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Monday, February 1, 2010

...let's celebrate...


"Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan 'press on' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race." ~Calvin Coolidge

Today I met a lovely woman named Janet who is recovering from surgery to her foot. We chatted briefly about surviving physical ailments, and how much more challenging it is than it appears on the surface. It was really nice to speak with her and realize that my own recovery progress, while not complete yet, may be a tiny source of inspiration to others.

It's easy to be tough on yourself, especially when you are used to performing at a certain level and something sets you back. Whether it's physical, mental, psychological, or emotional, a set back is still a set back. And giving yourself credit for hard work and accomplishments (no matter how minor they seem) is so important.

I remember the first time I drove my car after my eye surgery. Not a pretty sight -- pun intended. In fact, the first weekend I ventured out behind the wheel I had to have my beloved friend, Bob Birdsall, drive me home! Bobby was visiting Marin County from Chicago and even my walking was unsteady at that time. Too much visual disturbance made me stagger horribly! There was NO CHANCE I was able to drive myself home at night. It was scary enough to drive in daylight. I remember how bizarre it was to have vision in my new eye, and trying to 'read' all the overwhelming visuals from driving on the freeway. Yikes! Talk about un-nerving. And today I can zip up-and-down the 101 as much as I like (as long as there is daylight; my night vision is still suspect), which is progress indeed!

And to further keep things in perspective, one of the two American Medal Contenders in Skier X, Daron Rahlves (USA), dislocated his right hip after a nasty wreck over the weekend, and my friend Casey Puckett (USA), the other American Medal Contender in Skier X, reinjured his shoulder earlier in the week. And yet both are recovering at home and should be ready for the Vancouver Olympic Games. Go Team USA!

So, while I may occasionally get frustrated by constant headaches, crippling breakthru pain, changes in vision, etc., it's so important to give myself credit for the progress I have made. To that end, I'm going to give myself a mental hug & smile big knowing that my perseverance is paying off.

Let It Rain
performed by Living Things
http://tinyurl.com/ccmwdt
Let It Rain by Living Things


Onward & upward! ;-)

1 comment:

  1. I am so happy to hear that things are going better for you! It sounds like hard work you've put in over time may be coming to fruition on a number of fronts at once. Your capacity to Get Stuff Done is remarkable. And the site and blog look great.

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