By Kirk McCarley

Ivy Jane demonstrated a noticeable limp in her right rear leg.

Ivy is our six year old, active, certified rescue hound.  Drawing the short end of the straw with my wife, I was dispatched with Ivy to an appointment with the Vet.  Upon arrival, as is the case with many places of business now, every precaution was taken to minimize close human interaction.  A Vet Tech greeted us, escorted Ivy into the offices and 15 minutes later the Veterinarian returned with Ivy to meet me in the parking lot.  The prognosis was either a pulled muscle or strained ACL.  Three weeks rest and an anti-inflammatory was prescribed.

In baseball parlance that was once called being relegated to the 21 day disabled or injured list, the DL.

I think many of us feel a sense of the DL these days.  While most people are relatively healthy, for the better good of the whole, we have all been “shelved” to a degree.  We abide by stay at home orders.  Those already accustomed to telework continue to do so.  Others, not so used to working remotely, have been swiftly indoctrinated.

Another spectrum finds millions that have been furloughed, laid off, or terminated from employment.  Beyond the current isolation is a sense of loss, grief, and uncertainty about livelihoods now and going forward, not to mention financial strain.

Many, not so healthy to begin with or residing in assisted living centers, now find themselves apart from personal relationships and family while quarantined.  All of us yearn for a return to a normalcy we knew just months ago, but also experience hesitancy to reintegrate too quickly.

Though the athlete on the DL relishes the chance to get back in the game, the time spent waiting has value.  Reflection plays a role.  What can I learn from this period of convalescence?  How can I minimize my risk of injury going forward?  How might video study be of value?  What would be the benefit of a different approach to building strength?

How might your time on this DL of life right now be constructive?  Have you caught up on some sleep and rest?  Have your expenses diminished by not having to fuel up as much?  Is your dwelling the cleanest it’s ever been?  Who have you called, texted, or connected with that you would have not otherwise crossed paths with for a while?  Is it just my imagination or does the air seem a little fresher and bird chirps a bit sweeter?

Personally, this season has been a time of curiosity, of trying to discern what The Divine Creator is attempting to impress.  My questions are not too unlike that of the ballplayer on the injured list.  What needs to be learned at this time?  What adjustments might be considered in approach?  Like a rocket that fires up thrusters to escape the gravitational pull of orbit, how can I power up with knowledge, precision, and speed to launch towards a different, yet exciting tomorrow when the time comes?

The days we are in are going to pass.  Until then, we wait.  While we wait, we self examine.  Maybe you really don’t care for what you do or had been doing.  Now is a time to dream, and dream big.  What is it you want to do and what needs to happen for you to move towards it?

One of my contemporaries is taking piano lessons.  Another Spanish.  Many ambitiously tackle home improvement projects.  Some reach out to those in need, separated from loved ones, and shut ins and provide a special ray of light.

Like Ivy, enjoy this rest.  Heal and prepare to come off the DL.

A graduate of the University of North Texas, Kirk McCarley is a Certified Professional Coach as well as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and SHRM-CP Certified. He also is a Production Assistant for both college football and basketball for ESPN and leads group cycling classes as a Certified Spinning instructor. Contact kirk@theseedsowercoach.com, theseedsowercoach.com, or call  314-677-8779.

The post Rest, Recover, Reinvigorate appeared first on South Walton Life | 30A News, Events and Community Information.