May was probably my most important month since surgery, not because of any single workout or personal best, but because everything started coming together.
Physically, I continued getting stronger. My pulling strength improved, my trunk and core recovery reached new milestones, and I was able to reintroduce movements like hanging knee raises, rotational work, carries, and more advanced mobility exercises. Seven months ago I was focused on simply standing upright and walking comfortably after surgery. Today I’m moving, lifting, rotating, carrying, and training with confidence again.
What really stood out though was my relationship with recovery. Earlier in my journey I often felt guilty resting or worried that taking time off would slow progress. In May I finally started trusting the process. I learned that recovery isn’t the opposite of progress it’s part of it.
The biggest change wasn’t physical; it was mental. Training, walking, mobility, breathwork, meditation, and recovery no longer feel like tasks on a checklist. They’ve become part of my lifestyle and identity.
The trip to Utrecht highlighted that perfectly. Spending quality time together, enjoying great food, watching the marathon runners, listening to the young band, walking hand in hand, sitting in the sunshine, and simply enjoying life felt every bit as valuable as any gym session. Instead of worrying about missing training, I was able to be fully present and appreciate those moments.
Looking back, May showed me that health isn’t just about performance, strength, or achieving goals. It’s also about relationships, experiences, laughter, connection, recovery, and being present with the people you love.
The biggest lesson I took from the month is this: True wellbeing isn’t built only in the gym. It’s built through movement, recovery, meaningful experiences, and sharing life with the people who matter most. And that’s exactly what May felt like.
“Strength for Life”
