Walking the Walk
Within a couple of minutes of falling, I knew I had done more than just sprain my foot. And in fact, I had fractured the 2nd and 4th metatarsal bones in my right foot. It was the Sunday before Thanksgiving and we had just arrived at our house we had rented for the holiday week. Having a fractured foot was not part of the vacation plan.
As a transformational life coach, I guide my clients to make use of their own personal resilience team (PRT), reframe and reevaluate life situations. It’s one thing to talk the talk. Now it’s my turn to walk the walk-all be it in a clunky walking boot.
As it turned out, being away on vacation provided a respite in the initial days after my injury. I wasn’t worrying about household chores and other home-based activities. I had planned a simple Thanksgiving dinner and my husband and daughter cooked up a delicious dinner, surprising themselves (and me). I knew returning home and back to a “normal” routine would be a test. It’s not been easy.
If you aren’t familiar with my term Personal Resilience Team it’s a concept where you surround yourself with different people in your life who offer a variety of skill sets and strengths AND you ask for their help. Here’s a short list of some of the team members I believe are key;
*The Saint-drops everything to go run an errand for you (or delivers an almond milk mocha)
*The Receiver-has the listening ear and open heart.
*The Sage-dispenses wise words and soothes your broken heart.
*Madame Truth-Speaks the truth and still holds you close.
*The Blind One-Sees your greatness and ugliness and still loves and accepts you.
*The Defender-Has your back. Your ride and die person.
So, have I asked for help and tapped into my PRT? Yes, to some degree I have. I’ve had offers of help which have been wonderful! I haven’t needed much help YET but I know a time may be coming that I will. Much to the chagrin of my household, I’ve been asking for help too. (Lucky me, no poop scoop duty for a bit!)
I’m also trying very hard to reframe my current situation. This isn’t “looking at the bright side” necessarily. It’s acknowledging my situation and being very intentional about what I will think and do. I will focus on my time spent with family this holiday season, the comfort of my home, the love of my friends and family and an occasional ride in the car. What I won’t focus on is not being able to drive, walk, shop like normal for Christmas and swim. (This last one sucks.) Am I going to throw myself an occasional pity party? Hell yeah I am…but only for a very limited time. It’s healthy to acknowledge those feelings and feel it. That’s when you reach out to your Receiver or The Blind One and spit out all your sad/mad thoughts. And then you move on.
The reevaluation process hasn’t started yet. And maybe it won’t? It’s too soon to tell how I will process this whole little episode. I’m fairly certain there will be lessons ahead. I’ll try and embrace them. That’s the best I can do.