As a follow-up to my the post “I am good as possible” it seemed important to share what can happen when we take that risk, try something new, and stretch ourselves.
(Image Courtesy of My X-Ray, My Youngest Daughter and a Ski Jump)
Injury. It happens to all of us.
In this case, it happened to my right knee. While skiing/trying to catch up with my youngest daughter, I followed her over a jump. Regret arrived almost as quickly as the decision was made, only to be overshadowed by intense pain.
Obviously, it was not a great decision. That split second resulted in numerous bags of ice, pain relievers, doctors visits, x-rays, and some physical therapy.
But, we all sustain injury. Injury may be physical, emotional, or relational. Injury can happen at home, at work, on the slopes, or just about anywhere.
Injury will happen.
Some injury can be prevented, but not all.
During injury, we have to manage the pain, rest, and rebuild.
The choices we make after injury may be the most important.
We may choose to avoid.
We may choose to fear.
We may choose to stop trying.
We may choose to try again, but perhaps with a little more caution/wisdom.
The decisions we make after injury determine if our world becomes a smaller place, with less risk, less adventure.
Keeping our world big after injury is its own risk.
As my leg healed and the pain left, I kept anticipating that the pain would return. My steps were more cautious, and the memory of the pain was almost as real as when it actually hurt.
The other night was my first time chaperoning without skiing. I was not ready to put on those skis, so I modified my role. I encouraged the kids. I made sure they all knew where they were going, and cheered them on.
I have decided to ski next week. I am making the choice to keep my world big, despite the fear and memory of the pain, and possibility of another injury.
Where has injury impacted you?
What choices can you make after injury?
To continue in my role from the other night…
Don’t give up.
You can do it.
Keep your world big.
Get back up.
Get back on those skis.
Carl Weber Consulting 
Yesterday was the first day I had skied on 18″ freshly fallen snow. It was horrible. I knew if I continued on these up groomed trails( that I normally zoomed over groomed), I would have injured myself. I fell 3 times, and it gave me a healthy fear and appreciation for skiing. Best decision: to stay on groomed trails when the weather is tough. Know your limits because tomorrow (or today) I finished a 10 mile run and thanked God for the wisdom to know when NOT to take risks. I am thankful for little warnings in life (and skiing) also that say: Caution. You might want to slow down, reconsider, redirect, and remember some risks aren’t worth it in the long run.
Sharon,
Glad you are safe. I really like your comment about the little warnings and when to redirect so we can move ahead in the future!
Carl
Today. I needed this today. Today I walked for the first time in three months. And I find I am so afraid to fall again, I simply want to go home and “be safe”. So thank you. For these words, for reminding me I actually DO want to live big.
You can do it!
Carl