The past 6 months have been a real test on me mentally. I think that my time away from strict powerlifting has helped me learn a lot about myself. It has developed me more as an athlete, and I appreciate more of my abilities than I ever have before. I am finding it fun and challenging to be forced into new activities that I may not be 100% comfortable with yet physically. It has been humbling as well as invigorating.
More than that, it has helped with my perspective in regards to why I do this. What is actually driving me. And it has helped me see that even if I have to take a few steps back from my main form of training, it has taken me two steps forward with other avenues of training, as well as my personal life.
I'm sleeping better (and more).
I'm eating better.
I'm moving better.
I'm more relaxed.
I'm less stressed.
My joints feel better.
My ligaments feel better.
My recovery time is quicker.
And overall I am a more well-balanced person because of my temporary step away from the one thing that was beginning to become an obstacle to the rest of my life. And now that my focus is regained, I feel so much about drifting back in.
And it's pretty fricken sweet if you ask me.