Mere seconds compose our lives. That tick of the clock’s small hand quickly turns into minutes to days to weeks to months to years. In those seconds, we face moments where the privileges of choice are removed from our hands. We are left with outcomes based off of our decisions, actions or in their absence.
Flash back two months. I found myself patiently waiting in the hospital’s emergency room with my humerus out of the socket. OK, rather anxiously waiting. See, I had been here before and knew the procedure as this was my second dislocation in the last year and a half.
Physical evidence. I should have shaved.
A typical Sunday two-minute sparring round left me with more damage to the shoulder that I had been working to avoid the impending operation. The MRI showed a Bankart and Hill Sachs lesion to the capsule. Let’s just say, in less scientifical terms, my shoulder was FUBAR. Well, besides the doc’s magical hands and an operating table.
One mid-day phone call scheduling the date and time of my surgery confirmed the inevitable. My procrastination and theory quickly turned into reality.
In that moment, it all became real. The planning of a speedy recovery, the uphill battle of rehab, forced time off from training, the inability to cut your own damn steak for crying out loud.
My emotions were flooded with anger and despair. Then followed by the cliche “why me?”. You may have not dislocated your shoulder and had to face surgery, but we’ve all been in a similar circumstance.
Those moments when you have no luck yet a ton of regret. You are so angry at yourself and pissed at anyone surrounding you. Might as well be their fault too. And probably worst of all, you feel sorry for yourself.
And then three minutes passed…
That’s all it took. In less time than you would take to read this or finish a few rounds of intervals.
In those 180 seconds, my mental state took a complete 180 degree turn.
(Not like this…)
My anger fueled the fire. This negative energy transformed into motivation to rise above the challenges ahead.
You can either stand up to the beast or run away with your tail between legs. That beast is the individual that looks back at you in the mirror. You will always be your own worst enemy and your trusty sidekick.
You may not be in control of the cards you are dealt, but that doesn’t mean you have to fold. Even though your hand may suck at the moment, put on your best poker face and don’t show a sign of weakness.
Take hold of your mind. Find the light in darkness. Recognize when you let those thoughts control you. It will be a constant battle but one that you will come out victorious.
Remember, the outlook on those mere seconds will compose your life. How do you want to look back and remember it?
Make a 180 degree turn.
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