Did we really just celebrate St. Patrick’s Day?
Imagine my surprise when I realized a quarter of the year has just about passed and I haven’t posted anything on this blog.
It’s not as if I haven’t had anything to say. It’s been quite the opposite, having recently spoken to the seniors at my alma mater, St. Ignatius; a group of SCI survivors at a hospital in Williamsport (PA); an assembly of Ohio legislators and city councilmembers at an advocacy presentation; as well as guest appearances on occasional podcasts.
However, there have been a myriad of thoughts tumbling around my cranium I have wanted to share, but for a variety of reasons, haven’t. None of them are good reasons.
Although I did come down with shingles in January that made me not want to do much of anything other than mope. You’d think that someone with an SCI and lack of sensation throughout most of his body wouldn’t be too affected by the pain that a case of shingles brings with it. You’d be wrong.
Getting Back Up consumes most of my time. I don’t talk often about the organization on this site, but we really have been plugging away. Applications are at an all-time high and we continue to dole out grants on a regular basis. Unfortunately, limited resources make it impossible to help everyone, but we do our best to make a difference in our applicants’ lives.
I also released a series of organizational tools called Optimize Your Mindset, having always been a fan of To Do lists, motivational quotes, and other organizational tools. You can find them here if interested in checking them out.
A significant chunk of my time has also been devoted to finding more help in the way of nurses and aides. It has been a challenge to attract quality individuals interested in assisting. If you have any leads, please send them my way.
Finally, I’ve been contemplating my mortality quite a bit lately.
I’m sure that sounds like a heavy statement. I guess it’s been more like a Memento Mori type of reflection as I frequently find myself pondering my life’s journey thus far, and then looking towards what might remain, wrestling with what the appropriate way to move forward is. Perhaps this is a contemplative topic to explore in much more detail in a future post.
Until then…
I continue to receive a tremendous amount of support for which I am extremely grateful. Were it not for the support, I would not be able to continue the journey I look forward to.
Stand Strong!
Scott
Hi Scott,
You continue to inspire me and so many others. I’m happy you’re feeling better after your bout w shingles. All my best,
Jim
Hi Scott, I love reading your post, as always. Spring is just around the corner, but it sure looks dead outside and maybe that is the backdrop for thoughts of mortality. I have been reading Pima Chodron’s book “How We Live is How We Die” and I’m about to start in to Sogyal Rinpoche’s book “The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying”. I’ve been finding great comfort in contemplating mortality and valuing the time we have here on this earth. Again I loved your post and for me personally it was so timely. I am so glad you are feeling better. You are very strong. Stand strong. Your friend, Sarah.
Hi Scott, I’ve been thinking about you and I’m sorry I haven’t reached out to you sooner. Having a hard time keeping aides and nurses is so troubling since there is more baby boomers who need help. So sorry you had the evil shingles. Praying for an up swing in better days.
Sad to hear about the case of shingles. However, I think it is okay to contemplate your morality. It happened to me when I had cancer. But, know that thinking this way does help “keep your feet on the ground” and to truly know what’s important in life. Have a blessed Easter season (because it lasts for more than one day!)
Hi Scott!
Happy belated birthday.
Jeff bezo’s ex-wife is giving $$
To nonprofits.
Apply?
I’m in Dublin, Oh now.
Derby day party still on?
I will be there! Love you. C
Glad to hear from you.😊
Gosh, Scott, Memento Mori is depressing. Can’t you study something more cheerful and positive? How about singing?
God bless you Scott!
Thanks for the post Scott. I hope you have a great Easter and happy that your bout with the shingles is over. God bless.