I was flat on my back struggling to remember how to make my lungs, that seemed to have temporarily gone on vacation, take in the air my mind was desperately in need of. The first thing I remember thinking was “What just happened?” because the it all happened so fast. Immediately after that when my eyes focused on the figures standing above me I registered the blond Gabriel and his group of athletic-looking friends behind him standing by their car that was clearly geared up for a day of trail riding. Being a single girl my thoughts (obviously) turned straight to wondering why these things only seem to happen to me in my life’s least glamorous moments. But after those quick questions ran through my head I heard the rumble of a motorcycle. My ears didn’t seem to be working completely right either, but I thought I heard a deep rough voice say something like “Did ya learn somethin’?”
Okay, let me back up a second. Firstly, happy February my friends!
Secondly, be warned that I may be getting all sappy and personal on you guys again today. You might remember me talking about an accident I had over the Summer on a 4-wheeler. Well, I won’t rehash all the details of the story but to sum it up I ended up with a broken wrist, another wrist that was sprained but hurt almost as badly, bruises pretty much everywhere, (I think I had some cracked ribs but my doctor decided not to x-ray them to see for sure. Partly because of the other injuries and partly because there’s not much they can do about broken ribs anyway). Oh, and a knee full of dirt and gravel that required 34 stitches! It was a few days before I could use my hands at all and weeks before I could even hardly walk unassisted.
And yes, that’s about what my knee looks like as of this moment. Not very pretty, but somehow I don’t really mind it so much. A few months ago, on a follow-up visit, my doctor said there will most likely be some scarring but it’s possible it could heal with very little sign of the injury, As strange as it may sound I was almost more disappointed to hear the chance of it healing with no scar than if it was guaranteed to leave a mark. Why? Well, because basically all of the other injuries from my accident over the summer are nearly healed and this is the last remaining piece of evidence to remind me of what I gained from the experience.
Does it sound a bit insane to be trying to take away a positive from something so negative? For me, it’s so easy to find myself looking to blame something or someone when there’s something terrible happening. I think it’s safe to say that regardless of what beliefs we may have, all of us as humans have this innate since of fairness in life that’s deeply challenged when we’re going through tough times. I struggled with it then and I struggled with it just recently with a loved one going through something much worse. I don’t have all the answers but I do find that seeing the good in the bad can help. I love the quote “You can either let pain make you bitter, or let it make you better”.
So back to what I started off with. Right after I’d crashed, my father, my sister, and a friend of mine were all at my side trying to assess what to do, and yes there happened to also be some young men driving by who stopped and kindly offered help. Thankfully they pulled the 4-wheeler out of the ditch for us because I don’t know if we would have been able to so easily. That’s when this middle-aged, tattooed, gruff-looking, biker dude pulled up and made that very careless remark before driving off without a moment’s hesitation or offer to help. To quote my father, he afterwards said something along the lines of “If I wasn’t so worried about my gasping daughter I’d have found it very hard not to punch the guy right in the face!” As it turns out though, despite the complete rudeness of said biker dude, I did in fact “learn somethin’.”
I learned quite a few things over the Summer while trying to recover.
- I learned to appreciate my body for everything it is rather than hate it for what it isn’t.
What an amazing thing it is to have legs that work. That can take us where we need to go and run, and jump, and bend. To have arms and hands that can lift things and create art and hold babies. In the past my relationship with health and fitness has been less than perfect. In fact, for years I thought I could punish my body into being what I thought it should be and I’ve gone through times when I’ve definitely not treated it with respect. I used to think of fitness as something really hard that I had to do. Now I can’t believe how much I’ve learned to truly enjoy it and crave activity for how good it makes me feel when I’m not trying to kill myself with it. Yoga has been amazing at helping my wrists heal and going to the gym is currently something I’m actually finding I look forward to.
- I learned to take help from people
If you ask anyone who knows me you’ll know this is not my strong suit. I’m pretty stubborn in my self-sufficient, control-freak personality but when I was injured I literally couldn’t even feed myself the first few days. I had to be spoon fed by my mom like I was a toddler again. I know, the humiliation! I also couldn’t shower myself or even put clothes on. I had to learn to sit back and realize it’s a good thing to let others take care of you sometimes. Not only is it good for you and a great lesson in building relationships, but it’s a boost for the person helping you also. I’m not gonna lie, this lesson probably didn’t completely stick in my memory like it should have, but it’s there.
