Kristin El Idrissi
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Blog: Living the Dream
Musings, Ideas, and Conundrums

The Importance of Healing

7/30/2016

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My husband and I have had three main goals for our judo adventure around the world: 
  1. Learn as much as possible
  2. Explore a lot
  3. Do not get hurt
On Monday I was beyond excited to be training at a top university in Japan.  The class was everything that I had hoped it to be- filled with lots of talented women, focused on technique, personalized, and filled with lots of live fighting.  It was one of my favorite practices of the trip  thus far.  Until awkward positioning and a rough follow through ended in a bad fall and a crunching sound.  I knew immediately that I had broken our 3rd rule as shooting pain erupted through my body.  
Any athlete knows the agony of having an injury.  All you want to do is get back at your sport- the aching is a reminder of what you are unable to do.  It plagues your mind.  Its similar to when you are a committed employee and you get sick- that presentation, report, and lingering to-do list haunts you as you are stuck in bed to mend.  
As I was taken to the university doctor for evaluation all I could do was feel sorry for myself.  Thinking of the practices I will miss.  The opportunities for improvements lost.  The worry about how long this will put me out.   The self pity machine ran heavy as the doctor twisted, poked, and prodded to determine the source and magnitude of the injury.  As an athlete this sense of anger towards being injured is natural - it comes with a deep sense of sadness and helplessness because you are being held back from what you need to do.

But I am older for an athlete.
I am not stubborn and I refuse to run back to the gym prior to healing.
I know injuries and illness are a part of life.
And I am not someone who allows for much sulking.  

Here's my go to "how to survive an injury/illness" guide:

All braced up, exploring Tokyo with Friends.  
Healing up & Enjoying Life!
  1. It is OK to have self pity.  But only for a short time.  If you cling to this, you will miss the opportunity this injury or illness is providing you.  Being stuck in a cycle of 'woe is me' only takes away from you potentially gaining some big wins while sidelined.  So stop with the pity party a quick as possible and embrace some of #2 & #3.
  2. Have faith in the bigger picture.  I am a big proponent of the idea that everything happens for a reason.  I embrace that sometimes crappy things occur in life and its always better to focus on whats good than bad.  For myself this time off the mat means that I finally am giving my body the time to heal all its minor aches, sprains, broken & dislocated fingers, and twists.   As much as it stinks to be sidelined, by having faith this is necessary for my body and soul -that I needed this time off- it puts my brain and body in a much better position to heal properly, fully, and happily.  People tend to forget that the body needs sleep, rest and recovery to perform at 100%.
  3. Embrace that there are other things you can do despite being "sidelined".  For me this means I have the opportunity to spend more time watching videos, doing mental training,  footwork drills, inventorying areas to focus on when I return to the mat, and reviewing personal areas that I was neglecting due to training.  If you injure your upper body, get those legs to work - if your lower body is in peril, time for pull ups!   When I had ACL surgery, my arms were stronger than ever and when I had mono I got to catch up on books-on-tape that I was dying to listen to (yay mental growth!).  In terms of being ill from work this could mean you have the some time to make a real to-do list of what matters,  email filtering, or just to step away to have uninterrupted-outside-the-box thinking time. Be creative!   Just because you may not be able to perform 100% does not mean there aren't ways to improve your game.  Talk to others who have been in your position as they may have come up with some great ways to grow while in your situation.  Being down is not the same as being out.
  4. Learn the lesson of self care.  Your body is a temple and in the rush of the day it is easy to neglect to care for it as you should.  When forced to sit out this is a great time to remember to fill yourself with nutritious foods, to overdose on vitamins, to get massaged, stretch, ice, heat, elevate, enjoy blankets, sleep, and breathe deeply.  We only get one body to live in.  So as easy as it is to rush back to work or into the gym, if we do so too soon without proper recovery we could be setting ourselves up for long term ailments and injuries.  Remember the long game.  You have 1 body - rushing to the office too soon may lead to an elongated illness and rushing back to your sport could lead to a lifetime with a tweaked knee/shoulder/limp.  Take care of yourself.  In the scheme of things this is what truly matters.
  5. Remember other things you love.  This includes people.  If your ailment is longer lasting, the recovery being filled with positive mentality is harder.  This is when it is super important to focus on things in life that bring you gratitude, happiness, and lift your spirits.  The more you surround yourself with things you enjoy, daily activities that make you smile, and people that support you - the easier it will be to maintain a positive attitude about healing and recovery.

