To Strive or Not to Strive

I went to the doctor today for my six week follow up (I have had orthopaedic appointments every six weeks since August). As usual, I waited an hour in the waiting room. As usual, they took me in for the usual battery of x-rays followed by another 15 minute wait in the examining room. Instead of the usual walk around the room and squats that the doctor normally observes, though, my doctor didn't insist upon a fitness performance today. Today, he asked me something entirely different, am I ready to give up. I have to say, the question took my by surprise. My doctor was inquiring as to whether I wanted to continue trying to improve my physical circumstances! Since the car accident, I have been physically limited, not to mention the pain that persists on at least a semi-weekly basis. He wanted to know if I was willing to settle for less than ideal physical health and truth be told, I was tempted. It's not a picnic going to physical therapy twice a week, just so I can be as good as I was 7 months ago. I left without giving the doctor an answer. I think I need to think a bit more before deciding whether or not to give up on myself.