Broken Leg Chronicles
It has been 3 months and 7 days since I broke my leg playing rec soccer. And today, I’ve officially been walking on my own two feet for 13 of those days (with a small brace of course). Yep, it was a really bad break. Though I’m still hobbling around, it feels pretty good getting back to my life after feeling like my summer was a bit high-jacked by the recovery process.
But…the process of having a very broken leg was actually invaluable to me. I learned a few very awesome things this summer that I hope to carry with me into the future. Just wanted to share…
1.Things seem more special when your pace is slow. I don’t really like to go slow. I’m not going to say that I was a big fan when I had to get used to lying in bed with my foot immobilized. However, as I was forced to be more intentional around my energy level and the activities, I started to appreciate everything I was able to do more. All of the sudden, going out for dinner or to spend time was a really big deal to me. I think it’s a huge gift to be able to appreciate what you have more. I’m pretty thankful for that.
2. I am right on time. As I’m in the middle of a master’s thesis project, writing a book, trying to update my website, teaching music lessons, trying to book/play shows, working on more songs for a new album, and producing other songs that I’ve owed people for months now – I’ve struggled in feeling like I’m “behind.” But then, being broken to the point where I just really had to reschedule a lot that was on my plate, taught me to see things differently. Even though my timelines are screwed up—I feel a sudden freedom to just be where I am at. And I am right on time.
3. I respect businesses that are handi-friendly
I have a sudden appreciation for people, businesses, and organizations that go the extra mile to make sure the millions of handicapped people out there, who need to get around, are cared for. I was actually shocked by the amount of people who were extremely rude to me while I was on crutches and in a hard cast. It made me really respect those individuals and businesses who met with me with care and respect, which were also many. My leg healed, but there are a lot of permanently handicapped people out there who are just not included in society. I will no longer support businesses who I feel are doing this poorly—there is no excuse for it in today’s world for to be behind on this.
4. Breathe. Life is a blessing. It is about the person you and I are becoming. Compassionate and caring, full of kindness, grace, and truth. And deeply good to others. I am reminded that I need to breathe sometimes, count my blessings and continue to just set my priority in caring for others.
