Taking a Break

by Liz Jansen

My latest injury has made me face the reality that I need a break. That means beginning Sunday, I’m hitting the pause button for an indefinite period of time to turn inward, with no Facebook and other social media.

I place great value our interactions, your stories, and the beautiful thoughts and wisdom you share. Now however, it’s time to nurture my relationship with self and restore balance. To do that, I need to turn off the external screen and listen to my own voice, as uncomfortable and disconcerting as that may be. Ironically, to connect requires disconnection. This path is not explained through logic, efficiencies, or analysis. The directions, must come from the heart. My heart.

Seven months ago, barely three weeks into what I anticipated to be at least a year on the road, I crashed, sustaining a complex shoulder injury requiring reconstruction and totaling my motorcycle. After six months of rest and rehab, a dramatically reduced workload, and much reflection, I felt like I was coming alive again and getting ready for that first ride. With my shoulder rehab far from over, I slipped, twisted my ankle, and broke it while simply walking down a grassy slope. Now shoulder and ankle have matching hardware and I’m again grounded.

The irony that I published an article on balance on the day of my fall has not escaped me. Nor have many similarities in circumstances between the two injuries. Both happened when I took a shortcut. Both were on the left side of my body, energetically the feminine, receiving side. Both occurred to joints, limiting movement.

The message I’m getting from Spirit is that these injuries are not to stop me from my quest of looking for the common ground across cultures. Or to prevent me from a far worse fate down the road. Rather, Spirit is saying, “Sit down right here traveler and rest a while. This is where you’ll learn best in this moment.” Many times I’ve prayed to be shown how to make the best use of my abilities and serve in the best way possible. Clearly, the answer I’ve received is to sit for a while. Other answers will come in Divine time in this newly created space.

Once again I’ve been blown away by the kindness and compassion of friends and community. Meals are being delivered, rides provided, and care given most generously. I am so blessed to be surrounded by such goodness.

Now it’s time to sign off for a while. Thank you for your understanding and continued positive energy. Wishing you health, happiness, abundance, laughter, and adventures. Safe travels, wherever your Road leads.