Earlier this week we noted a story about the often painful transition to a less aggressive, less violent, less taxing and (alas) usually less adrenaline-pumping activity. It’s not something we like to dwell on, but it’s worth paying attention to because most of us will have to make that shift, at some time, in one activity or another. And it’s something that should be managed with grace, without bitterness, without throwing in the towel altogether.
With that in mind, take a look at a Pamela Stagg’s thoughtful piece in Toronto’s Globe and Mail. Stagg is an avid kayaker whose back was injured a year ago in a car accident. She worked hard at rehab, but her doctor told her not to expect too much: “You’ll have good days and bad days, but the injury won’t improve. You’re going to have to protect your back. When it hurts, you can’t power through the pain. That will only make it worse. If kayaking didn’t mean so much to you, I’d tell you to give it up right now.”
Ouch.
She’s handled the transition well, judging by this piece. She’s wearing a back brace, with limited success. And she’s learning new skills. In the past, she focused on perfecting her Eskimo roll. Today, she’s working more on mental techniques: “Acceptance, adaptability and gratitude are the skills I must master now.”
Photo of kayaks at Lake Powell via the U.S. National Park Service
