Sunday – 3/10/2013

“Sometimes God calms the storm, sometimes He calms the sailor.” – Unknown

Today’s weather was well needed and well-timed. It hovered around 68° and was sunny for most of the day. I sat outside for a while and caught myself relishing the thought of the warmer days looming on the horizon. In fact, earlier in the week when it was only 28°, but sunny, I still found myself sitting outside for a bit. However, it’s always much more enjoyable when a slight breeze doesn’t freeze my bones like it did 40° ago on Tuesday. I haven’t even looked at the upcoming week’s weather forecast as I don’t want to ruin the “weather buzz” I have right now.

Physically, these past few weeks have been bit rougher for me than usual, with yesterday being the worst I’ve felt in some time. I’ve been battling some constant discomfort in my neck and shoulders. I actually ended up seeing a doctor a few weeks ago to see if anything could be done to help relieve the pain. My muscles have been so tight and spastic that I basically have zero range of motion in my neck. The slightest move, either left or right, feels like I am pushing my head against a brick wall. The never-ending tightness has left me feeling like my neck is encased in concrete. Heeding the doctor’s advice, I took a couple weeks off from any workouts to try to rest the muscles. However, it didn’t provide much relief, and I resumed my exercise sessions this past Tuesday.

The nagging discomfort made for a long week. It feels like my birthday was over a month ago, rather than a week ago. Of course, I am one year older so perhaps that can also be attributing to the rundown feelings I’ve been experiencing. But like I said, I feel great today compared to 24 hours ago, and am fairly certain that the warmer temperatures and sunshine have a lot to do with it. The one constant is that each day is one day closer to the summer heat that I have come to grow so fond of, more than I had ever imagined.

Still, I’ve managed to keep myself busy with a few different projects I’ve been working on. Currently, I have several speaking gigs lined up in the near future. I’ll be talking to the Eli Lilly sales team in a few weeks, followed by a visit to my old stomping grounds to speak to a school in Sylvania next month. I’ve also been able to line up a few more corporate appearances for the summer. And I’m very excited to have been selected as the Keynote Speaker for an Ohio nonprofit’s fundraiser later in the year. Additionally, there are a few other items keeping my days filled. I’m thankful for the positive things I have in my life to focus on.

For several months after my injury the first thoughts that greeted me each morning as I awoke were, “[expletive], I’m still paralyzed,” or “when will things get better?” Now those thoughts have been replaced by, “[expletive], I’ve got a lot to do today and better get going.” It’s definitely better to start the day off with a positive thought rattling around inside my cranium instead of something pessimistic that is out of my control. Even when I’m feeling at my worst, like I have been recently, I’m constantly reminded that “this too shall pass” and I’m still in a better situation today than I used to be.

I’m excited to catch up with a few people this week that I haven’t seen in some time. And I’m looking forward to one of my favorite holidays, St. Patrick’s Day, next weekend. Perhaps I may have to check that weather forecast after all. But even if I have to wait longer for those warmer days, so what, it’s not going to change the way I choose to greet each day.

My sincerest gratitude for all of the prayers, support and generosity I continue to receive!

Stand Strong!

Scott