Learning to Balance Life's Unexpected Lessons
Life often has a way of surprising us with its twists and turns. We get caught up in the hustle and bustle, constantly chasing our goals, only to find ourselves overwhelmed when the year comes to a close. We're quick to label ourselves as failures, dwelling on all the things left undone. It's in these moments of self-doubt that we often forget to recognize the accomplishments that unfolded, often outside our meticulously crafted plans.
In the past year, I found myself with a list of aspirations: completing my musical, growing my coaching business, and escaping to South Florida for a winter getaway. But life had its own agenda. A fall left me nursing a back injury that not only took a toll on my physical well-being but drained me emotionally and robbed me of my mental focus.
Remarkably, this setback held within it a profound lesson—a spiritual awakening of sorts. I came to realize that I hadn't been supporting myself fully in the way I needed. This newfound insight became my source of strength and motivation to heal, to recover, and ultimately, to support myself as I deserved.
As I embarked on physical therapy, I was confronted with an unexpected challenge—I had lost my sense of balance. I couldn't stand on one foot, on either side, for even a second. This was a humbling experience, especially for someone who had spent years as a tap dancer, where everything hinged on balance. In that moment, I understood that balance transcends the dance floor; it's a life skill.
The journey towards regaining my physical balance paralleled a deeper journey within myself. I realized that supporting myself wasn't just about the physical aspect but also about nurturing my emotional, spiritual, and mental well-being. This injury, although painful, became an opportunity for immediate growth, teaching me lessons I might have otherwise discovered much later in life.
Despite the setbacks and unfulfilled goals, I refused to succumb to feelings of failure. It would have been easy to fall into the trap of imposter syndrome, questioning my ability to coach and help others when I felt I was faltering. But I knew better. I recognized that if I didn't take into account the challenges I'd faced and the lessons I'd learned, I'd be robbing myself of acknowledging the successes I'd achieved through the experience.
Caring for myself physically was a significant achievement, and the twice-weekly physical therapy sessions worked wonders. Even the few months with an implant, which kept me away from my beloved Miami, weren't failures. They were moments of self-care and the initial steps toward recovery, jumpstarting my physical therapy.
The mental hurdles I encountered brought about a unique opportunity—an opportunity to scrutinize aspects of my life from new angles. Through this introspection, I was able to graduate from physical therapy for my back just a few weeks ago. While my musical remains unfinished, and I haven't written most of the songs, I now hold a complete story in my hands—an accomplishment I hadn't managed in the two years since the show's inception. That, to me, is an incredible achievement.
My coaching business may not have grown as quickly as I hoped this past year. I spent countless hours sitting at my desk, enduring excruciating pain. However, my experiences led me to create a program that brings together tools I've had at my disposal for years. These tools, now fresh in my consciousness, have proven invaluable, not just to me, but to so many others facing similar challenges.
Life is unpredictable, and it often throws us off course. But remember, it's not about the destination; it's about the journey and the invaluable lessons we learn along the way. Embrace life's twists and turns, for they are the threads that weave the tapestry of your unique story. Stay tuned for more stories of triumph and resilience, and let's continue to inspire and support one another on this beautiful journey of life!
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Here's what this 4-week program offers:
Celebrate your 2023 accomplishments, no matter how big or small.
Gain clarity by setting goals and priorities to keep you motivated.
Create a 12-month plan with a backup plan to ensure your success.
Develop a detailed action plan to make it all happen. But most importantly, we'll celebrate the success you've already achieved this year, turning it into fuel for your future endeavors.
You get to experience what it is to work with an ICF coach one-on-one and in group coaching sessions.
Skip Sams
Self-Discovery Coach ICF Certified
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