Perspective Shifts
Changing your PERSPECTIVE Can Allow you to Turn Your Setbacks Into Comebacks…
If you’ve ever faced a recovery from surgery or a traumatic injury, you’ve likely had a moment where you thought, “Well, it could be worse.” For me, that moment came during a checkup with my surgeon about two or three months post-op.
At the time, I still had an external fixator attached to my femur, and while the whole process had been pretty grueling, and honestly mentally draining, I was making progress. I was walking with crutches, attending physical therapy two to three times a week, and managing the pain as best I could. Sitting in the waiting room with my mom, I felt the weight of my recovery, but I also knew that my mobility was slowly and steadily improving.
That day, my mom and I were sitting in the waiting room, and I remember it vividly. A young boy, maybe four or five years old, sat across from us. He had similar hardware on his leg, and I realized something that shook me to my core: He’s going to have to endure this surgery two or three more times because he’s still growing. I looked at my mom, hoping I was wrong. She nodded quietly, confirming my fear. My heart broke in that moment- not for myself, but for him. The thought of enduring this grueling process multiple times was overwhelming, especially for someone so young.
At that moment, I thought, “It could be so much worse.” I was 16 and nearing the end of my surgical journey. My growth plates had closed, and while this recovery was challenging, it wasn’t the beginning of a series of operations. Man, I kinda felt lucky in a way. Yes, I had missed a big chunk of my high school sports experience, but I knew I would bounce back. Seeing that young patient gave me a powerful sense of perspective.
This realization didn’t diminish my struggles, but it reminded me to acknowledge both the challenges I faced and the privileges I still had. It also sparked a sense of empathy for others walking their own difficult paths. Life has a way of putting things into perspective, and this moment solidified my belief in the importance of having an unwavering sense of resilience.
The truth is, it could always be worse. This isn’t to minimize what you’re feeling—your pain, frustration, and grief are valid. But recognizing this truth can help you build the resilience needed to navigate life’s setbacks. It’s about balancing self-compassion with a broader perspective, allowing yourself to grow stronger through adversity.
As the incredible Peloton instructor Logan Aldridge so wisely says, “grow through what you go through.” Life’s setbacks can become comebacks if you face them one breath, one step, and one day at a time. Use these moments to strengthen your resilience muscle, and remember that even in the toughest times, there’s always an opportunity to find growth and purpose.
