Seven reasons why dads should not break their right arm

Donovan Grant
October 6, 2012

Donovan Grant

Lives in: London
From: London
Occupation: IT Business Analyst, Performance & Youth Coach
Web: http://www.donovangrant.com
Twitter: @donovangrant
Facebook: donovan.grant.10
YouTube: youareadiamond

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Hi, my name is Donovan and I used to be right handed. I recently overcame that challenge and became one of the world’s elite 10%. Yes, I am officially left handed.

After a recent trip to the hospital I came home and automatically started to do many activities of daily living, like brushing your teeth, opening doors and carrying light loads with my left hand.

It was a strange feeling, almost like something dead that was restored to life. Something you’ve never counted on is now usable and check this out…my left is learning fast.

Digging into the archives, the only previous evidence of being a lefty was playing cricket, golf and using a broom when sweeping up in the garden. But not anymore!

Just because I crashed off my cycle rather badly and broke my right arm, I get to be a lefty for 6-weeks.

So here’s the thing-

Have you ever wondered what are some of the things right-handed people take for granted? No, me neither.

But, as the life of dad needs him to have a hand in many things around the house I’m going to share 7-findings that caused a bit of a stir in our house this week:

1. Surprisingly, writing with my left hand is about the level of a 3-year old
2. As you can imagine, with one arm in plaster it is impossible to tie shoelaces so slip on shoes for me
3. Who would have thought changing a light bulb really does take more than one person – “looks like DIY will be put on hold dear!”
4. Driving a manual (stick-shift) car with an arm in plaster is illegal in the UK, so it buses, trains and walking only
5. Typing and send SMS texts is painfully slow (as my 10 year stated)
6. For some reason when eating even with a spoon it is difficult to find your mouth – I’ve been confined to eating at the table with a bib!
7. Last but not least, it is best to grow a beard, because shaving is like going 3-rounds with Zorro

Fortunately, there are only 5-weeks of my right arm being out of action to go, so learning to strengthen the left arm is the best way forward. It’s not going to be easy, but it will be rewarding in the end. And if I experience any more startling discoveries you’ll be the first one to know!

Here’s something for our life of dad community to ponder on . . .

Have you ever trained a left-arm or left-leg to become first choice? What techniques did you use to keep them motivated and engaged? What encouragement tactics did you use for your injured limb? Please leave a comment below because your advice could be just the thing we need.

In sickness and health

Donovan

Ps. Is it possible for my right hand to be jealous when my left hand is writing and it is not?

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