Resilience is a word that gets thrown around a lot, but for me, it’s not just a concept, it’s a way of life. I remember a moment, years ago, when I stood at the base of a flight of stairs, hesitating, doubting whether my body could make it to the top. That hesitation, that determination to push through, captures the essence of resilience for me. It’s the thread that runs through every challenge I’ve faced, every setback I’ve overcome, and every victory I’ve earned. It’s the force that has carried me through some of the darkest and most defining moments of my life.

From my childhood spent tearing through the South African bushveld on a quad bike, to the intensity of training and serving in the British Army, resilience has always been there. It was there when I had to accept a medical discharge after an injury cut short a career I loved. It was there through five painful knee surgeries, each one testing the limits of my endurance and resolve. And it was there when I had to start over, rebuilding not just my leg, but my confidence, my purpose, and my life.

The Path to Recovery

Recovery is never linear. It’s messy, frustrating, and often feels like two steps forward and one step back. I vividly recall the hours spent on the physio table, forcing scarred tissue to bend to my will, each movement a painful reminder of what I’d lost but also a promise of what I could regain. After my first ACL surgery failed, I had to find the strength to face not just one, but multiple surgeries to fix what had gone wrong. The physical pain was immense, but the mental battle was even harder. Learning to walk again, massaging scar tissue to restore nerve pathways, and forcing atrophied muscles back to life required a kind of resilience I didn’t know I had.

There were moments when I wanted to give up. Walking up the stairs felt like climbing a mountain. Getting up from a chair became a humiliating struggle. But I knew I couldn’t let this define me. Resilience isn’t about pretending it doesn’t hurt; it’s about finding the courage to keep moving forward despite the pain.

Turning Pain into Purpose

When the pandemic hit, like many others, I found myself at a crossroads. Losing my job in construction wasn’t just a career setback; it was a moment of reckoning. I had to ask myself what truly mattered, what I wanted to build from the ashes of everything I’d lost. The answer was clear: I wanted to help others find the same resilience that had carried me through my darkest times.

That’s when Fit Purdy Academy was born. Starting the academy wasn’t easy; it required sleepless nights, relentless effort, and a belief that my story could inspire others. I remember the first client who trusted me with their journey, it was a humbling moment that reminded me why I chose this path. It’s more than just a fitness brand; it’s a mission to empower others to overcome their own challenges, to discover their inner strength, and to realise that resilience isn’t just for the select few. It’s within all of us, waiting to be unlocked.

The Power of Community

Through Fit Purdy Academy, I’ve witnessed the incredible resilience of others. One story that stays with me is of a client who, after years of injury setbacks, completed their first 5k. Their tears of joy mirrored my own moments of triumph and reminded me why resilience matters. The Fit Purdy Warriors have shown me that strength comes in many forms. It’s the single parent carving out time for themselves amidst the chaos of life. It’s the individual recovering from injury, fighting for every ounce of progress. It’s the beginner taking their first, uncertain steps toward fitness and discovering they’re capable of far more than they ever imagined.

Resilience isn’t a solo journey. It’s something we build together. Seeing the warriors of this community support, encourage, and uplift one another has been one of the most humbling and inspiring parts of my year. They’ve reminded me that we’re stronger together and that resilience grows when it’s shared.

Lessons from the Journey

This year has been a testament to the power of resilience. From building a business to watching my community grow, I’ve learned that resilience is about adapting, learning, and finding strength even when the odds seem stacked against you. It’s taught me that setbacks are opportunities in disguise, that progress isn’t always visible, and that sometimes the greatest strength lies in simply showing up. It’s reminded me that resilience isn’t about being unbreakable, it’s about learning how to rebuild when life knocks you down.

To anyone reading this who feels like the weight of the world is on their shoulders: know that you’re not alone. Resilience doesn’t mean doing it all by yourself. It means reaching out, finding your community, and taking it one step at a time. You’re stronger than you think, and every small victory is a step toward something greater.

Looking Forward

As I move into another year, resilience will remain at the heart of everything I do. It’s the core of the work I’m privileged to do with my clients, the foundation of the Fit Purdy Academy, and the driving force behind my own personal journey. Together, we’ll keep rising, keep pushing, and keep proving that no matter what life throws our way, we’ve got what it takes to overcome it.

Here’s to resilience, to growth, and to the warriors who inspire me every single day. Let’s face the future with strength, courage, and the unshakeable belief that we’re capable of incredible things.

Coach Purdy