Adding Insight to Injury!

I have so enjoyed the journey of the last month! A broken wrist can do quite a number on your life and reflection can bring good insight.

Lessons sometimes have to be learned the hard way, breaking your wrist hurts but the healing process has really brought some quality improvements.

Here is my short list of lessons, from the school of hard knocks and fractures!

 #1 I had to depend on others a bunch in order to accomplish even the simplest tasks. This can be a humbling experience, not being able to open the pickle jar for your wife and instead asking your oldest daughter to help, does make a temporary dent in your masculinity. It also teaches you that others care and are willing to help; sometimes you just have to ask. We could all benefit from this, not as a tool of laziness, but as a proponent of collaboration. People like to help people, each person gains from the experience. My daughters love the opportunity to cook with my wife and I, and sometimes I have viewed that as "awe that's just going to take more time and energy", what am I crazy! Why would I want to rob them from the satisfaction of helping and learning? The nugget here is collaborate, involve others, it really is good for everyone.

 #2 My tragedy slowed me down enough to reinstate the direction off my life. Please do not go out and break something just so you can plot your life's purpose. I do however recommend that we all stop... slow down… and regain focus. Where are you going? How important are your loved ones? Where are you spending the most time? Are you passionate about what you're doing, or are you faking it? These questions should be addressed, and they have for me over the past month. A temporary halt to my woodworking profession has allowed me to get in touch even more deeply with my heart and desire to help small business owners grow and develop their business. Take time to get to know yourself and make sure your being true to that person in all your endeavors!

 #3 I read a ton. Reading and Discovering! This is my pitch to all you TV lovers out there; I know Dancing with the Stars is addictive. I have had shows too, that have sucked me in for the whole season. I have also turned off our TV and no one died. It has been off for 4 years now, and yes, we are all healthy, we stay plenty informed and cannot imagine how we could fit TV time into our lives anymore. We read! Reading books, blogs, trade journals and some just for pleasure. Books have really changed me, and my family and they can do the same for you. Never underestimate this powerful resource. Go ahead and try it! Readers are leaders!

 To add insult to injury is just making it worse. Although the past month has been tough financially, I also believe it could have served as the catalyst for an even brighter future.

 Have you had any similar experiences?