- I learned some serious patience.
Boy, did those weeks of Summer seen endless as I sat in that stupid recliner and watched my siblings running in and out to do their different activities. I felt like it would never heal. That’s another thing I’m terrible at, sitting still. I really dislike ling car rides for this same reason, and it’s not a short attention span, I just really like, no need, to be doing things all the time or I go crazy. I thrive on productivity and being busy so not having much to do was like torture.
- I learned that rest and healing are important
Isn’t it strange how something can seem like the worst thing ever in one moment and then be forgotten in the next. I mean, I remember that the combination of injuries hurt. Undoubtedly, they hurt more than any pain I’ve ever experienced, yet now looking back I can hardly remember it. Our memory of pain is so temporary yet the healing process is so important. Now that I can workout again I have to remind myself that I still need to allow time for resting. For some of the same reasons it’s necessary to let people help you, even when you want to do it all yourself, it’s also important to let your body rest and recover, even when you want to be all go go go. Not just from an injury, but also from sports and activity.
- I learned that it’s okay to eat even if you can’t exercise
I used to think if I wasn’t active all the time I’d magically wake up the next day and be like one of the people at the end of the Pixar movie Wall-E in their floating chairs. I’d honestly stress out about this so much and at times through my teens when I couldn’t exercise I would just skip meals to try to make up for what I saw as a horrible thing. Of course I couldn’t be active while my arms and legs were all jacked up, but knowing this at first had me super anxious and feeling like I might resort back to some very unhealthy old habits but after realizing how much I wanted to heal, as quickly as possible, I finally started to understand that I had to fuel my body in order for it to be able to do that. Be active, but don’t feel the need to punish your body if you can’t always be. There’s a time for everything.
So yeah, that’s my super long Thursday Thoughts post. A favorite song of mine starts off with the line “There’s beauty in my brokenness”. That line was something that I played through my head over and over this past Summer. Life sucks sometimes, that’s just a fact, but we don’t have to let it define us. I have no doubt that you’ve gone through some rough things and I’d love to know what you were able to take away from them. What’s the best things you’ve ever gotten out of a bad situation?
ALL CONTENT IS MINE AND ORIGINAL! All of these food photos were taken with my Nikon D5300 and my favorite Lens, the Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G. You can find out more in my INTRO POST.
And, by the way, to all the minnows out there, my intro post did a huge $0.21. The key to success on Steemit is to be consistent and persistent.
Also, a huge shoutout to @rigaronib for designing my logo!
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Thanks for sharing these very important life-lessons! That rude guy must be very hard for you to forget. He definitely added insult to the injury. Sorry if I remind you of him but I think he will also learn something the moment he realizes how rude he was. It might have happened already. Who knows! Thoughts of that may be relieving.
Yeah, it was strange. My dad refers to it a bit as strange as well. He left just as fast as he came.
thanks so much for the continues support @hiroyamagishi
Ah how cool gringa! I really love reading this!
I am really glad you did. What was your favorite part?
I think this is my favourite post of yours so far! I love how open and real you've been here. That sounds like a terrible accident, but i'm glad you could draw so much positivity from it! I actually was in a freak golf buggy accident and ended up injuring my neck and spine. I ended up wearing a neck brace for a while. A nerve was trapped in my spine and they thought I might be paralysed. I wasn't. In fact I got really lucky. In my recovery I felt all of those things you have mentioned here and I can TOTALLY relate. Thank you for reminding me today how beautiful life is. Especially for appreciating my body for what it is, rather than what it isn't. I'm re-steeming!
wow, the buggy accident must have freaked you out. I am really thankful to hear that all turned out well. And as you say, it gives us moments to reflect on. Thanks so much for sharing @yasminep
That was a very scary moment. I'll never forget the voice in my over the speaker in my helmet, "Daddy, Tori crashed!!" We all learned something, and continuing to learn every day. You're amazing, that I do continue to learn every day!!
All I can really remember about the good times is the fact they were good. I could go on and on about the bad times though. So many stories about those times. So much easier to remember. So much easier to talk about how good it feels to be able to get through them because it seems like there's always more to say.
