Stepping Out

What is it about the first step that is so tough? Is it a fear of the unknown? A fear of failure? Too many other commitments calling our name? A fear of letting go of who we were or how we identify ourselves at this very moment? I think, more often than not, it’s a combination of these things that we use to disqualify ourselves. 

We are our own worst enemy when it comes to believing these fears/lies; letting them hold us in the exact same place, day after day, year after year. I am 100% guilty of it on too many occasions to count! To give you a prime example, it’s taken me over a month just to take the first step in sitting down to write this post!

We’re over two months into 2018 and I’ve been making a conscious effort to shut the fears and the lies down. The product of one of my biggest “steps” to date came to fruition on February 1st; I became the founder and owner of my very own chiropractic practice, Renew & Restore Wellness! 

Taking the first step towards this endeavor was hard, ok not just hard, terrifying! And I’d be lying if I said that the steps following that initial leap weren’t scary as well. There were moments where I was tempted to turn around and just accept one of the numerous job offers I had received. There were, and still are, moments of doubt, where I question my ability to carry out the duties of starting and running my very own company. But here’s what I know, God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called (1 Corinthians 1:27-29). So many times we want to feel fully qualified before we take that first step. We want to feel a sense of perfection before letting others into a process, but at the end of the day, that doesn’t serve us well and it doesn’t serve those around us well either!

Let me ask you a question that a few friends and I have been chewing on for a couple of days… what happens when we pursue excellence rather than perfection? For me, that means I’m defined by who I am and Whose I am, rather than what I do. It means doing my best in any given situation and cutting out comparison to others. With this mindset comes a great deal of freedom because, as Theodore Roosevelt put it, “comparison is the thief of joy”.

So what’s calling your name? What are you stuttering to step towards? Whatever it is, take that first step… it will be worth it!

What Is Strength? A Chiropractor’s Perspective on Health

Photo by CB

I recently accepted a challenge to get into better shape with one of my closest friends. About a week into our new workout routine, she snapped a picture of me doing a cable face pull exercise. Honestly, I didn’t feel very strong that day. But when I saw the image, one word stood out immediately: strength.

As a chiropractor, I couldn’t help but notice something else, the activation of my back muscles, specifically the extensor muscles that support posture and spinal health. In today’s world of desk jobs, phones, and constant screen time, these muscles are often weak and underused. So seeing them engaged was a small but meaningful win.

Pro tip: Exercises like rows and face pulls are excellent for improving posture, strengthening your back, and supporting chiropractic care.

Why Strength Matters for Spinal Health

When most people think of strength, they think of lifting weights or building muscle. But from a chiropractic perspective, strength is also about stability, alignment, and proper muscle function.

Strong back and core muscles:

• Support proper posture

• Reduce strain on the spine

• Help prevent injuries

• Improve overall mobility and function

If you’re dealing with back pain, neck tension, or poor posture, improving muscular strength, especially in the posterior chain, can make a significant difference.

What Is Strength, Really?

Strength isn’t just physical.

According to Webster’s dictionary, strength can refer to:

• Physical power

• Mental resilience

• Emotional endurance

• The ability to withstand stress

And in real life, strength often shows up outside the gym.

Everyday Examples of Strength

Some of the strongest moments in life look like:

• Making difficult decisions

• Asking questions when you feel unsure

• Having uncomfortable conversations

• Trying something new

• Facing fears

• Staying steady during uncertain seasons

Through all of these experiences, I’ve realized something important:

True strength doesn’t come from us alone.

Finding Strength in Weakness

It’s easy to feel strong when everything is going well. But real growth happens when we’re stretched beyond our comfort zone.

In 2 Corinthians 12:9–10, we’re reminded:
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness… for when I am weak, then I am strong.”

This is where strength takes on a deeper meaning.

It becomes less about control and more about trust, humility, and growth.

How to Build Strength in Your Daily Life

If you want to improve your strength in a well-rounded way, physically and mentally, start with small, consistent steps:

• Incorporate strength training into your routine

• Focus on posture and spinal alignment

• Add pulling exercises like rows and face pulls

• Stay consistent, even when motivation is low

• Step outside your comfort zone regularly

• Address discomfort instead of avoiding it

If needed, working with a chiropractor can also help identify muscle imbalances and support your overall movement and recovery.

A New Perspective on Strength

Strength isn’t just about how much you can lift.

It’s about:

• Showing up when things feel hard

• Taking care of your body

• Being willing to grow

• Trusting the process

Whether you’re working on your fitness, improving your posture, or navigating life’s challenges, strength is built in those moments where you choose to keep going.

Final Thoughts

My hope for you is that this season challenges you in the best way.

Try the workout.
Start the conversation.
Take the trip.
Do the thing that feels uncomfortable.

Because that’s where growth happens.
That’s where strength is built.

And that’s where transformation begins.

Looking to improve your posture or relieve back pain? Schedule an appointment with our chiropractic team at Renew & Restore Wellness today.