If you look up the word klutz in the dictionary, you will see a picture of me. If you look up the same word in the thesaurus, you will see a picture of my mother. Yes, clumsiness runs in the family. When I was younger, my clumsiness was a result of some really bad choices. The good news? I learned many valuable lessons from said choices.

Lesson #1: Never jump over your brother while he is doing a breakdance move called the "worm". It will result in a busted chin and a scar to show for it many years later.

Lesson #2: Never say yes, when your brother asks you this question: "Hey, Darlene, want to see a cool new karate move I learned?"

Otherwise, it will result in a karate kick to the face. As well as, one black eye, a very upset mother, and a seriously grounded brother. If you happen to have dancing recital photos the next day, like I did, you will also have a photo momento to remember this "lesson"by. Oh yeah, this really happened.

That following summer, I also learned to stay out of my grandparents backyard when one of my brothers screamed "Fore!" while swinging a golf club. I don't think I need to describe what happened next, now do I?

As years progressed, my choices did get better. But I still found myself tripping over my own two feet or simply just falling - into friend's houses (no, I was not drunk) or even in the parking lot of a corporate complex, second day on the job.

I have kept my friends and co-workers very amused throughout the years.

Because of my many coordination fails, I learned one of the most valuable lessons in life. When you fall, get back up. Whether you fall flat on your kiester or have some sort of setback - assess the situation, cry for a bit if you need too, but always get back up. And if you can't, don't be afraid to ask for help.