Preparing for my "Life Day" anniversary

As I get ready to mark the seventh anniversary of my injury – or as I like to call it, my “life day” – I have begun paying attention to certain things that I’ve found harder to do now than earlier on in my recovery. For instance, not using my calf muscles on a regular basis have made it difficult to build those back up, just as not laboring on a roof or on scaffolding, as I used to do, have made it hard to build up other core muscles. In short, not having any sort of physical fitness regimen, has made it hard to get motivated to stay in shape.

However, thinking about all this has gotten me fired up. Like any injured veteran, I know I must work out and stay in shape, both for my own health, as well as my family's. I have been going to the YMCA for two months now, trying to get back that strength that I have lost. As a result, I have found a major improvement, not just in my strength, but also in my mood and energy. Do I like working out? Do I like being sweaty and smelly? The answer to both those questions would have to be “no,” but I know I must push past this.

As a service member, I always had my “battle buddy” to push me. Now, as a wounded vet, I have a nation to push me. Along with others in my position, I want to show everyone in our lives WE CAN be active. I have found many Americans are amazed at what we can do as we fight through our physical, mental and emotional scars, even though we consider them just part of everyday lives now.

I plan to use my stories and experience to help others, knowing it will brighten those dark days that all of us inevitably have sometimes. It will inspire them to be better people. It is truly a win/ win situation. Therefore, if you are also an injured veteran, I once again challenge you to improve your life and the lives around you. Let’s make a difference together.

BJ Jackson US Army (Ret.)
National Spokesman
CSAH