Page 14 - The Wave Holistic and Metaphysical Journal March/April 2016

Spirit in Business
by Aimèe Lyndon-Adams and Karen Halseth
Is this Good Or Is This Bad?
“We have reviewed the x-rays and your foot is broken.”
I heard these words on the very day that I had begun my end-of-the-year time-off. I had envisioned walks on the beach, afternoon movies, and having open-ended time to take a look back on 2015 to welcome in the guidance and inspiration for 2016. In one moment,
my plans were no longer possible; now replaced with
a temporary cast and crutches, along with mind-and- body-dulling pain medication.
Remember the saying, “Life is what happens when
you have other plans”? This accident was not life threatening, but it was very life altering. Pondering how it could have been so much worse helped for a moment, and yet the pain reminded me how serious this was as for me. Getting to the bathroom and back, and attempting to find my balance on crutches, took all my energy. I had hoped to soon have a walking cast, but then learned it would be 6 weeks before I could put weight on the injured foot.
One might observe that things looked pretty bleak. My life’s apple cart had been upset, for sure! So was this accident a bad thing? I did learn a lot of lessons from it, so was it a good thing?
The answer is, it is not a good thing or a bad thing.
It just is. How we choose to experience an event determines whether or not the event turns out to our benefit.
Each day after my accident has brought new lessons – new opportunities to choose how I will respond to my current circumstances. As I reflect on the lessons I have learned, I can see how they can readily apply to how we choose to experience the challenges of owning our own business.
BE OPTIMISTIC
& ADD A TOUCH OF REALISM TO THE MIX
My optimism said I would need a couple of weeks to get stronger and then I could navigate on crutches and be driving. My recollection from the conversation in the emergency room was that my foot would be x-rayed and a permanent cast would be applied. My optimistic mind wove the story that I would have a walking cast and be mobile quickly. When I saw the doctor, reality hit like a tidal wave. She did not give me a walking cast. Instead, I was instructed that I must be non-weight bearing on that foot for a minimum of 6-weeks!
BIZ: Look at your task or project with optimism and create the best plan possible. Take some time away and come back with a fresh perspective. Then, make any changes necessary to time lines and expectations. Being realistic is going to support you in the long run.
A SMALL CHANGE CAN MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE
I was unstable on crutches and needed to have my
cell phone with me at all times. I didn’t always have pockets. Inevitably, the phone would ring on the opposite side of the room. Moving quickly to get to the phone was not an option.
Solution: I ordered short servers aprons with 4 pockets. I now have my cell phone, notebook, pen, and lip balm always within reach. I am going to continue using the apron at home when I return to a normal walking life - I love it!
BIZ: Don’t allow yourself to be bogged down by annoyances and time wasters. The solution could be very simple and inexpensive. Let go of anything you are tolerating. It is an unnecessary energy drain.
ASK FOR HELP AND SAY “YES”WHEN IT IS OFFERED
For most of us, asking for help can be a stretch.
Since my foot has been ensconced in a purple cast,
I have needed help with just about everything; rides, groceries, cooking, laundry, extended care for my little dog, picking up a knee scooter, returning the scooter
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