Strong, Not Perfect
- Denise Kangrga
- Jun 23
- 3 min read
At 52, I am stronger than I've ever been, but not because I am perfect.
It's because for the last 10 years, I decided to treat my health as a relationship; a blessing, not a punishment or a problem. And believe me, in just the past 6 months, I could have easily treated my health as a punishment.
In early December, I battled a UTI. Not uncommon in women my age, but I thought I was doing all the right things to prevent one. In mid-December, while visiting my 90 year old aunt for 5 days, I spent 3 of those days in the hospital with my first kidney stone. I am also confirming here that YES, they are worse than labor pains. On day 5, I flew back to Arizona, from Indiana, with a kidney stone, and passed it as soon as I walked in the door. I was also informed in all my hospital time in Indiana that I had more stones sitting idle.
On New Year's Eve, I battled another UTI, worse than the one prior. I learned these potentially were the precursor and final stages of the kidney stone.
In mid-Janaury, my back went out. This was a major setback physcially and mentally. I had to learn how to walk again. It took me out mentally - sent me into a depression. Walking from my bed to the toilet took 15 minutes (it's a 3 second walk). However, I kept fighting, telling myself "I'm strong! I can do this!", and mentally, I got myself out of bed every day, made it outside to the couch in our backyard, and laid there for 20 minutes, in the sun, while listening to a self-help audiobook. I believe the sun, the mental clarity and assistance from that book, and of course the support from my family, got me through that most difficult, frightening period.
The following months were relatively quiet for me, but included my daughter being involved in a hit-and-run accident (she's fine), and a major health scare for my mother (also fine). I am thankful for every experience because each time, I grow stronger.
Being strong, both physically and mentally, saved me from total breakdown, and treating these past 6 months as
great lessons have helped.
At 52, here's what I do:
Strength train 3 to 4 times per week. I lift heavy weights. For the past 11 years, I have done Crossfit and/or Functional Fitness, This has helped with increased muscle mass as I age, and has helped increase my mental strength (this one I don't think is talked about enough).
I stopped chasing skinny. After my health battles, I realize strong is where I need to be, not skinny.
I eat well. I'm not perfect, but I try my best. My focus is on protein first, and the rest will fall in to place. At times I track my intake, and as someone who has worked along with some of the best nutrition coaches for athletes, I know what it takes to keep me full and focused.
I get outside for at least 20 minutes a day. When the sun hits your skin and bones, it's such a healing feeling.
As a health coach, I help people shift their mindset from punishment to discipline, self care, and devotion. Our bodies DO NOT need more judgement, they need partnership.
Curious: what's one thing you do that makes you feel strong in your body?
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