Some days, when you least expect it, life takes a turn that you weren’t anticipating and don’t like. Unfortunately, it is out of your control and you have no say in the matter. What you do have a say in is how you prepare your body to weather life’s storms and how you respond when life throws a curveball.

If you eat well and get appropriate exercise and sleep, you will fare better not only physically but mentally too. You will be equipped to notice, appreciate and take advantage of the silver linings that your situation presents.

Today I am interviewing my mom again. This wasn’t my original plan for this week but life interrupted and gave me some great podcast material. While on an outing with my family, my mom took a bad fall. She broke both wrists, one arm and chipped a bone in her foot.

She couldn’t use either hand or walk unassisted when we brought her home from the emergency room. But she was smiling. She realized just how lucky she was. For a 67-year-old woman to have taken a bad fall and not broken a hip or had a head injury, something besides luck was in play. Her healthy lifestyle helped her to avoid more serious injury and is helping her in her recovery.

She could be wallowing in self-pity for the lost summer full of activities and adventures. She could be short tempered because she has to wait for someone to do something for her. She could be whining and complaining because she is in pain. But she isn’t doing any of that. She has a positive attitude that is rubbing off on those around her. She is focusing on the things she can do and reviewing the good things that have come from her predicament.

A few of the Silver linings:

-A complete stranger helped to get her in the car, so no ambulance was needed.

-She didn’t break a hip or hit her head.

-She has solid proof that her healthy lifestyle and fitness routine are worthwhile.

-She didn’t rip her dress.

-She didn’t need surgery.

-Her daughters are able and willing to change their schedules to give her round the clock help.

-She has a daughter who has the training and knowledge to help her heal properly without injuring herself more in the process.

-Her grandchildren are eager to help her.

-Each day brings new things that she is able to do.

-Her healthy eating habits alleviated any bowel issues common with the pain meds.

-She realizes that laughter and fun can make good memories out of hard times.

-Mom’s upbeat attitude in the emergency room spread to those around her, making it easier for everyone. The nurses were in awe of her.

-Her grandchildren are learning how to handle situations positively and that it feels good and can be fun to help others. This is especially helpful for the child who saw her Nana fall.

-They are learning that Nana is making it fun and she is pleasant to be around and that it is not by accident. It is a personality trait that she has chosen to pull in under trying circumstances.

-It is possible to get a peaceful feeling knowing that you have permission to stop completely, reassess your circumstances and adjust to meet your current needs.

You have to look hard for the silver linings in a bad situation but with practice you can learn to recognize and acknowledge them.

Homework:

1. If you aren’t in a tough time, be grateful.

2. Practice looking for silver linings.

3. Write down people who are affected by your attitude, good or bad. Think outside the box to the many people who you touch on a daily basis.

Talk to me:

www.healthaccountabilitycoach.com

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