Have you ever thought about how to deal with the challenges associated with injuring yourself in a minor accident? Frankly, I was ill-prepared for these challenges when I had to deal with them.
Here’s How I Injured Myself
On Friday, June 11, I fell and broke two bones in my right wrist when I was walking my dogs at a park near my home. They wanted to play with a dog they saw on the trail and broke away from me, knocking me over in the process.
My husband, Bruce, took me to the local emergency room after I got home with the dogs. (In case you were wondering, I managed to drive myself and the dogs home with one hand.) I got tremendous care from all the staff there and was sent home with my lower arm in a splint.
My daughter, Anne, took me to a follow-up appointment at the orthopedic department on Thursday. I was happy to learn that my surgery was scheduled for Monday the 21st. The surgery will be done on an outpatient basis and will take a couple of hours.
Here’s How to Stay Positive When Dealing With Challenges
- Pace yourself. Be realistic about what you can accomplish in any given day.
- Celebrate your achievements, whether they are personal or professional. For instance, I was able to prepare and execute a meeting of one of my Toastmasters clubs, while only being able to type with my left hand.
- Stay positive. Be grateful for the people in your life who provide extra assistance.
- Adjust your schedule to include necessary downtime that may be required to fully recover from whatever circumstances you’re in.
- Stay in touch with those who are concerned about you through phone calls, emails, social media direct messages, and text messages.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. For instance, I’m dictating this blog post to my daughter, Anne, who is editing it as well.
Making Adjustments In My Social Media Routines
Now is a good time for me to repurpose blog posts, so I can keep sharing valuable content on my website and on social media. I can also comment on and share others’ social media posts. It’s helpful for me to share my experience with you, but I am frustrated with the situation. I am someone who has always been purposely busy, so having to slow down is hard.
About Joyce
Joyce Feustel helps people, especially those age 55 and up, to become more effective using social media, especially LinkedIn and Facebook. She works with business owners, business development professionals, business consultants, job seekers, and more – ranging from entrepreneurs to people in large corporations. Find her at www.boomerssocialmediatutor.com.
Thanks for the positive perspective. Sometimes slowing down a bit is thrust upon the unwilling. I’m sure you will be up and running in no time. In the meantime, take care and try to enjoy the rest.
It’s so helpful to get your perspective on this topic, Carrie Linn.
Great post Joyce. Reminds us that we have to roll with the punches and keep moving forward at the pace we can achieve (rather than the pace we think we want). Hope that you heal quickly and completely and are back up to “full steam ahead” very soon.
Belated thanks to you Dale for your wonderful comment, and I sure appreciate your good wishes for my recovery.
Joyce
Joyce, Even in the midst of a challenging life situation, you manage to share your wisdom and give us social media tips too! Great job asking for help (hard for many of us) and being vulnerable with your story. Inspiring!
What a wonderful note to get from you, Jenny!
Joyce
I was thinking about you, so I am happy for the update. Your news is encouraging so you must be following your doctor’s advice (Bruce’s too)! Your frustration is understandable. I don’t think we fully appreciate what we can do until we can longer do it in the manner in which we are accustomed. Your positive attitude is a plus, Joyce. Will continue to think about you and keep you in my prayers for a full & speedy recovery.
I figured that being it’s just over a week since the surgery that it was time for an update. So appreciate you thinking of me and your prayers. You are so right about us not truly appreciating our normal day to day activities until we’re not able to do them in the way we usually do.