My solution is simple:
“Make no little plans…” Daniel Burnham, Chicago architect. (1864-1912)
1. Think about your passions/hobbies pre-ACL surgery.
2. Make a plans to return to one thing a few months out, when you are mostly recovered.
3. Start an envelope/savings jar and start stashing away the money you would be spending at restaurants, bars, clubs, sports or traveling. Since you are confined to the couch and a brace, think of it as a nice savings plan for your big ”welcome back to civilation” celebration.
For me, I love to travel and play sports. So much so, that I tore my ACL five days before my ski trip to Whistler. (Ouch!) Since my tear and surgery, I haven’t been able to travel or play sports. But, no worries, mate. My ACL plan I made to help my mentally get through this process was to plan a trip to New Zealand. I get my travel fix and my adventure sports fix in whatever level I choose to participate, even if it is just watching an All Blacks game or my friends zorbing down hills. After this rehab process, I’ll certainly need some new adventures in my life–we all will. Sorry I encourage you to make plans. Back to my opening quote, “Make no little plans. They have no magic to stir men’s blood and probably themselves will not be realized. Make big plans; aim high in hope and work…”
Pic from breakaway.co.nz I found this wonderful photgrapher, Kenny Muir, on Flikr. Maybe some of his travel photography can inspire you to make no little plans when your ACL is back and kicking.
The rehab thing is definetly physical, but we all know it’s so much of mind game, too. As if being couped up on your couch for weeks isn’t enough, good luck trying to retrain your leg how to bend and walk again. Forget about that for now, go make your plans. I’ll be leaving for New Zealand in three weeks, almost three months after my surgery. I’m sure it’s worth the wait, that’s why you gotta plan big.
Very motivational…WOW…
Also, very true. although not a trip to such a wonderful place, I wanted to buy a new car and my ACL surgery put that on hold until I could get around.
Today, I was able to stroll the dealership with my husband with confidence.
The $$ I didn’t spend since I sat on my sofa for 6 weeks will
help with a nice down payment.
So for the upcoming fall, I will have a new knee and a new car.
Enjoy New Zealand.
Nice. Have fun in New Zealand. I hear it’s awesome!
-Hua
yeahhh All Blacks! Are you going to go to a game? See the haka in person? How cool would that be?!
Congrats on the big trip. You better take LOTS of pictures.