Let it go…
Letting go is not easy. In fact, it could be one of the most difficult things any of us ever have to do. One of the biggest lessons I have learned has been that you can’t create something until you clear a space for that creation to take place. When we are busy and overwhelmed, that space simply isn’t there for creativity.
For years I’ve struggled with walking vs using a wheelchair. And I mean struggled in every sense of the word; both physically and emotionally. Walking as a bilateral above knee amputee is not just incredibly difficult, it’s incredibly taxing psychologically. I stopped walking physically 2 years ago when I realised that the energy being used up through walking was energy I could use elsewhere. I didn’t need to draw on my reserves so heavily just to get from A to B.
So letting go physically was not a difficult decision. Letting go emotionally was a whole other story. I left like I’d given up. If I could walk, why wouldn’t I? Was I being weak? People would see me waling and comment: “It must be great to have your mobility back”. They didn’t realise I was a hundred times more mobile using the wheelchair. I’d long broken through the mental constraint that I was “confined” to a chair, it was simply a tool to me; and in almost every instance, gave me more freedom of mobility that walking on full length prosthetics.
So, what’s this got to do with you?
Actually, it has everything to do with you.
My guess is there is something you’re holding on to that is holding you back. That is taxing you and limiting your potential to create.
You’re job now is to recognise what that is, and let it go…
Let me know how you go in the comments.
Archived Comments
4 Comments
Ruth Clark says:
Hi Warren,
Reading this has come at a good time for me. I also respect the decision process you went through. Having worked very closely with Dr. Holder (a triple amputee AK/BK, BE) I know of the energy the use of prosthetics takes, every motion of every day. In my mind you have made the correct decision. Legs / wheelchair – what really matters is what is in the mind and in the heart.
I too seem to be at that decision point. As you know from our visit here in Kamloops and from e-chat through the years I am trying to build a bridge between the Fashion/Garment Industry and People with disabilities. Trying to get the Garment Industry to SEE the varied and vibrant people who make up the disabled community and to start to design some properly fitting, easy to access, professional clothing appropriate for all lifestyle choices.
Nothing seems to be catching hold and no one is stepping forward with any level of support for this journey. After 15 years should I just put it behind me? I know the need is very much there and that it is getting greater as wars continue, wealthy societies have accidents playing with expensive toys and as our population gets older. That well of energy you spoke of is running dry with me too.
I am going to work on this for one more year and if nothing happens will have to face the decision of leaving this goal aside.
Drop by my internet radio show when you have time. I will call you in a few weeks to see if you have time for an on air interview.
Keep up the good work and enjoy the energy savings of your round ‘legs’
Look forward to chatting with you again.
Ruth Clark
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/fashionmovesWarren Macdonald says:
Thanks Ruth,
That must be frustrating for you.
Yes, drop me a line about the radio show; interested to see what you have going on there.
Warren
Bee says:
Hi!
Thought long about “letting go”!….everybody got something to let go! Mine’s to let go to become a mum! But I reckon there is the right time to let go right now- before Christmas! Don’t buy heaps of presents. Let go this idea! Start giving right from the heart now ( and not only for Christmas!)
Kind regards
BeeRourou says:
I’ve got an email from my grandmother I keep taped to my bootrham mirror. I was struggling over the decision to leave a job I wasn’t enjoying and which direction to go in life at the time. She told me When it rains, it pours. And when it pours, play in the puddles. It was just something simple but completely changed my outlook moving forward. If it’s not fun and you’re not enjoying yourself, there’s no point in wasting your time on it!