Funny how those little voices can pop up out of nowhere and say things like, "Did ya learn somethin'," then vanish. I'd say you have damn good answer prepared for that guy now.
Yeah, the old guy still gets to me, it was just so weird. But, you're right, I would have an answer for him
Oh my, that accident didn't sound too good at all!! Huge respect and props to you for finding ways to turn a negative situation into some positive learnings.
One of the lessons you mentioned that resonates with me is appreciating your body for what it is. It is SO true that you don't know what you've got until it's gone and this completely applies to having a working body! You don't think how amazing it is to have two legs, two arms and ten fingers until you lose the ability (albeit temporarily) to use one or more of them.
Really glad you're on the mend :)
thanks so much for super awesome commenting @phamished, great words!!
That's a lot to go through. I'm impressed that you still have a really good attitude about it. Sometimes it takes a while to get there, but if you have a whole summer, hopefully you can find acceptance. Good for you to take the time to be introspective and evaluate what you're feeling rather than just getting down because things are going the way you would prefer them to go.
I got injured years ago and have been dealing with it ever since then. I don't have visible scars like you (hopefully? we're still going for hopefully?) will have on your knee. But I do have damage that keeps me from doing all the things I'd love to do.
I've found that it's hugely important for me to constantly remember the things I have to be thankful for. If I don't, I just focus on, "Oh, I can't do this" or "I wish I could go there." When I'm thankful for even the little things, I'm much happier! There will always be people with more/cooler/better/prettier/fill-in-the-blank, but we need to be thankful for what we have so we won't miss out on life.
Thanks for the encouragement!
Wow, thanks to you @themanwithnoname, that is awesome commenting. I hear what you're saying, and again, thanks so much!
Great post @gringalicious
thanks
wow that was hard core. I am glad you're better now
I've always appreciated your support @freerunner
A great intro to a blooming great post!! There is a lot to be learnt through coping with injury and recovery. I had a stramash a couple of years ago which rendered me unable to walk for months.
Fortunately it all got better but it was scary for a while!
I was not aware of your 'stramash.' If you have written about it, I am sorry I missed it. I cannot imagin how scary that must have been, months. Well, we're both here now, a stupid US saying, "kicking asses and taking names." I think that came from a movie, can't remember at the moment
Here, it's a good expression. We have a similar one kicking baws and cracking jaws it's a little cruder but I think the sentiment might be the same.
I did actually post about it but it was a long long time ago!!
If you have the time and inclination, if you can find a link to that, I'd love to read it
Hi my dear! I read what happened to you before, it’s so hard to make an accident, and you injured in your legs and your hand broken, ohhhhh my god, what will make without our hands and our legs, really it’s bad situation, thanks god that all return to normal, you have to be prudent next time.
As always, thanks so much for your continued support @creativewoman. yeah, I briefly wrote about this months and months ago, I am so glad you read it then too
Yes, I notice that when you are resting and relax you even accomplish more than when you are rushed and agitated.
Great lessons learned, and thanks for sharing...
thanks so much for commenting on my post @arnel
My pleasure to comment on valuable and original posts such as you have..
Super Photos
thanks
What a touching story, Tori. I'm so glad you are well though. I can't imagine what it's like to break something (the most I got was a fractured finger skiing once!) so I massively look up to everyone who had been in an accident.
Thanks for sharing the story, for being honest and open. Sending you hugs from London! Inga x
hugs from London, thanks so much @ingaaa. I really enjoyed your town, I can't wait to go back.
Thanks so much for the kind words and have a great weekend
You too and let me know next time you’re in town!
Thank you for the post. I like your sentence because I always eat but no exercising:)
Furthermore, I love photos especially below one.
I'm glad you had a pleasurable takeaway @bekirsolak
kawaii.. :)
I can tell we all may and leram from anything , injuries , happyness , bad times , good times .
All we have to do is learn .
Stemit
I am happy that you could take some positives out of this experience... You are a beauty inside and out... even with the scars and knee that is still healing. Much love!
