The One Thing You Need To Remember When You’re Having A Bad Day

Issy

I’m currently doing some work in the gym with a twelve year-old named Issy. Together we’re working to improve her overall strength, fitness and function. This morning she arrived at the gym with a five-hundred page book – apparently, some light reading while she waited for her appointment with me. She tried to explain to me what it was about but sadly, it was over my head. She also arrived with a good attitude, her mum and her wheelchair. Yep, her wheelchair.
Issy is a paraplegic.

Courage

She only has movement from the sternum up but she has commitment and determination from the toes up. You see, sometimes life requires that we let go of certain things (destructive habits, negative attitudes, limiting beliefs, self-destructive behaviours, unhealthy relationships) and sometimes it demands that we fight (to overcome, to succeed, to learn, to survive, to be independent, to walk). While I might be feeling sorry for myself in a similar situation, I don’t detect even a hint of self-pity, frustration or anger in my young charge. All I see is focus, courage and determination.

All I see is someone willing to fight. To find the good. To be the change. To wriggle a toe. Or bend a knee. Even a tiny bit. To gain more movement. More function. More independence. To do the seemingly-impossible. To fight. And fight. Just like many before her have done. Science and logic say that Issy will never take one step. Fortunately, neither of us have much faith in science or logic.

So, how bad is your day?