The Weight Of Neglect  

Do You Consider a Two Pound Weight Heavy?

In the world of physical fitness, a 2-pound weight doesn’t command much respect. It’s seen as too light to offer any real challenge or benefit. However, this inconsequential weight can transform into a significant challenge when held continuously over time, especially if held with an outstretched hand.

What starts as a trivial task gradually evolves into a test of endurance, where the muscles, initially unbothered, soon begin to ache under the strain. This transformation of a 2-pound weight from a negligible to a significant load is a powerful metaphor for the cumulative impact of physical and emotional neglect. Just as the muscles falter under a prolonged physical load, our bodies and minds can bear the scars of unaddressed injuries and emotional wounds over time.

This concept of a gradually increasing burden became a personal truth for me, as I learned through an experience that didn’t seem so big in my youth but left lasting effects. In my 20s, I saw myself as unbreakable. I just finished my military service, and my body was young and strong. I healed quickly after each time I fell. I believed injuries were just temporary setbacks. This belief was put to the test when I suffered a collarbone injury.

At the time, this injury was just another hurdle in my path. My ‘unbreakable’ mindset led me to dismiss the need for proper care and treatment. Instead, I allowed the injury to heal on its own. But my collar bone did not heal in the expected form because I wasn’t resting properly. This seemed like a minor issue back then, but as the years passed, this oversight began to manifest in ways I had not anticipated.

A decade later, the consequences of that neglected injury became painfully apparent. The once collar bone fracture had subtly but significantly altered my posture and muscle alignment. This misalignment, initially imperceptible, gradually began to impose restraints on my body. It wasn’t until many years later when I started experiencing discomfort, not just in my shoulder but in areas seemingly unrelated to the original injury. Maybe it’s not an intuitive connection to make, but the hips, neck, and even knees usually begin to bear the brunt of a problem that had its roots in an injury like I had.

The pain in my shoulder had long since faded, but the impact of the misshapen bone had triggered a chain reaction throughout my body. Over the years, my body compensated for this imbalance in ways I hadn’t noticed. Muscles adjusted, posture shifted, and these compensations built upon each other, leading to a complex web of issues. A singular, localized problem had, over time, transformed into a multifaceted challenge.

I know I used an example of a collarbone break, but to be clear, even a toe fracture can create a similar ripple effect of a chain of injuries that occurs due to an imbalanced body.

This journey mirrors the broader truth about the nature of unattended injuries and traumas. Like the weight that grows heavier the longer it’s held, these unattended issues when not adequately addressed at the outset, can lead to complex, deep-rooted problems. ​​The initial pain might go away, but the root problem can spread through our lives in surprising and deep ways.

From this experience, I learned the critical importance of addressing injuries when they occur. It’s not just about healing the immediate pain but about understanding and preventing the long-term impacts of neglect. This important lesson is true for both our bodies and our psyche. Emotional troubles that we don’t take care of right away, even if they seem small, can get bigger and show up in different parts of our lives. This can throw things off balance and lead to bigger problems that are tougher to fix later. Believe it or not, that can even lead to physical injuries. The body keeps the records even if you don’t.

Injuries are a part of life. This is a fact. And how we handle them is a conscious choice. The weight of neglect, whether stemming from a physical injury or emotional hurt, becomes a burden when unattended. Taking care of ourselves is not just about addressing the immediate pain but understanding and preventing the long-term impacts of injuries.

By learning from my experience and recognizing the importance of timely and relevant intervention, we can prevent minor problems from turning into more significant and complex issues, ensuring a healthy balance.

The metaphor of the 2-pound weight illustrates how small, unattended problems can escalate over time when we do nothing. Doing nothing is also an active choice in itself.

This shows us that how big a problem feels doesn’t only depend on the problem itself but also on how we deal with it. If we pay attention to and take care of our pain points when they occur, we can control the outcomes better.

Be aware of the weight you are carrying and consciously work to make it lighter, actively looking after your well-being.  Yes, work is required, but you are worth it. 

Do something amazing,

Tsahi Shemesh
Founder & CEO
Krav Maga Experts