Life Lessons from a Gas Grill Accident
On Father’s Day I was in a gas grill accident. I thought I had lit the grill, but my Dad questioned whether or not it was on. I heard his wife say, “I smell gas”, but I was in a hurry to get the grill going, so I didn’t take time to investigate why she would say that. Even so, as I reached my hand to the ignitor I remember thinking, “This might not be a good idea.”
Click.
In an instant a boom shook the neighborhood as the gas that had been trapped under the hood of the grill exploded sending the lid, grate, tank, oil pan and grilling tools in all directions.
I ducked on instinct, but not fast enough. A fireball hit me in the face and knocked me backwards. I remember throwing my hands to my face and running into the house, saying “I’m okay, I’m okay!” more to reassure myself than the people around me.
As I looked into the mirror, I could see through the charcoal bits and oil spatter that I lost a bit of hairline and half of my eyebrows and lashes. There were were small brown burns under my eyes where the hot mascara hit. A visit to the ER confirmed a flash burn on the right side of my face and corneal abrasion. I still have to cut about three inches off the bottom of my hair where it singed, but other than that, I am A-OK.
But, I’m better that OK! It’s a total miracle–an actual miracle. When I was a child a family friend was in the same kind of accident and he suffered 3rd and 4th degree burns over 90% of his body. My face was one foot away from the explosion and I am basically unscathed. My small injuries will heal. I don’t know why God was very merciful to me. But, I intend not to waste it.
I’ve been thinking non-stop about the incident and the lessons I can learn from it. I think they apply to business as much as they apply to grilling.
- THINK before you act. Small actions can have explosive results.
- Safety FIRST. No shortcut is worth the potential price you might pay.
- Know what you are getting into BEFORE you get into it.
- There is great value in staying CALM in crisis. The people around you need it more than you do.
- It’s healthy to cry after crisis, but FUNCTION during it. Good decisions depend on you having your head on straight.
- Life is FRAGILE. So, so, so, so fragile.
- Be GRATEFUL every day. Every day is a GIFT from God. We have a lot of influence on how we spend our days, but we don’t control the number of them.
- Nothing on your to-do list is more important than family. FOCUS on what’s in front of you, not always what’s next.
Sometimes in life, we all need a wake up call. Perhaps you have been running on empty or on autopilot for too long. Maybe you have gotten so buried in the work of keeping your business alive that you have forgotten how to make a life. If that is you, let today be the day that you PAUSE and take time for the people and things in life that really matter.
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Are you looking for more inspiration?
As many of you know, I have been working on a book called, One Small Yes. The book gives a peek into my personal journey of saying yes to opening a dance studio instead of pursuing a performing career and how that eventually became the worldwide movement of More Than Just Great Dancing.
It is about helping people of all ages and backgrounds say YES to their hopes and dreams.
The book will be published next week on Amazon. As a Misty Minute reader, you’ll be the first to know when it comes out!
As a little bit of an appetizer, here is some advance praise from some industry leaders and my friend, Darren Hardy, for Publisher of SUCCESS magazine:
“One Small Yes taught me how to stop with the busy work and connect with my life’s work. It’s the perfect pick-me-up for every entrepreneur. Misty is an entrepreneur with heart, someone who genuinely cares for the success of others.”
-Austin Roberson, Founder, StudioOwnersAcademy.com
“One Small Yes is yet another brilliant gift to the world from Misty Lown. It is an essential read for anyone, whether they are well on their path, or seeking to find it. It shows how a regular girl became an extraordinary woman One Small Yes at a time. I was inspired by Misty from the moment I met her, and I was fascinated with how one woman could own so many businesses, have 5 children, travel the world inspiring others and remain such a down-to-earth, beautiful human being. Her humble and often vulnerable account of how she made the journey will open the gateway for so many others.”
Lisa Howell, (B.Phty), Registered Physiotherapist, Founder and Owner of Perfect Form Physiotherapy and The Ballet Blog
“One Small Yes shows you how the life and business you want can be yours, when you simply decide. Misty’s journey is not only inspiring, it demonstrates that by taking small steps each and every day that we can really achieve anything. It’s a must read for anyone who’s at a point in their life when they know they could be achieving more, from impacting the lives of more people to filling up their own cup to achieve more fulfillment. This book guides you through a story of hope, hard work and heart with plenty of actionable takeaways that you can apply to your business and life so you too can achieve your very own version of success!”
-Clint Salter, CEO, Dance Studio Owners Association
“Misty Lown is first class and this book will help you and your business get to the front of the line! As the owner of several small businesses with over 30 years of experience I recommend you take the time to read this informative book”
Steve Sirico Founder Dance Teacher Web & D’Valda and Sirico Dance and Music Centre
“If you want to build a life and a business that makes a difference, Misty Lown will show you the way. What she has accomplished one “yes” at at time is an inspiration to entrepreneurs everywhere. If you want to be inspired as you learn new ways to live a life of significance then One Small Yes is for you.”
-Darren Hardy, New York Times Bestselling Author of The Compound Effect and former Publisher and Founding Editor SUCCESS Magazine
I can’t wait to share it with you!
Love,
Misty