First person: Sidelined moments offer perspective, opportunities for growth

Perspective sometimes brings with it a more intense dose of, well, perspective, and my current angle on viewing life matches what you see in the photo above.

Indeed, the left ankle is broken, but being the overachiever that I am, the break turned out to be a trimalleolar ankle fracture (three places) along with a dislocation, which requires a bit longer recovery period.

You know I would love to share an elaborate story of how it all happened, but it’s really quite boring — the stairs won.

Still, even with continually running through all the “what ifs” of how I could have avoided the situation and the ability to recall the seriously extreme pain when it happened, perspective is making all the difference.

Grateful for so much

The injury could have easily included my wrists, which would have precluded me from fully participating in my work as an editor. I’m grateful no part of my upper body was affected. I’m also grateful for laptops and internet access, so I can easily work from home.

I’m grateful for kind, quick and knowledgeable paramedics as well as the vast medical team who cared for me at every level. And while physical therapy isn’t always fun, I’m grateful.

My gratefulness extends to our team at TAB Media Group. Everyone jumped into action immediately to deal with every detail of what needed to be reworked, adapted and communicated as soon as they learned of my injury.

They also did it with pinpoint crisis management precision where everyone took a specific responsibility and did it well. They were organized, clear in their communication and trusted each other. And the effort continues.

Additionally, my hubby along with family and friends who live nearby have been an incredible help, and those from across the state and nation have served to keep me encouraged and supported in a variety of creative ways.

It’s hard to be restricted on movement, and it’s difficult to need others to help with simple daily routines.

But the experience has helped provide perspective and a deep dose of appreciation related to what is possible each day.

Rather than focusing on what I can’t do, I’m working hard to be a good steward of the time.

Embracing what I can do

While I won’t be able to lift furniture from the truck when my friend moves to her new apartment next week, I can help recruit others to assist and organize the flow of the move.

The injury is preventing me from participating in many activities and events right now, but I’m still able to connect with lots of people.

I’m also finding more time to read Scripture, pray and hear from the Lord as well as read some of the books stacked up near me.

And with an extremely limited activity calendar, I’m able to focus more intently on the latest items needing attention at TAB Media Group as well as help co-workers out with some of their individual projects, which I hope provides some extra margin in their lives.

I’m determined not to waste one second of this sidelined moment, and I’m expecting God to show up each day. So far, He’s been faithful beyond what I could have truly imagined.