Turning the Corner

I have to start by saying, I don't believe in road rage and criticizing how someone else drives is something I try to avoid. But there is one thing that brings out the worst in me. It is when someone ahead of me is turning a corner at 5 kms or slower. I know they are turning, not because they have their signal light on, heaven forbid they use that little apparatus. I know because for half a block they have been slowing down from their previous speed of 30 km in preparation to turn the corner. Absolutely oblivious to the effect they have just had on the flow of traffic. For some reason turning a corner in a timely fashion is important to me. It was while I waited for said person to turn the corner that I thought, I should write about the meaning of "turning a corner".   

We have all heard the phrase, "turning the corner". It is used to indicate a significant positive change or improvement, especially after a period of difficulty or struggle. It can be used in a variety of situations, such as health recovery, business improvement or personal development. It conveys a sense of hope and positive progression. 

I have used the phrase, "turning a corner" in other aspects of my life. I am sure everyone has had to endure a difficult time. When I was going through some struggles, I wanted to get up every morning and think, all is good. Many days I remember saying and thinking, "I've turned a corner". I soon realized I was on a roundabout; there was no corner turning at all. It's a process of learning and growing. Putting one foot in front of the other is progress, but something that you can't rush.   

People dealing with the heavy burden of grief crave the idea of "turning a corner". Grief is so unpredictable, there is no manual nor rule book as to how it will affect you. I often say, "you never know when grief will appear". It could be a song, a memory flash, a comment from someone else or it could be just because. People that are going through grief know their lives has changed. By turning a corner, they are hopeful that maybe a small portion of their normal life has returned. 

I am sure we have all heard someone say, "well they turned a corner" when describing a change in someone's health condition. I have watched a lot of corners being turned in my previous career. In my line of work, it usually wasn't a good corner to turn. But there is lots of corner turning in health recovery, it is a time to describe hope and positive progression.  

I do believe that corner turning is usually a good thing. Coming out of a difficult situation always makes you stronger. You are now a person that you weren't before. Someone you had no clue was deep inside you. The choices are limited and being strong is the only option. It is simple, find the strength to take control of your life and make it work. Giving up would have been a great option, but one that proves nothing. There is something around the corner that is just what you need.