Life happens and there is always a lesson to be learned.
I had replacement surgery on both knee in the last quarter of 2022 and fell a few days ago for the first time since the surgeries.
As I laid there, in my head I could hear my coach saying, “Well, how long do you want to stay here?” This malady became an excellent opportunity to tweak and apply her teaching and that of my physical therapist.
From day one, my main goal in physical therapy has always been to get up from the floor totally unassisted. I learned many techniques to get up and quickly selected one to change my situation.
I placed a towel next to my knee as I rolled over onto it and shifted my weight on my knee as I grabbed the sink and pulled myself up.
Yes, I hollered as I rose to my feet but I stood up.
I STOOD UP!
I stood up and I could feel a relief wash over my body.
I felt lighter because I finally shed the fear I’d been holding onto since the surgeries. That fear was stronger than I knew but it was gone.
FINALLY GONE!
I learned many lessons from this experience.
I got what I wanted. The goal of self-sufficiency in my physicality was achieved even though I didn’t initially realize it.
I even started walking more confidently after that. The spring in my step was BACK.
The next day I walked into the physical therapy facility and hugged my therapist. I cried as I told her about my fall, how grateful I was for her and all the things she teached me that worked when I needed them the most. She started crying too but she was happy to have this knowledge to start her day!
Sometimes your BIGGEST pain can bring you the BIGGEST JOY!
Stay open and allow your lemons to give you lemonade.