I’m not a fan of this time of year.
The warmth and ease of summer give way to cold mornings, gray skies, and a quiet heaviness that settles in both the body and mind. Inevitably, after the patio cushions have been brought in and the cover thrown over the grill, I start to feel the physical strain and the mental shift that November brings.
But winter, for all its sharp edges, has taught me something essential. Sometimes, what looks barren on the surface is often where the deepest work happens.
Adversity has worked the same way in my life. The season that felt the coldest, when everything changed after my injury, also forced me to dig deeper than I ever imagined. I didn’t choose it, and I certainly didn’t welcome it, but I realized that I had a choice. I could either let it freeze me in place, or make it work for something larger than myself.
In time, pain became purpose, and hardship became the spark for advocacy. For me, that purpose took the form of Getting Back Up. And what began as a personal fight to rebuild my life grew into a mission to support others living with spinal cord injuries.
Getting Back Up has grown into a national organization recognized as a springboard to get individuals the support they need, when they need it most. However, the organization continues to rely on the generosity of others to make that support a reality.
Once again, I’m taking this time of year to ask others to consider supporting the cause if you find yourself in a position that allows you to.
Even if you can’t support GBU financially, remember that advocacy can be as simple as being a voice for others (regardless of what type of adversity they face) and sometimes just being available to sit and listen. Every act, every bit of encouragement or support, can create a ripple that has far-reaching implications
As much as adversity can feel isolating, it also has the power to connect us, reshape us, and call us into action. Many who have faced life-changing circumstances often discover a new purpose hidden within the struggle.
I now try to let winter remind me that growth doesn’t stop when conditions get harsh. Rather, it just moves underground and prepares for something stronger to emerge.
But don’t get me wrong, I’m still not a fan.
Stand Strong!
Scott
Yes the dreariness of winter weather is creeping in, but we still have hope watching our Brownies (😂). Maybe Shedeur Sanders is the QB of the future, we’ll find out more on Sunday. Then we have our Buckeyes playing Xichigan Saturday to look forward too. Have a great Thanksgiving weekend Scott.
OH-IO!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family, Scott. Thank you for this beautiful post. May your day be filled with sunshine and the warmth that gratitude and love can bring!
Scott, thank you for your courageousness and words of wisdom. Your an inspiration. God Bless you and your family
Scott,
I admire your constant ability to reframe challenges, and I am so grateful that you share your wise thoughts and powerful words with us! This one means even more during a time of adversity for me personally.
Keep Getting Back Up!
Amanda
Thank you for this special message of hope when so many of us need a little pick me up. The holidays can be a season of joy and at the same time a season of grief. Your friendship and example is a beacon of hope. God Bless and Stand Strong! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family, Scott!
Scott, I really needed this. I was just thinking about you and hoping you would send out another blog post soon to get us through this somewhat dreary early winter season. Your take on getting deeper work done when the surface is barren is such a helpful mindset to be in for all of us. Some days are hard. Some seasons are hard. Getting Back Up is such a hopeful, encouraging organization. I hope you get lots of support. Enjoy the upcoming holidays with your family!
With love and gratitude,
Sarah