Monday 23rd August 2010 – There’s a lesson in everything?
23 Aug 2010 3 Comments
in Words Tags: a reason for everything, Bike, Cycling accident, epiphany, learn
14 days since my cycling accident
My 12 year old, who is an eternal optimist, told her friend – who is also 12 and has been diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes – “there’s a reason for everything.” He was mad with her for saying that and so was I when the same words were said to me! I was mad-angry AND a tad mad-coocoo – but that may just be the drugs I’m still on.
But after 2 weeks of battling to move, being trapped in a reclined position and having a “child-minder” with me every time I shower. I get it – there is a lesson in here, not only for me but for some of those around me too.
STOP –BREATHE – THINK!
I’ve gotten all tangled up in the complexities of life, struggling to keep up with today’s fast pace and altering circumstances. I thought I was being ‘change-fluent’ but actually adaptational fatigue was setting in and it hit me hard (along with the tar of course).
My 15 year old admitted to me that she’s actually enjoyed me being trapped at home because I’m accessible again and can’t escape with an excuse of being busy with work or needing to fly out for a training cycle. When she saw the hurt in my eyes she quickly responded with “ I love you mom and you’re a great mom-n-all but I like having you where I can get you all the time.” Ahhh teenagers – you gotta luv em.
It does however make me realise that I’m often not in-the-present. I’m worried about “what’s next”.
There is never a challenge without an opportunity and mine is the realisation that today is special and my resources are to be found within not ‘out-there’.
I’ve had so many mini-epiphanies in the past 14 days some of which I hope others will gain from:-
- Things DO happen for a reason and you should always try find the lesson
- There’s no point fighting the situation you’re in. Surrender to it and ride the tide
- Accept help from others. It helps you and lets them do something useful which brings about self-worth and gratitude
- DO IT. Nike is right ‘Just Do It’! Mrs Bones (see entry of 11 Aug) has no chance of ever doing anything wilfully again. Whilst you’re still able – ‘do it’. Don’t wait for the right moment, or enough money, or the right circumstance. I was told by a 68 yr old last week she wishes she’d tried weed/pot/hash in her time. I’m gonna go and buy her some the moment I can walk so that she can experience it!
I’m using those special bath salts which I was saving because today I’ll enjoy them, tomorrow I may be in hospital! - You have people around you who love you. Love them back and make time for them. I’ve been ‘friends’ with one beautiful person for over 10 years and it is only since she brought me supper and came to my house for the first time did I realise how much I’ve missed in not spending more time with her!
- Your mom loves you. My mom has always been around for me and of course she loves me! The accident has however made me realise how I underestimated that love, and how much a mommy’s love can do for you.
- A set back is a set for a come back. I’m filled with anticipation, high hopes and new resolutions and I didn’t even have to wait for a New Year! Watch this blog and track my progress back onto the bike and beyond.
There are many more learnings, but that’s enough for now.
