Lessons

This healing process is jam-packed with lessons to be learned . Beyond the logistics of daily
chores , there is much to be gained from a quiet musing on life and the predicament in which I now find myself . The following are a few :
* Slow Down - Rushing to do things leads to skipping conscious , thoughtful decisions .
One not only misses the beauty of the moment , but compromises safety .
"Act in haste and repent in leisure " !
*Appreciate the expressed wishes of others - Whether or not they follow through , be
grateful for the fact that a stray kind thought was given the reality of
audible words . " I'll call you "...I'll stop by to visit "... " If you need anything ,
just let me know "... In that moment , they really do mean it...really
do intend to help you , but life intrudes and they can't always bring the
wishes to reality . Rejoice in the intention !
* Be grateful for what you can do - Although this might be a legitimate time for a small
"pity party ", fight the feeling...others are far worse off than you and
doing much better with their trials than are you ! There are novel ways
to use kitchen gadgets to reach and move things to accomplish daily tasks.
If careful , many of the things once done can still done . Think outside the box !
* Enlist aid where it is genuinely needed - Don't be shy to ask for help for those things
you really cannot do . You've given it the "old college try" and still can't
navigate those garage stairs to do laundry , or vacuum the carpet , or
change the bedlinen or... The neighbors have been asking what they
can do to help . Make a short list . Surprisingly , they're delighted to help !
One older lady was so happy to put through a load of laundry . We chatted
over cups of tea between cycles and made what was once a chore , a
social occasion and we were each the better for it !
* Despite the discomfort of the moment , this is temporary - The bones will heal ,
physical therapy will be over , mobility will be restored , work will
be resumed and life will go on . The trick to full recovery , of course ,
is not to forget the lessons learned and to pay forward the kindnesses given.