It’s August and people in my life are coming and going on holiday. The different motivations never cease to amaze me. We have those who just want a real rest with someone else taking the strain of shopping, cooking and clearing up. There are those looking for new experiences and excitement. There are children in awe of sea and sand. People who want to look at beauty and people who want to shop! Whatever you choose I hope it will be restorative and full of fun.

What am I thinking about?

I have been posting in the last couple of weeks about people at crossroads, about life sometimes throwing us curved balls and about sometimes needing to pause. Now it is normal for me to remind people we are close to two thirds of the year gone and the need to think about direction in that last four months. However this year it is more than that for me. I have been forced to pause and replan for the rest of the year.

I fractured my tibia – it was a fall caused by not being very well. Lucy Bronze I am not. Somehow she played through the Euros and helped bring home the trophy with the same injury. I admire all the Lionesses’ resilience and all they have achieved. I could write a whole Thought about them but Lucy is my hero. Matthew Syed says she is made of granite and he is right.

As I write this I am in my fourth week of wearing the cast. I was fortunate that the consultant decided not to operate but he tells me the cast will be with me for three months. You can see I have already made that 12 weeks and counting down.

Now if I were 10 I would be having a whale of a time with a boot and crutches and hopping around being none weight bearing and not having showers. Instead I am in a care home having to be hoisted from bed to chair and back. Flying is the high spot of my day. I am not looking for sympathy. I did it so I can blame no one else. I am forced to pause and consider. I thought I might share some of the issues of which I have reminded myself:

Looking after yourself is your duty to yourself and others. I should have seen the GP and got the infection fixed instead of leaving it.
Accepting the facts – I will be off my feet for a while and dependent on others.
Being tolerant of other people’s lack of empathy. After all it is only a broken bone but I cannot expect people to understand my world came tumbling down.
Being grateful for what is good in the situation. I am meeting astonishing people. My friends and clients are being amazing. I am working.
Being patient and gentle with myself as I do things in a different way.
Only allowing positive self-talk. This too will pass.
Using time to rest, relax and work in a different way

I spoke last month about making your table bigger. I never expected to do that with the amazing caring people looking after me. They have fascinating stories and ambitions. I have learnt about a Nepali wedding, an accounts person who cannot use her qualifications because she has no experience in this country and cannot get experience because she has no experience; a husband and wife combination where he is a doctor and she a lawyer; the appalling traffic conditions in Lagos that make it best to use a bike; how you can be ace at volleyball even if only 5 foot seven inches. I could go on and on about the fascinating hidden stories that are enriching my life every day and the bravery of the people.

I may not be mobile but all my other skills are sharpening up. In my world I am Sarina Weigman. If you need to talk with someone who will empathise but exercise no judgement please give me a call. At the moment I have lots of time and my listening ears are match fit.

We can find ways of developing your skills; of using that amazing asset you have: you. I love hearing about people’s lives, off the meter, to help them explore possibilities and whether/how to take them forward. I hope you will be one of them.

And take great care not to fall!