I just want to take a second and applaud woman around the world. Keep doing what you are doing no matter what anyone says. Set a goal and do it for you. Don’t do it to please society. or anyone but yourself. While many of us have curves, muscles, scars, and stretch marks, we are all beautiful. Each of us are different and have things that make us real woman. Embrace those muscles, and wear your “imperfections” with pride.
Don’t compete with anyone but yourself. Try to be better than you, do it for YOU. Make sure that you set your goals for the right reasons. Be whatever the hell you want to be, so long as it makes YOU HAPPY. Ignore the negative feed backs of “You can’t do it” “You are too big” “You are too skinny” “You aren’t strong enough” The way I see it….those are the people that know you will succeed and are scared of it. They are the ones that wished they reached or chased their goals. Those are the people with hate and jealousy and don’t have the courage you do to chase after a goal.
I didn’t ask for my Scoliosis curves, but I have learned to wear them with pride. While yes, it affects me more negatively than anything, it has taught me a lot. I used to hide my scar, and wear clothing to hide my ribs that stick out. I was ashamed and felt embarrassed about it. No one knew what Scoliosis was, and many people made fun of me. Especially right after my surgeries because I moved around like a robot.
I have learned a whole heap about myself, through my “curves” and it has taught me that anything in life is limitless. While many of you don’t like to refer to me as the Scoliosis runner, because you feel that Scoliosis is not what I am. But it is. Unfortunately, the road I am on is pretty much defined by my curving spine. I have chosen to embrace it and let it take me where I want to go. The strength within me that I found, has been greater than anything I imagined.
Embracing and learning from my double Scoliosis curve has taught me of my TRUE inner warrior. I am stronger, braver, and better than I ever let myself think. I was always told that I will forever live a limited life. I would be able to do little to nothing as I grow older. But in fact, I am doing the exact opposite. I have moved past the “I can’t” and moved onto the “I will”. I was told that at age 30, my life would take a drastic turn and have a tough time living a “normal” life. Being a 2x marathon and 7x half-marathoner and 1, 39.3 miles Goofy runner, I’d disagree. I don’t believe in being limited. Yes, many things are tough to get through but I do get through it.
It is what it is. I am proud of my curves because it taught me that nothing is impossible and dreams do come true. The most important thing you can do is BELIEVE IN YOURSELF! Whatever your goal may be, believing in yourself is the best tool you will need to succeed. YOU are whats going to get you to your goals, no one is going to do it for you.
I am a runner with 2 curves in my spine that I just recently found out is starting to curve again. I’ve had multiple spine correction surgeries, and Doctors have no idea why or how it is starting to happen. The most baffling part is that everyone tells me to stop running, when in fact its the only time a day I don’t have pain. Head scratcher I know! The latest find, is that my legs go numb as my spine curves and puts pressure in new places, pinching nerves. My spine is slowly taking my ribs with it. When I used to have 2 rotated ribs, I now have over 5, which is ridiculous pain.
“You’ve been running marathons like this?!?” “You are either crazy, or brave.” I take it all as a complement. I strive for success and I refuse my curves to stop me. They have taught me that after all I have been through and will continue to go through, I am STRONG enough to do it. Nothing for this Scoliosis runner is impossible!
We all have obstacles, we all have bumps in the road, how you choose to respond to them will determine your outcome. Don’t live your life in regret! Don’t let anyone tell you, you are not a “real” woman. Life your live happy and be positive. The greatest things in life are never easy, the hard work it takes to get there are what make it worth it.
Rock on ladies! Don’t let anyone dull your sparkle! Live a HAPPY life and chase those dreams and RUN them down!
-the PROUD scoliosis runner
Empire Unleashed 
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