The above being said, I have been working my butt off at self care, committing 100% to it and am feeling better daily and because of this, I will likely be back on the mat earlier than the doctors anticipated!  The fact that I only let myself sulk for an hour or so allowed me to spend most of my time committed to being better than ever.

Take care of yourself.   Listen to your body.  Be creative when you are down.  Be positive.
Then get back at it- stronger, more focused, more gratuitous, and more empowered than ever.
  
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Be the First Kid to the Swings: Here is Why

7/20/2016

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I distinctly remember at recess racing to be the first of the kids at the swings so that I had maximum air time.  There was magic in the swing set that no other playground equipment had.  As you hurdle yourself off the ground and propel yourself upwards, the air blowing in your face you are immediately desiring to fly higher.  To see more of the sky.  To feel weightless and carefree.  
Soaring upwards you feel light.  
Untouchable.  
Like a bird floating through life.  
Disconnected from all the madness, people, problems, and insanity that lies below you at ground floor. You soar towards the heavens, the blue skies opening up with beauty and peace.
But much like life anytime you soar upwards you immediately are catapulted back down.  You are only gifted the reward of that serene flotation if you work for it.  If you pump your legs and thrust your hips hard enough to catapult yourself back up into the wide open. 

As a child the swings were my absolute favorite.  And then middle school happened and recess wasn't a thing.  Then high school, college, and 'real life' happened and I forgot about swings.  My love for them never died - just remembering them- and making time for them did.

Yesterday I walked by a park (as one often does) and for whatever reason I made a mad dash for the swings.  It was my first time on them in years.  It was still as magical as when I was a child!  Except I feel like I appreciated the fresh air, shining sun, trees above, laughing children below, and rush of lightness more yesterday than ever.  
Maybe I found some symbolism in swinging that I never saw as a child.  That the best things in life, you have to work for...and the more work you put in, the higher your soar.  
Maybe I appreciated the moment with nature more.  I am recently finding a sense of love for laying at the beach at night to stare at the overwhelming intensity of the stars and my role in the universe.  I am making efforts to look up at the trees instead of down at my phone as I wander the streets.  I am loving breathing in freshly cut grass as I partake in runs.  Being in the air gives you a connection with nature unlike others- a birds eye view if you will.  Like most interactions with nature you leave with a sense of your smallness in the world and a deep sense of connection with what really matters.  

Today I walked by another park...and went on the swings again.
I urge you, next time you see a swing set - embrace the inner child that never stopped loving the rush of floating, the connection with nature, the lesson that your hard work will make you soar, the feeling of escape from all the everyday-ness below, a sense of freedom, and most importantly a reason to smile and laugh.

Run like its recess and you need to be one of the first kids there so you have a spot.
Get on a swing.
Bring yourself a reminder of what matters.

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So this is life... 2 months of homelessness

7/16/2016

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It is hard to believe that two months ago I was having panic attacks.  I was dreading having to quit my career of 9 years and leave behind all that my adult life had known.  It was the hardest thing I have ever had to do and the fear nearly broke me.

Two days later I was on a plane heading to France with 2 bags, a bookbag, my husband, and a stomach full of worry. 

The second I landed in Paris all of my fears vanished and I can say that this has honestly been the best two months of my life.  It is true what they say-  the hardest part is facing your fears.  That following your heart will never be regretted.  It is true that things are always hardest before the best things come.

Since embarking out of the work world my adventure has led me to the most beautiful town in France where I got a plethora of physical training and incredible partners who were willing to work 1-on-1 for my improvement.  I had the pleasure of experiencing Ramadan in an Islamic country during a time where the west is so fearful of Muslims- I got to see and feel the love everywhere, all the while training with the best that Africa had to offer.  Then I flew to Spain where I embarked on the most physically challenging two weeks of my life- banging heads with past and future Olympians, the best in the world - leaving camp performing better than when I arrived and with a new level of motivation and appreciation for judo.  

