Limitless Monday (Saturday Edition): Don’t Let Injuries Or Sickness Dictate Your Mood

Limitless Monday – Don’t let injuries or sickness dictate your mood

This weekend I went out for a few drinks to a bar I had last visited 36 years ago. I sat at the long wooden bar accompanied by a hot date, on a Friday afternoon, drinking my favorite beer, Kronenbourg, in my favorite City, New York City, all reasons to be cheerful. However I wasn’t cheerful.

It was only when I woke the next morning that I realized why I had felt tormented the previous night. I was in pain. Thursday night’s Jiu-Jitsu class had left me with a badly swollen knee and a sore back. I had inadvertently let this discomfort affect my mood.

I couldn’t let that happen.

It also occurred to me that many of us at some point in time suffer from injuries or sickness.

Advertisement

Maintaining a positive mind set is more important during these challenging times than when life is proceeding along a straight path.

I was reminded of my second ex wife’s immediate reaction when she felt sick or had an injury. She would head straight to the doctors. One time as we vacationed in Australia she slipped off her surfboard and hurt her ankle. She insisted we head to the ER where we spent the next 4 hours. When she exited the doctor’s surgery all she had to show for the wasted time was an X-ray, a $1,000 bill and a cheap cotton support for her ankle. This experience was at an early part of our relationship, a point when I was attempting to make a good impression. I still regret not telling her I would see her back at the hotel bar!

Anyway, I digress, a little. My point is, I see the benefit of being cautious and seeing the doctor at the first sign of illness however I also see the many downsides. The lost time and money being the main ones. Having to endure the doctor’s diagnosis comparable to a child’s and then predictably prescribing you with a dose of ibuprofen it is always a severe test of my patience.

I believe that when you have an ailment you shouldn’t make visiting the doctor your first priority. We are all becoming a bunch of hypochondriacs, over sensitive to the slightest pain. We must become accustomed to transforming into our own doctor and begin using our common sense rather than constantly relying on others.

Start with a positive attitude. You are not going to die! This will pass. It always does. This time will not be any different than the last, and the time before that. Find something positive to do when you are convalescing that doesn’t involve eating too much and drinking yourself into oblivion every night.

I was wrong to let my pain affect my mood. I know it’s temporary and yes it sets me back a little in certain areas but maybe my body needs the rest and I will be back stronger.

When you are sick or injured look at it as a good opportunity to get some much needed rest. Stay positive and remember it’s temporary. The best athletes are often injured and all of us get sick so snap out of it and smile!

Happy Monday!

Banner Image: Injury. Image Credit – Payam Tahery

Harry Maximillian

Harry is an author, coach, entrepreneur, comedian and a convicted felon. Harry was sent to prison for a financial crime where he spent five long years. Prison allowed Harry to realize the error of his ways. He decided to use his time productively and mobilize his extraordinary determination, dedication, drive, motivation and desire to focus on writing and the art of self-improvement. Before Harry’s enforced vacation he was one of the most prolific deal makers in the City of London.