“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don’t resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.” – Lao Tzu
Last week ended up being a time to kick off my shoes and rest my feet. Literally. I started wearing a new pair of shoes that caused a pretty nasty blister to surface on the bottom of my left foot. Because I was unaware of the intense pressure being applied to my foot, I went way too long wearing my new kicks, and did not discover the sore until it was too late. As a result, I had to forgo my therapy workouts in order to rest the foot. Thus, my attempts at looking fashionable led to me looking foolish, as I donned big, puffy, blue slippers for the past few days trying to keep pressure off my souls. Even though the blister is proving to be quite stubborn I still plan to resume my exercise regimen this week, albeit slightly modified, and looking a bit less stylish.
Not being as active and having a few more hours of downtime gave me more time to think about things. This past Sunday would have been my 6 year wedding anniversary. I will admit, there were a few times throughout the day I caught myself reflecting on what my life might have looked like had I experienced a different, yet expected outcome that never arrived. Although often not productive, it’s sometimes tough to fight human nature and not ponder what might have been. One of the things I’ve learned over these past few years is to not always try to fight the thought that may decide to randomly pop up, but rather give them a few moments to bounce around inside my brain before kicking them out. Just like other curveballs life can throw us, it’s usually better to confront something and move through it instead of trying to suppress it.
Recently, I’ve been talking with a family whose teenage son broke his neck and was left paralyzed. I finally had the chance to speak with the young man and let him know that I can appreciate and identify with what he’s going through. I really tried to instill the fact that things will get better and there is a lot of power in keeping the proper attitude. After my injury, I always found it more plausible when I was told something by someone who had experienced the same ordeal I was facing. Each individual confronts adversity in his or her own way and you can’t force someone to change their attitude if they don’t want to. But it’s possible they may change their attitude after hearing something you have to say. And so I hope I am able to reach him and offer him a reason to believe.
In fact, I touched on this very point during a radio interview I did last week with A2A Spotlight. If interested, you can listen to it at: Scott Fedor Spotlight interview.
The intent is to do a few more of these in the near future, which would be aired live on local NPR radio stations across the country. The primary goal being to highlight the work I am doing with Getting Back Up to assist others living with a spinal cord injury.
Finally, the 2012 Ohio Associated Press Media Editors Awards were recently announced. A big congratulations to John Kuntz, recipient of third place for best photo essay, A Life Interrupted, his photojournalistic feature of my story which ran in last year’s Plain Dealer.
I know I say it a lot, but I am very grateful for all of your continued prayers and support. I wouldn’t be where I am without them!
Stand Strong!
Scott
I just heard a comment that from confidence, comes courage. We can never feel someone else’s pain.
Hi Scott,
Your inspirational words are always welcome. How amazing that you continue to do these good works for others inspite of the difficulities you endure each and every day.
Blisters…may they go away quicker than quick!
Keeping you in my prayers,
You continue to inspire your readers my friend and I am in total agreement with my son’s note. You will just have to find yourself some “practical” shoes as my mother would say . Keep up the good work you do keeping all of us where we should be.
God bless
Dear Scott, The advice of Better to confront something and move through it instead of surpressing it…..was good to hear you sharing that. Also not to let it take tons of time in your head, just some…… Like they say push it under the carpet and its still there, only to surface at another time….. I continue to pray for you and your goals. How can you not look back sometimes. It is human nature….you have shown your strength to others in so many ways. you continue to amaze me and others. The world is yours Scott! Please continue to share it with everyone! You always do it in the most kind, gentle way. Sure hope that blister heals quickly…..kh
I look forward to your updates. You ALWAYS inspire, and make me appreciate so much more all that God has blessed me with.
I hope your blister heals very soon, and you can get back to your exercise routine.
God Bless You,
Mary
I agree that having gone through the same sort of accident or living with the same type of condition does gives a large amount of credibility to your words that other people who haven’t experience the same thing have a much more difficult time achieving.
I think it’s imperative for newly injured people to hear over and over (especially from veteran quadriplegics/paraplegics who have “been there done that”) that life WILL get easier. The first year after my accident was the most difficult year of my life, even though I was happy every single day. I just hope that people like you and me show other people (paralyzed or not) that undergoing something seemingly tragic doesn’t have to make you bitter, and can even make you better! (That’s true for me.)
Scott,
Thanks for the words you bless me with. I know it helps you to say them……but it helps many of us to read them as we walk down our own roads, filled with thoughts that we too would rather not sneak up on us. Thanks my friend.
Love,
Rick
It’s always good to hear your updates! I hope you are feeling better (and more stylish) very soon! 🙂