The Ding in the Armor
28 Days of Asking: Day 15
I’ve always been the healthy guy. The athlete. The coach. The one who knows how to take care of his body.
That’s been true since I was young. It’s part of how I see myself, like a fact I don’t question.
Then a stomach bug humbles me, and I remember I'm not invincible.
I’d been looking forward to eating my way through this city. San Francisco is in the top three for me when it comes to food. I’d already picked our dinner spots before we left. Breakfast at El Mil Amores (highly recommended) set the tone this morning: amazing flavors, authentic cuisine, and Bad Bunny humming from the kitchen. Everything I’d hoped for.
Then we walked. Seven miles through the city. Early on, the sun kept playing peek-a-boo with the clouds. Jacket on. Jacket off. On again. We made our way to the top of Lombard Street—the crooked part with all the switchbacks—and looked out over the city. By late lunch, the sky had made up its mind. Grayer. Wetter. Colder. We switched from walking to driving.
I wanted to feel like myself. But my stomach had other plans. Not terrible, just off. A low murmur that wouldn’t quit. And when my body won’t cooperate in a food city, it stings a little extra.
Day 15: Who am I when my body doesn’t cooperate?
Here’s what I’m realizing: I’ve built a lot of who I am around being strong and healthy. It’s how I show up as a dad. As a partner. As someone who helps other people with their bodies.
So when that thing stops working—even for a few days—it shakes me more than it probably should.
So I’m asking: Who am I when my body doesn’t cooperate?
And maybe bigger than that: Who am I without the story I’ve always told about myself?
We all have these stories. The smart one. The funny one. The reliable one. The strong one. They’re useful until life reminds us we’re more than one thing.
Check in. What’s a story you tell about yourself? And what happens when it gets challenged?
I'm doing my best. Taking it carefully. Probiotics. Hydrating well. Trusting the process even when my body is taking its time.
Maybe that’s enough for today.
