Seeds of Change: Reflections on Resilience

From the January/February 2023 issue of Muscle Media Magazine.

Optimism and resilience after 2022

I took the reins of Muscle Media Magazine almost seven years ago. Each January, I still wrestle with how to welcome the New Year… I am an eternal optimist. I like to emphasize the positives while acknowledging the negatives. But 2022 brought many changes in the country and the world. One of my patients described feeling like a weary prize-fighter awaiting—and dreading—the bell for the next round.

We are still reeling after COVID. We have also had an election, alarming increases in the cost of living, the World Cup, and two back-to-back hurricanes. The “next round,” indeed…!

Is optimism or pessimism a false choice?

In my private practice, we often talk about optimism and pessimism when times are hard. You probably know people who seem to remain positive through difficult circumstances. You may also know people who, even in the best of times, are more comfortable in a dark room with no friends.

I am often asked which is “right”. To me, those two extremes offer a false choice.

Resistance and acceptance

I have written before about Dr. Kubler-Ross and her stages of grief. Looking towards the “next round”, I think about where my patients seem to be in that process. A few still seem stuck in Denial, but most have moved beyond their initial reaction. Anger and Depression are the stages I see most often.

I wrote about this several months ago, and it still seems to be the case. Only a few have reached Bargaining. Fewer still have reached Acceptance.

Perhaps that reflects the competitive nature of my patients, who are elite athletes. I’m not sure whether it is optimism or pessimism. Perhaps they simply refuse to accept what they feel is wrong.

Dr. Kubler-Ross used the labels Anger and Depression. In my patients, what I see often feels more like resistance and opposition.

Resilience through change

Still, I can feel some gusts of the winds of change (optimism?). My patients seem to be looking forward rather than back. Several have told me they feel wiser, or at least a bit more resilient, after the obstacles they have faced. To return to the boxer metaphor, some seem to have endured the fight and are now awaiting the decision.

That doesn’t mean they’re done. It just means they’ve made it through this bout…

Inside our January/February 2023 issue

But, enough about that, what do we have to offer to welcome the New Year…?

Let’s start off with something “mindful”. Anne, our resident entertainment expert, returns to look at food choices to help nourish your brain. Whitnee looks at where nitrates fit into a well-rounded nutritional plan. Anthony answers some questions about the popular keto diet.

Yushan takes us into plant nutrition. Spenser explains the benefits of whey protein.

Shifting gears a wee bit, Ciarra returns to explain the benefits of sauna bathing. Paige explores choosing a workout regimen that “fits” your lifestyle. Narvin explains the growing popularity of CrossFit workouts.

Fisher (no relation…lol!) helps explain what contributes to muscle fatigue. Edwina looks at exercising at different times of day. Kayla explores working out in unusual temperatures.

David discusses the growing movement involving minimalist or shoeless running for cardio. Deon explains muscle strains. Kaitlyn continues the theme by looking into rotator cuff injuries (and I have some personal experience!). Finally, Jonathan talks about something we all desire: success…

Keep training through to the bell…

-Dr. Tom Fisher