So here I sit, two months into my adventure, in the birthplace of Judo in the lovely Tokyo.  I am surrounded by a culturally rich environment, clean city, and more judokas than imaginable.  It is literally a dream come true.
Some things that I didn't expect was the challenge of learning how to fill my days.  A few weeks in, I felt guilty for not "doing more" - so I was fervently looking online for "work from home work" and signing up for tons of classes.  But I woke up feeling stressed and then was losing sleep, and suddenly I realized there was no need.
I have since stepped back and instead am filling my time with whatever I find fulfilling.

To my surprise this has meant morning yoga practice, reading ALOT, exploring the top rated places to see in each city we visit (never thought I'd enjoy a soccer stadium...but it was surreal), day dreaming about potential future jobs/paths, writing, contacting loved ones at home, learning a language (slowly), watching movies before bed, playing MAGIC (thanks hasbro), joking with the hubby, learning to cook quick/easy/cheap, taking an online class, and of course lots of training!  Not having the demand of working on my plate it's been incredible remembering what it is I actually enjoy doing.  Many are the same things I loved as a kid...but just forgot about as 'life' took over.

When is the last time you acted like a kid- and just spent the day filled with activities that made you smile? No "must-do" lists...'Obligations" ignored...but just spending the day doing what makes you happy in life?
If you have not done so recently - DO IT.  
You only live once.  Fill your days with things that make YOU happiest.  
Spend time learning what those things are. 
Spend time remembering what they are.

Two months in and here are my big takeaways:
  • Follow your gut
  • If its scary, its likely worth the risk.
  • Fill your day as if you were a child- with things you love.  Relearn what that is.
  • When you travel, be sure to explore- get lost and do research about what makes that land culturally special so you get the most out of it.
  • Cultures may change...but people everywhere are willing to help and share kindness.
  • Be thankful to those who help your dreams happen.  They are gifts.

I can't wait to see what these next 4 months have in store for us!
What do they have in store for you?  Hopefully some scary and happiness filled days....
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My Moroccan Jam

7/8/2016

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I would advise listening to it while in the car, arm trailing out the window taking in the cool breeze, on repeat so you can let the beat move your body....by listen #3 you will be singing along even if you don't know any arabic.  i was.
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Take a Pause from the Daily Chaos: 3 ways to Put Yourself First

7/5/2016

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Picture
Being 6 weeks into this job-free, world-tour, judo-training venture I have had a ton of time to reflect.  Here are a few realizations that I have made thus far:
  1. SET ASIDE YOU TIME DAILY.  As much as I respect going with the flow, I am a person that NEEDS some goals and structure to my days.  So even if its waking 2 hours earlier than others to commit myself to Me time- for goal setting, reflection, yoga, reading, and writing.  Without any time set aside during my day to specifically spend some time with myself- I just drag along, day in and out, falling into a lazy routine.   I feel like this is a huge lesson.  Its easy to fall into leisure.  Its hard to force yourself to make you time.  To feel good at the end of the day though, this commitment to self is necessary.
  2. ALWAYS STRETCH YOURSELF.  I love to learn.  During down time I have taken an online course, started to learn french, read 2 books, have committed to 30 days of yoga, researched the places I visit, and am constantly learning at the dojo.  There is so much information out there and it is impossible to ever be an expert in everything - but if something interests you - ask questions and commit yourself to learning more about it.  You will feel refreshed and enlightened by your constant growth.
  3. BE TRUE TO YOUR FUTURE SELF.   Its been strange not working. It's easy to fall into immediately looking for work and accepting whatever is available (aka continuing to do what you have done in the past).  Its kind of like getting over a bad breakup - so easy to fall back into where you were instead of looking for what will be best for you ultimately.  I want to fill my future with things I fully love and to do that I need to accept this time of ME.  I have been trying to embrace the freedom of not working- focusing heavily on what I care about, what makes me happy, and spending time learning more about myself - expecting this will lead me where I need to be next.  I think this advice is critical to anyone who feels stuck at work and knows in their heart that they need to make a change.  Not knowing what is next is OK...embrace the scary unknown and be true to yourself.  You will end up where you need to be. 

The key take-away: Take some time for YOU.  Make some time for YOU.
You matter.

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    Kristin

    Believer that everyone is special.

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