Over-Achiever

Determination is a key factor in life. It can get us through difficult times, so long as we can focus on getting through, triumphing and moving on. It motivates us to reach beyond a limitation, to make more for ourselves or create something new. We can be determined to survive, recover, achieve, grow, pursue, discover, be.

A few weeks ago, my mother had a partial knee replacement. She is young to have the surgery and will undoubtedly have to have another within the next couple of decades. But she had it because she’s determined to live her life the way she wants. Her determination meant she continued walking as much as she could until the day of surgery came. It means she does every little exercise she’s given and pushes herself to the limit. Because she’s set on having her health and her life back.

My mother is an over-achiever. I used to think I was too. And to some extent I am, but she puts me to shame. Over the past few days I have watched her exercise, do therapy, attempt stairs, carefully navigate a path and move from crutch to cane and even absently forget to use anything to help herself.

As I sat and watched her push herself, get up in the morning and keep going despite pain or resistance from her body, I realized there are fewer limits than we might perceive for ourselves and it pays to keep going forward.

I will take that reminder when school gets hard, when I don’t feel well, when it’s time to push forward. So much like my mother, I hope I can always remember to over-achieve and follow in her well-placed footsteps.