*Looking into the back of my UPS package car before delivering*

When I was driving for UPS there was yearly certification that I had to go through to meet the standards of delivery for the company. There was different training for hazardous material, lock out procedures, evacuation plans, and safe work methods called 'swims'. The 'swims' were a list of memorized methods on how to operate the package car during your day. Of the five methods there was one called "Leave Yourself an Out". It was about making sure as you were driving that you had space all around your car especially in front. If there was a problem you had to avoid you were to take the escape rout or 'Path of Least Resistance'. This was supposed to be the path that would cause the smallest amount of damage or injury to you and anyone else. I know that some drivers thought that UPS wanted perfection in how things were done and it did seem that way, but these methods were simply made to try to minimize the possibility of damage and injury. The 'Path of Least Resistance' I found has transferred from a driving tool to a life tool for me. Life itself has its hazards and to minimize them is important. Don't drink and drive, eat your vegetables, stay away from strangers; we hear it all the time from outside influences to the conscience inside our heads and hearts. I sit here now typing away with an ice pack on my left knee that I had arthroscopic surgery done to it a few days ago. This would be the fourth surgery I have had since June of 2016 and all were influenced from the work I had done as a delivery driver for UPS.

Last November I retired from being a delivery driver because my body was just wearing out and still is. My path had to change and I needed to find a direction that would minimize the damage of my quality of life. It wasn't exactly the way I would have liked to change careers, but it was a needed change and for the better. I would say one of the great things about this path has been the pursuit of being more creative, business oriented, and faithful with the gifts and abilities given me. I dare say that I might not have gone in this direction if I didn't have the surgery's destined for me to go through. There is no perfect way for me to live life without problems and injuries no matter how hard I try to control it. I can though learn from it especially when someone else is in a similar situation. A critical Chris can become a compassionate Chris to that person.

So for you I say make sure you are trying to have space on all sides, especially in front. As you go done your path, you may see a hardship ahead that you should avoid. Do your best to not get injured and try to avoid it, but know that injury will come and in can turn into an opportunity. Especially when you find yourself next to another who needs your help to lean on while they go through their hardship.

By My Own Hands