain, and I’m so happy it is reminding me I am still alive.

Go out there and get some!

PS: