Are You a Lefty or a Righty?

Last week, I had a minor operation on my right hand to remove a subcutaneous mass (that’s the fancy medical term for “we’re not totally sure what it is.”) Since it’s my dominant hand, I’m having to learn to do things with my left. Even though my hands are the same in every way, just reversed, it’s interesting how challenging using something as simple as a spoon is, or brushing your teeth can be when you’re not used to using that hand. I felt like a little kid on Friday night when Amy and my friend had to cut my food for me at a restaurant. Note to self: maybe don’t order the tougher beef ribs at the BBQ place when you’re down to one hand!

This isn’t my first rodeo with adjusting to injury. Unfortunately, I’m racking up points on my “surgery rewards” card. I’ve had seven separate fracture-related incidents and four surgeries, so it’s not my first time learning to use my non-dominant limbs. A few years back, after a fracture in my right foot, I taught myself to drive with my left.

What’s fascinating—and hopeful—is that this kind of adaptation is possible for everyone. That’s thanks to God’s little gift called neuroplasticity—our brain’s lifelong ability to be continually restructured to learn and adapt at any age.

One exercise I like doing with clients is asking them to fold their arms in the opposite way. It often takes them a moment to figure it out, and it feels awkward. But the point is this: while something might feel uncomfortable at first, it doesn’t mean it’s wrong—and with enough practice, it can learn to be comfortable and even become your new default.

And that’s the heart of real growth: it’s not always easy or natural at first… but it’s possible if you stick with it!

So, what’s the takeaway?

Just because you’re used to a certain pattern doesn’t mean you’re stuck.

And when something new feels unnatural or difficult, it might just mean you’re growing!