Redefining strength with Elhers Danlos

Living with Ehlers-Danlos has been a humbling journey.

Lately, I’ve been dealing with a back injury that causes constant spasms, slowing me down significantly because everything hurts—sitting, lying down, walking, even breathing.

Because of that, my hobbies—lifting weights, jogging, riding my bike, and exercising—have all become either difficult or nonexistent. I’ve spent most of my adult life borderline addicted to this lifestyle, where if I don’t do some form of exercise, I feel like my day is a failure. So in this season of my life, I’m struggling because I can’t do those things.

But I’m learning.

I’m learning to measure my day, my performance, and my body by something other than physical activity. I’m learning to be kind to my body—by resting, by doing healing activities like stretching or yoga, and by gently rebuilding strength.

It’s been a hard transition—from having an athletic build, lifting with friends, and riding long distances—to where I am now.

This journey has humbled me in ways I didn’t expect. I’m learning to truly listen to my body and understand what it needs.