There are certain days each year that I like take a few moments to reflect on the past year and look ahead to the next and today is one of them because it’s my birthday. I turn the big 3-5 today and it’s a bit crazy to think of all that has happened.

I love being a physical therapist, but at my previous two jobs, I always felt like I was missing something and not completely satisfied. I had this voice inside of me saying that there was more out there and it turned from a whisper to a large shout that I couldn’t ignore anymore. I finally listened to it and my many mentors and took the leap to start Connect Physical Therapy. I will be the first to tell you the last year has been the hardest of my life with a lot of increased stress and anxiety without even factoring in the pandemic and everything else. On my hardest days, I still am happy with my decision to go out on my own and be my own boss. As I look to the next year, I want to continue to grow Connect PT and to help more people feel better and be able to achieve their fitness and activity goals. I want to continue to expand my knowledge and skillset and to better be able to treat my patients my learning from my peers and attending continuing education courses. I also want to find more ways to be involved in the community and have a positive lasting effect.

Today is also the first class of the Women’s Leadership Program through the ND Women’s Business Center and I am looking forward to growing in all aspects of leadership over the next six months. I’m a firm believer in personal growth and striving to be a better version of myself. I’m excited to not only meet 19 new women I probably wouldn’t otherwise meet and get to know, but to be a part of each other’s journey to improving ourselves.

I’m going to end with two quotes that I find to be helpful when I start to lose focus and need to remember my why. I’m excited to see what this next year has in store for me and can’t wait to see how Connect PT continues to grow.

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” – Theodore Roosevelt

“Tempest-tossed souls, wherever you may be, under whatever conditions you may live, know this: In the ocean of life the isles of blessedness are smiling and the sunny shore of your ideal awaits your coming. Keep your hands firmly upon the helm of thought. In the core of your soul reclines the commanding Master; He does but sleep; wake Him. Self-control is strength. Right thought is mastery. Calmness is power. Say unto your heart, “Peace. Be still.”” - James Allen

If you are interested in learning more or about treatment options, don’t hesitate to call/text 701-318-4731 or email connectptnd@gmail.com to learn how we can help. Don’t forget to follow on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on the happenings at Connect Physical Therapy.

- Alison Fuhrman, PT, DPT, CMPT, OCS