Part 2:Navigating Body Dysmorphia and the Pressure of Recovery: Giving Myself Grace

Learning to Give Myself Grace

The turning point came when I reminded myself of the why behind my journey. I compete because I love the sport, the challenge, and the community—not because I need to prove anything to anyone. My body has carried me through so much, from the demands of competition to the resilience needed for recovery. It deserves not just my effort but also my compassion.

Giving myself grace has looked like:

Shifting Focus to Healing: Prioritizing mobility, physical therapy, and overall health over maxing out in the gym.

Celebrating Small Wins: Whether it's lifting a lighter weight with perfect form or simply feeling stronger during daily activities, progress is progress.

Setting Realistic Goals: Instead of rushing to compete, I’m focusing on enjoying training and getting back to full strength on my own timeline.

Practicing Self-Compassion: Quieting that critical inner voice by acknowledging my journey, my strength, and the amazing things my body has already accomplished.

Moving Forward with Balance

The competitive fire in me will never burn out, but I’m learning to stoke it in a way that builds me up instead of breaking me down. This experience has been a humbling reminder that strength is about so much more than numbers on a barbell. True strength is being kind to myself, showing up even when it's hard, and allowing space for recovery and growth.

For anyone reading this who’s battling body dysmorphia, struggling through recovery, or feeling the weight of expectations: know that it’s okay to take your time. Your body is worthy of grace, and your journey is yours to own. We are more than the struggles we face—we are the strength we build by working through them.

Here’s to healing, growing, and finding joy in the process. 💪

Also will be back into a competition in 1/2025 which is 4 months out of actual training to allow myself to have fun in the space I enjoy.