From Knee Injury to Hiking Success: Overcoming Perceived Limitations and Finding Your Own Pace
Episode 7: Show Notes
Earlier today, I went for my first hike since my knee injury, and it was a solo hike. I’ll be honest: I was nervous leading up to today and almost talked myself out of it. Going up and down stairs is still challenging, and I had been using that as my measure for whether my knee could handle rocky trails and tree roots.
At my last personal training session, I told my trainer about my plan. She assured me I was ready. She said she’d been watching my form during squats and lunges, and my knee had no limitations—only my hesitation was holding me back. She reminded me that after an injury, the body often compensates for the hurt area. If we “baby” it, the brain perceives it as still injured, even when it’s not.
This idea of perceived limitations struck me. I’ve encountered it in my spiritual and self-help work, but here it was, showing up in my physical healing.
Listen to the full episode:
A Quick Backstory on My Knee Injury
The injury happened in the summer of 2024 while walking my son’s dog, Luna, in the woods. She stepped slightly off the path, and when I followed, I felt a sharp, intense pain shoot through my knee. I couldn’t put weight on it and had to hop one-legged out of the woods, using a stick as a cane.
After doctor visits, an MRI, and three different knee braces, I went from walking with a cane to needing crutches. Eventually I even bought a walker. It was a torn meniscus that couldn’t be fixed by surgery. My options were heavy painkillers or chemical injections, along with physical therapy.
During recovery, I felt old, damaged, and frustrated. Physical therapy helped some, but real progress came when I hired my current trainer in February. Six months later, my knee, shoulder, posture, and core are stronger than they’ve been in years.
Hiking Alone, At My Own Pace
This hike was my first in almost two years. I used to hike with my husband, but he’s been busy with yard and garden work, so I knew this would be a solo experience.
Within the first five minutes, I realized it was easy. Easier than it had been years ago. The terrain had changed. Shrubs and greenery had filled in, and wet areas had dried. But the real difference was me. I breezed through spots that used to leave me huffing and puffing.
Once I relaxed into the forest, the hike became part gratitude walk, part meditation. I noticed how hiking at my own pace felt completely different from trying to keep up with someone else. I felt capable, strong, and fully present.
It reminded me how in life, we often compare ourselves to others’ speed, accomplishments, or income. But when we follow our own path and timing, the experience is richer and more fulfilling.
Acting “As If” You’re Already There
Another theme that came up was something Jack Canfield calls acting as if—imagining and behaving as though you’ve already achieved the life you want. On the trail, I told myself, “I’m strong. I’m healthy. Hiking is easy. Hiking is fun.” And it was true.
I also remembered the opposite. When I was stuck on the couch with ice packs, using crutches and a walker, I felt broken. Damaged. My mindset reflected that.
The power of our thoughts is real. Just as “acting as if” can move you toward your goals, telling yourself you “can’t” creates an invisible wall, a perceived limitation.
What Xien Gong Taught Me About Perceived Limitations
A few years ago in my Xien Gong class, many students could see the colors of people’s auras. I was frustrated, because I couldn’t see anything. When I expressed my frustration to my teacher, he pointed out that I only had a “perceived” limitation, not a real one. He said that if it were truly impossible, no one in class would be able to do it. The fact that they could do it meant I could too. The only thing in the way was my belief.
That same principle applied to my hike today. My knee wasn’t the limitation. My belief was.
Reflection Questions for You
Grab your journal and take a few moments to ponder these questions:
Identify your perceived limitations. What do you tell yourself you can’t do? What proof do you have that it’s truly impossible? If others can do it, why not you?
Evaluate your pace. Where in life are you following someone else’s plan or timeline? What would it look like to go at your own pace?
Act as if. What would you love your life to look like five years from now? What’s one small way you can “act as if” today?
Final Thoughts
Today’s hike taught me this: my body is stronger than I thought, my pace is mine alone to set, and the biggest limits are often the ones I create in my mind.
The next time you feel held back, whether physically, mentally, or emotionally– ask yourself if it’s a real limitation or just a perceived one.
Meet Our Host: Jennifer Robin O’Keefe
Jennifer Robin serves as a relatable, down-to-earth, REAL Wellness & Success Coach. She’s not a fancy, perfect makeup, airbrushed kind of woman. She’s been told many times, in a variety of environments, that she’s easy to talk to, and makes others feel welcome and comfortable. Her mission in life is both simple and profound: to make others feel worthy.
Professionally, Jennifer holds several wellness certifications including Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) Tapping, Thought Field Therapy (TFT) Tapping, Reiki, and more. She continuously expands her knowledge in the fields of Qi Gong, Xien Gong, Vibration/Energy Wellness and Natural Health. She also studied extensively with Jack Canfield, and serves as a Certified Canfield Trainer, authorized to teach "The Success Principles."
She’s an active reader and researcher who loves to learn, and one of her biggest joys is teaching and sharing what she’s discovered with others.
