NINETEEN YEARS... After paralysis.
NINETEEN YEARS.
Every April 16, I celebrate the anniversary of when I injured myself riding a mountain bike in the yard of the house where I grew up... last year was the first time I did a video version of my reflection... Here we go again.
Today, I'm in Savannah, Georgia, where Emily & I spend most of our time when we aren't on the road between our 8 STUMP locations.
The transformation that has taken place in my life since April 16, 2003, is one that I reflect on and try to share some insights into my perception of these years for both myself and those who have been following these posts over the years... as well as for new friends & team members that maybe haven't heard the story before.
Every year, my reflection takes me to a different place as I aim to fully remember/relive the details of that day... the following days in the hospital and in rehabilitation... and then the days when I returned home, started driving again, went back to high school and re-learned to live my life only as someone that uses a wheelchair.
For most of these years, I would limit what I would share about my reflection because I couldn't stand being called "inspirational" or "amazing."
As I've gotten older, I now realize that I should accept & embrace these words from others as sincere appreciation for what I've gone through and that this story helps them understand how we all can not only live through the very, very difficult days but also continue to live brilliantly whole, happy lives after a significant loss alongside the trauma that comes with that.
I know that I am blessed. I have my hands and head and can still drive a sports car. Though I lost something significant on that April afternoon... I still had more than enough to keep living full speed ahead. After nineteen years, I know that even if I couldn't drive a sports car or if I had a worse accident - my way of understanding and accepting the world would be one where I would always focus on what I still have - for that seems to be deeply rooted within the core of who I am.
Along the way, I've realized that most people never learn to celebrate the things/life/health they have, and they love to focus on what hurts, or what is missing... how "old" they are, or how "little" the job pays.
Simply ~ It seems people love to suffer.
[and I realize how controversial of a statement that might sound to those unfamiliar with the idea]
I could reference books, podcasts, and activities that will help anyone who wants to learn how to suffer less, but that's not the point of this reflection.
Could Always Be Worse!
2005
Charcoal, Pen, & Ink on Paper - 36”x36”
I chose not to suffer the moment I fell off that bike. Nineteen years later, I can still say I never dropped that commitment... which made all the difference.
I did choose to see the accident as the end of one chapter, which easily could have been the end of my book... but I was blessed + apparently supposed to live on so I could share these words and begin a new chapter.
This approach has paid off and resulted in the life that I live today along with Emily, Ray, our families & our team of 23 outstanding individuals who allow our company to change people's lives daily through plants, ceramics & design in 6 different cities.
For this year's reflection, my conclusion is: Never stop seeking the tools & the people who will help you live the life you want to live.
I'll say that again:
Never stop seeking the tools & the people who will help you live the life you want.
Someday, this life will pass, and nothing or everything will matter. But today is the perfect day, that's why it's called the present, to start kicking ass by picking up the right tools or brushes to make or paint exactly what you want life to be.
Thank you for listening and for those who have followed these posts over the years.
I love and appreciate all of you, and I'm grateful for all the great times, hard times, fun chats & difficult conversations, the sharing of wisdom, the business advice, and track time together... eager to keep them going for another 60 years.
Cheers!
Brian Kellett
Savannah, Georgia
April 16, 2022