Yesterday I learned I broke the tips of two fingers. Before my appointment with the doctor, my coach, Jenna Tieman, pulled me aside and said, "Don't let this stop you from coming [to the gym]. We can modify anything."

My doctor's verdict was no barbells with my right hand for at least three weeks. The fractures are minor, but we have to get the swelling down to prevent other damage, and putting pressure on already broken bones won't let them heal. That was hard to hear, but not horrible because I've been here before.

Three years ago I experienced a relapse of a shoulder injury just when I was hitting my CrossFit stride. For two months, I showed up three times a week to group classes. My coaches customized every workout to keep me balanced and fit for the day I could get back on the pull-up cage or jerk a barbell. 

So, this morning, I went in and removed my finger splints, taped my fingers and began figuring out what I *can* do with two broken fingers. 

<center> ![image](https://img.esteem.ws/ve3b19pxie.jpg)</center>

Barbells? No. Medicine ball? Yes. Floor push-ups? No. Push-ups on a box? Yes. Jump rope? Yes. Box jumps? Yes. One-armed kettle bell cleans and snatches? Yes. 

Today's scheduled workout was all barbells. Jenna had me grab a kettle bell. She modified the two arm cleans to a one-arm kettle bell clean and checked in with me, working on form and safety as I progressed in weights. It was a new movement and felt awkward because I had to find a new balance. 

Eventually, I found my groove. I was able to clean a 53lb kettle bell with my non-dominant arm. "Good!" Jenna said. She'd told me 26lbs was a great goal for me, especially knowing I've been working at a 75lb standard clean (meaning with both arms). 

Here's the thing: the hand is not the body. As a person with numerous differences and disabilities, this is an important truth. One part does not make the whole, nor does one part necessarily unmake the whole. 

Learning my fingers are broken gave me choices: I could take time off or I could show up and do what I can do. 

I showed up. In doing so, I learned through limited motion that I can do more with my unlimited motion. It let me set new goals for three weeks from now when I can get my hand back around a barbell. 

I know Hoosier Athletic Club is a special place. Jenna is a special coach. But I am also a special person. I deserve to show up for myself. 

*How are you showing up for yourself lately? What limits have you identified and/or overcome?*