Let's face it! We have all been there before...flat on our face, down on our knees...wondering how we in the world we would get back up again. Now, at the time, getting back up seemed impossible. But, if you remember that feeling you felt once you were back on your feet, the blood, sweat, and/or tears were worth getting there.
Our little family went ice skating the other day. I will use the work "ice" carefully because we live in the South, so there is little to no ice outside in the winter time. The venues make do and simulate the experience with what I call a cutting board rink...or at least that is what it looked like when you got really close to it.
Anyway, we went. Our daughter had her skated laced first, so she was not scared to try it out by herself. At the onset, all was good...until, you know it...she fell. Trying to see how she would react, I stood behind her for a moment. Suddenly, she began to get up to her feet. Then she fell again. She got to her feet again, and then fell. By this time, I was beside her.
I helped her up, and I held her hand until she had a pretty good feel for the skates. I then let go of her hand, and she took off. Now there were many more ups and downs ice skating for her, but there were none for me. And let me tell you why.
I was scared. I was terrified of falling and not being able to get back up. What if someone saw me? What if I simply could not do it? What if I failed? How you ever fallen to the point you felt like you couldn't get back on your feet? Have you ever lost a loved one? Lost a job? Had a broken heart? Failed that test at work? The list could go on and on.
Here are some helpful ways to help you get back on your feet if you ever experience a fall:
1. Embrace It: I know this is easier said than done; however, if you can first come to terms with what made you fall or why you fell, it will be much easier to take the first step to getting back on your feet.
2. Take the First Step: After you have embraced the fall, you must figure out what the first step is you need to take. Is it applying for a job? Is it calling a long, lost family member? Is it forgiving yourself? Once you figure out what you need to do, take that first step. You can do! I believe in you!
3. Trust Yourself: If we cannot trust ourselves, who can we trust? You have got to regain some confidence in yourself. Treat yourself to a "you" day and do something for yourself you love. It will make you feel better, and hopefully it will get you building your confidence in yourself you need.
4. Enlist Some Help: Call a friend, your mom, your dad, a co-worker, a pastor, or a counselor. Depending on your fall, you will need some help from others to serve as your support system. You will need someone you can talk to about your situation to help you work through some of the obstacles that may be blocking your path. You will also feel better after you have talked to someone you know will be there to support you.
5. Keep up the Fight: This is probably one of the hardest steps to overcome because along the way, you may stumble and fall again. Do not be discouraged. Go through the steps again...and again...and again...until you have overcome this great fall.
Once you are able to work your way through all of the steps and see the outcome of your progress, you will feel so free and proud...just like doing a triple-axle on skates.
On this day, I learned a very valuable lesson from my daughter...no matter what life throws at you, you simply have to pick yourself up and get back on your feet.
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