Perspective is something that I certainly don’t lack with all the challenges I face, but something nevertheless that I think I can always benefit from, so I’ll share a bit of perspective I gained today. I was chatting with another SCI patient at the new gym I started going to (photos and more on that coming soon) whose injury was similar to mine, just one level higher up on his spine. He was injured almost four years ago and had made tremendous progress all over his body, but he had not yet recovered function in his hands. He saw me adjusting something with my hands and told me how “lucky” I was to have even the limited hand strength that I have especially since it’s so “soon” after my accident.
Let me be perfectly honest about two things: 1) I don’t feel lucky about much these days and 2) the last few months since my injury have felt like an eternity, and I would never use anything like the word “soon” to describe the time elapsed since my world turned upside down back in July.
But this is where perspective comes in, and I thankfully recognized that this could be a learning moment. Instead of dwelling on my own challenges, I was being handed a golden opportunity to zoom out for a moment, to recognize that things could always be worse and to feel grateful for what I have. It was a perfect example of taking something negative and turning it into a constructive, positive experience. Yes I want nothing more than to be able to walk again. Yes I want to recover as quickly as possible and do all of the things I miss so much. Yes I feel like I’ve suffered enough already and have learned a lifetime of lessons in the last few months. But it’s important to maintain my perspective and always celebrate what I do have…
Arash Recovery 
I want to send you something inspirational from a friend fighting cancer. Keep up the positive attitude, fight as hard as you can
Hi Arash
I’m sorry to hear about your accident.
I was injured in a cycling accident last year and lost use of my hands and arms and legs. I am paralyzed from the shoulders down. So from my perspective, you are lucky to have the use of your hands.
I wish you all the very best.
Russell Moon
I’ve been meaning to check in with you for quite some time now and I’m sorry it’s taken so long. I’m glad to hear that you’re showing improvement each day. It’s great that you can see the positive in such a sucky situation. This is super cheesey but I say this to my students all the time. Good, better, best…never let it rest….until your good is better and your better is best! Cheesey, but it keeps me in check when I need a little pep-talk. Hugs- Shannon
Dear Arash,
I’m starting to live my life in London, the flat where I stay is gorgeus, Ihad a little holyday after the end of the backroads season and here I am, looking for jobs trough the web and fucking around. But trough that I bumped into your blog, man, and I must say, this is so you. And you are a star buddie! Your courage and intelligence, all projected to regain your strenght, or balance in life. And a main goal to reach.
Thanks for sharing, the good and the bad. Thanks for being honest, first of all with yourself man.
Grande! Cazzo! I’m sure we will catch up somewhere sometime. Fuck man, I remember our trip and the time we met, or when we had the cigarette out of the room in the back of the buolding, chatting about girls. And then the awesome time in SF, thanks to you and your hospitality, that I now know where has its roots.
Not that much to send to you from the other side of the ocean and the old europe, apart for lots of positive vibes of strength, good good thoughts for you and bit of good music to excercise or think and enjoy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kdlkt7t0hbI
Big big hugs bro! Stay calm and keep rockin
Maybe I haven’t told you this, but the last thing I think about before falling asleep each night is you, and I’m picturing you on your feet, and you’re also one of the first thoughts in my head each morning. When I run 3 times a week, I think of you the whole time and it keeps me moving when I want to stop (because I strongly dislike running!) I am 100% sure that everyone you know visualizes you this way and sends their positive energy to you. Can’t wait til you are back on your feet, and I know you will be!
B & A – it’s true. I picture you healthy, active and strong, but knowing you are going through this hard struggle. Of course it will have a profound effect on who you are/will become in life, and at the same time you will still be the incredible soul you have always been. Reflecting on life’s many scars and inherent healing, how we live with different kinds of pain & love, how limitations can be assets… I too am thinking of you often, and especially each day during yoga class where I dedicate my practice to you. You inspire strength.
amen.
[…] regained its functionality. I’ve learned about the importance of perspective again, and again and again and how I will always be grateful for what I have. I’ve learned that positive […]
I enjoyed reading your ppost
Thank you Tara -AB