Medical professionals, and people in general, have been very kind following my surgery, complimenting me on my positivity through the process of recovery. Strangely, it was the only strategy that I ever believed had merit. It was the healthiest option for both body and mind. Personally, I’ve always believed that “You can’t drive looking in the rear-view mirror.”

Adversity varies in its degree but ultimately it is inescapable. We all have challenges thrust upon us and fate can deal a wicked hand. All we can control is how we respond – the rest is beyond our sphere of influence. A friend of mine, leading umpire Simon Taufel, has a saying that I love. He says that “Breakdowns lead to Breakthroughs”. I rather think that adversity is an opportunity to be inspired and to overcome adversity – and hopefully emerge an even happier and stronger person on the other side.

Fundamentally, we have a choice, We can either forge a new path or drag our feet and psyche through a well-worn path from the past. In doing the latter, we must also consider the effect on those around us if we continually spew forth our tales of regret and injustice. Initially, there may be some degree of sympathy but in time people have their own lives to deal with. Sadly, social media gives an even broader reach to those who wish to share their lament. I’m not saying that it’s always easy but I am saying we have a choice to regress or move on. I am inspired by those with life and death challenges who stared down mortality and cherish every precious moment of life with a smile. And those who overcome real adversity every day and do so not merely without complaint, but still caring for others.

As a lad, if I ever looked like bemoaning my lot, my Dad would ask me to pop down to the hardware to purchase some lumber, nails, screws, washers and fasteners. When I asked why, he would simply tell me it was to, “Build a bridge and get over it.” Coming from a bloke who was driving cattle at ten years of age and being shot at when he was nineteen, I tended to gain perspective early in life.

Thank you for the kind words, comments and messages that I have received to date, they have been an uplifting element in my current “detour” and they have been truly appreciated. The last few months have made me a stronger, happier and even more appreciative of my wonderful life and family. There is much still to be done and I won’t see it coming if I’m looking in the rear-view mirror.