Dear Readers,
I have been away for quite some time, healing from a serious fall I took while protecting my grandchild; I broke both arms. Now you can imagine what life is like with no arms, can you not? Certainly you can: just put both of your thumbs in your waistband and keep them there for 3-4 weeks. :-) Now do life. With both arms in slings, I was not able to write until recently. I'm glad to be back!
The thing I wish to say clearly and profoundly, is that even in the midst of a challenge such as this, it is possible to live from amazing inner strength and positive foresight. I was actually quite astonished to experience feeling a profound strength from the very beginning---each step of the way, continuing now. And I attribute this inner strength and positiveness to the magnificent world of coaching! When a person shifts his/her inner life and convictions toward "I can do this...what do I need to learn first?"...everything is different. Everything! (And I also credit the profound world of life-changing therapy that prepared me so well for the coaching world...)
Speaking from the Soul...Caringly, Assertively
I am putting this writing under the category of "voice coaching". I first put "life coaching," and then I realized that my soul was speaking hugely throughout my recovery from my accident; I also was wonderfully assertive about getting my needs met (using my speaking/soul/True-Self Voice), right from the "get go." Can you imagine: the nurse in the 1st E.R. told me to "take off my shirt and put on a gown...hospital policy." I thought she was insane (in a made-up reality). So after I moved an inch and shrieked, I simply refused to do so. (Ya, right...take your shirt off with two broken arms? Go figure!) My policy trumped "hospital policy."
Listening to my body became a strenghth---once I understood what truly was going on after landing in a second E.R. from unbearable pain. I'd been mis-diagnosed with one broken arm, not two. So when my right arm started screaming (another voice), I quickly called an ambulance (a resourceful voice). Nonetheless, I kept listening and responding to my emerging needs. I felt empowered each step of the way. And way down deep, I felt a profound strength about getting through this well, doing quantum healing, and collecting the spiritual gifts that, of course, "must be in this experience somewhere," I thought.
Spiritual Gifts Within this Experience
I found them: surrender, learning to receive, staying exquisitely in the moment, honoring my body, asking for help, accepting help from many others, receiving care like I'd never received in my life before; rejoicing in the love of friends and family who were helpfully magnificent and generous, and getting parts of my Self back that I didn't realize needed reclaiming. Some of the other gifts included another reminder about how quickly one's life can change...temporarily or permanently...and to never take the simple things for granted (like being able to take off your glasses by yourself); becoming even closer to my husband; asking friends for help who offered to run errands; asking strangers for help (e.g. to open heavy doors in/out of public restrooms, etc.)---even to lift a gas pump after I was only wearing one sling; not feeling victimized for one second; only having a tiny bit of guilt for "doing this to myself"...and then releasing it; and more.
A huge "gift" from this experience was hearing people say how amazingly I handled the whole thing (Judy, Fran, Ed). That surprised me (I appreciated the acknowledgement), since it felt totally natural to be in the mindset of: "I can do this well."
Another "gift" was getting tremendously clear about doing only things that I truly want to do with my time. I surround myself with wonderful friends and family, and am now even more "picky/choosey" about what I'll do, when I'll do them, or not. I gave a teleseminar for SIG group coaches, and finished revising my newest book, Find Your Voice, An Introduction to Vocal Basics and the Voice of Your Soul, with the able assistance of Marlene Oulten, "Write Choice Virtual Assistant." (Thank you, Marlene!)
Speaking of gifts...my husband, John, has earned some extra angel wings since April 22nd. His kindness is/was superlative, and his helpfulness---unimaginably huge. We even went to Canada (see jpgs in Photo Album of windy-haired me at Peyto Lake, pix with Evan (grandchild), Lake Louise and L.L. Glacier)---enjoying the Banff and Lake Louise area---fabulous, gorgeousness beyond what I've ever experienced. I saw two Moose, we saw huge Elk, a Mama Grizzly and cub (from the safety of a gondola), and deer. We walked 2 miles a day, and I got so I didn't mind so much if people stared at me (that took a while) looking kind of unusual in my arm slings. (Actually, I could see their "wheels turning," trying to imagine how they'd manage if in my spot.) By the end of the trip, I could close the door to the rental car...all by myself.
Develop and Utilize Your Top 5 Strengths
One thing to remember if you decide to become a devotee of Strength-based living: find out what your top 5 strengths are, and use them every single day. If I don't use my top one every day, I'm not a happy camper. So I make sure to carve out time for my creativity and love of learning. I did this during my recovery, which reinforced my resolute mindset, "I can do this well." I watched a ton of nature shows on the "Discovery Channel." You, also, can bring and build your devotion to strength-based living, if you so choose---bring it into every arena of your life.
Notice, I used my voice in my inner world to "direct" the flow of my soul. Or was it the other way around?
Doesn't really matter which comes first as long as we "find our voices," listen to them, and speak authentically from them, we can live life as empowered people.
My accident underscored my devotion to this new way of living. I think it's possible to do---choosing strength-based living---w/o experiencing a crisis. Of course, you'll discover what suits you best if you decide to become devoted to this empowering mindset like I have. In the meantime, here's to you and your burgeoning strengths! Be sure to use that authentic, magnificent voice you have throughout the process of becoming more empowered.
Blessings, Nicki
Comments