Strength

I've been thinking about strength lately. Not just physical strength, but mental strength. A few years ago, I was doing weight lifting every day. I was able to deadlift more than my own body weight. I was so proud of myself!

However, when it came time to actually needing a lot of physical strength when tending to my dying and paralyzed mother, I realized that it wasn't enough. I couldn't lift her, and she didn't weigh any more than I did. I felt so deficient. So I stopped lifting weights.

Since then, I adopted the restricted calorie, zero carb keto diet. I've lost about 25% of my body weight, and 10% body fat. I am definitely physically weaker now. But, I do feel that I am mentally stronger.

Persevering through traumatic experiences can be mentally strengthening, as in hormesis. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

Maybe I will try to build up some more physical strength again, but maybe not. The feeling of powerlessness was very humbling. Also, my biceps got really big so my shirts didn't fit anymore! So that's a factor too. That's why I took up ballet. Ballet has strengthened my legs, at least! Maybe I can come up with another option to strengthen my arms without getting too big.

And I'm gratefully accepting mental challenges!

Grassfed beef tongue with smoked salt