Imagine finding out you have a tumour on your spine! The good news, it’s not cancer… the bad news, it has to be removed and you might not ever walk again. This begin’s Ruth Marshall’s story in Walk it Off, a diagnosis that tested her physically, mentally, emotionally, and eventually changed everything in her life.
This is a laugh out loud story and it was a pleasure to take part in a Walk It Off book review that had us talking amongst ourselves for the entire month. Here are our takeaways from the book:
1. Trust the Process
While her future wasn’t certain, Ruth gave herself permission to courageously experience her feelings on her journey. She allowed herself to cry, to laugh and to be vulnerable. Her experience is so important because gives the reader permission to simply trust the process.
Ruth shows us that although it can be frustrating not being in control of a situation, we can always choose how we react to what life throws at us. We can lay down and do nothing or we can face it with a smile and trust that all will work out.
2. Work Your Butt Off
If you want something bad enough, you’re going to have to work for it. Ruth’s determination to get her old life back led her to an entirely new life! Her story teaches us the importance of creating a plan and sticking to it because anything is possible if you set your mind to it and work your butt off. The reality is nothing ever goes “back to normal”, however, the “new normal” can be even more rewarding.
3. Find Humour in Difficult Conversations
Ruth uses humour all throughout her diagnosis and her recovery. In some ways, it was her imaginary crutch. She shows us how to use humour in even the most dour of situations because it shifts the mood, allow everyone a needed reprieve and creates a moment where hope can live.
We definitely recommend this book, and in looking at the lessons, they provide great input for the speaking process:
- Trust the process
- Work your butt off
- And use humour
— these are all things we work with our speakers on every day!
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