Today, Friday, May 29th, was supposed to be my next walking session with the Atalante X exoskeleton. Ever since my last session ten days ago, I had been counting down the days. Each session represents an opportunity to challenge myself, make progress, and experience something that many people take for granted: being upright and taking steps.
As the days passed, I found myself getting more and more excited. I was thinking about what I hoped to accomplish during this session and looking forward to seeing my therapists and getting back into the rhythm of training. Walking in the Atalante X is physically demanding, but it is also incredibly rewarding. Every session teaches me something new about my body, my endurance, and my potential.
Then, on Tuesday, I received an email from my therapist explaining that all Friday sessions would need to be canceled because of HVAC repairs in the building.
I would be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed.
When you spend days looking forward to something important, hearing that it has been postponed can be frustrating. For a few moments, all I could think about was the fact that I would have to wait even longer. As someone who relies on specialized equipment, trained therapists, and scheduled appointments, opportunities like these are precious. Missing a session, even for a completely understandable reason, can feel like a setback.
After sitting with that disappointment for a while, I began to look at the situation differently.
The cancellation was nobody’s fault. Building repairs happen, and sometimes circumstances are simply beyond anyone’s control. While I could not change the fact that my session was canceled, I could choose how I responded to it.
Instead of focusing on the session I missed, I started focusing on the session that is still ahead of me.
Now, rather than counting down to Friday, I am counting down to Tuesday. In a way, the extra wait has only increased my excitement. The anticipation is building again, and I am eager to get back into the exoskeleton and continue where I left off.
One of the lessons this journey continues to teach me is that progress is rarely a straight line. Sometimes progress means taking steps forward. Other times it means being patient when plans change unexpectedly. Both require perseverance.
The Atalante X has given me opportunities that I never imagined possible, but it has also reminded me that meaningful goals often require patience. Every session matters, yet one canceled appointment does not erase the work that has already been done. The strength, endurance, and confidence I have gained over the past months are still there, waiting for me when I return.
So, while today did not unfold the way I had hoped, I am choosing to look ahead. Tuesday is now circled on my calendar, and the countdown has officially begun once again.
I cannot wait to get back into the Atalante X, stand tall, and continue this incredible journey—one step at a time.
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