Ooph! That sounds like quite the healing journey, physically and mentally. Isn't it funny how our scars tell stories and give us memories. I used to hate scars but I have earned quite a few and now just looking at them or touching them can transport me back in time. If ever you feel these lessons slipping away, just look back at this post, the blockchain in forever afterall! ;) Stay wise, young soul. -Aimee
that's a great way to look at it, the blockchain forever, not quite sure I made that connection in my writing.
Thanks @canadianrenegade
Na, you're still beautiful. Scars reminds us of our past mistakes. Mom said that to me.
thanks so much for the great commenting @ravenground
i am notice that when you are resting and relax you even accomplish more than when you are rushed and agitated.i think you a hard working girl.
thanks for commenting and welcome to steem
Here is a helpful link - https://steemit.com/toolkit/@sndbox/master-toolkit-steemit-resource-guide-illustrated-update
nice post!
and be careful always...
lesson learned as they've said...
Take care! have a nice day!
you have a nice day as well @ttenaj2018
so nice your photography
thanks, I am glad you appreciated the photos
Good morning @gringalicious🙋 You are so beautiful again and great photos. It's fun to read the post ☺
what was your favorite part about reading my post?
you are talking about being active,we should not punish our body,active life and beautiful photos ☺
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the pictures are really awesome and last one is soooo beautiful.....love that
thanks so much for commenting
No pain no gain.. Just sucks how it strikes at times! That scare looks awesome @gringalicious
my dad likes that saying, no pain no gain. I see the truth in it. Thanks @gamainvegas
Dog 🐶..
So beauti
Treasure the scars. They depict your personal journey in a way none can quite - if ever - replicate. Your resilience is greatly admired. Keep bouncing back! :)
fantastic commenting @isabeldorastorey. And, welcome to steem.
Here is a link you might find helpful - https://steemit.com/toolkit/@sndbox/master-toolkit-steemit-resource-guide-illustrated-update
Thank you so much for that link! Kept me enthralled until I had to remind myself to have breakfast. I have bookmarked it to return to time and time again. Also marked my calendar to apply May 1 for the next group for mentoring course. Very helpful and much appreciated.
It sounds like a long and very painful recovery! I hope you're better now and can do all the things that you love so much! And your right, it took me a long time too (luckily without being in a terrible accident) to realize that we have to take care of our body, since it's the only one we have :)
so good to hear from you again @theywillkillyou. I am glad you have come to that realization without a terrible accident. There isn't anything I cannot do right now, so I am enjoying every moment
Wow.. amazing photography i like it thanks for sharing this information.. best of luck..
Thank you @rkaitra!
wow! its beuty! <3
thanks so much
Thanks a lot for your valuable post sharing...... i like this photography...alll the best dear....
Thanks @triptybarsha
most welcome......dear...
nice post and speedy recovery
thanks, but this was last year
I sad for your injury. Wish cure soon. your trip was Beautiful . Excellent photography.
thanks @ritue
You are so beautiful 😊 I already vote you and dont forget to see my blog 🙏
thanks so much for commenting
Amazing post
I appreciate it @nanda87!
heyy great post! all the best, and nice moments captured!
thanks so much for the great commenting @joelbastian
Fotografi yang indah @gringalicious! Terima kasih telah berbagi dan semoga harimu menyenangkan teman
thanks
So wait if reading the account made me wince does that mean I have sympathetic-empathy. OUCH!
sorry you winced @jarvie, but thanks so much for reading and commenting
All are part of life. Good moment and bad moment. I think you will come back soon. Think positive and good moment transfer to strength. Nice travelling photography. Keep sharing
thanks so much for your continued support @pariza
Sorry about the injury, i can feel it, you are even happier now. Your life and attitude about most important things might have changed alot. The things you learnt and the patience and rest lesson was a good one too.
Besides, you have good photos too. I loved those photos while reading your blog.
Anyways quick recovery, thanks for sharing.
Great commenting @tesaganewton, I am glad you liked the photos and thanks for your condolences
Very nice post...n pics r amazing.. hope for a speedy recovery... take care
thanks, all recovered, that was last summer, just now sharing
Great post and great that you can look back on it and look at the positives. I love the quote “you can let pain make you bitter, or let it make you better.” I’ve never heard that before but I think i’ll borrow that from now on.
When I was 15 I rolled a quad bike into an electric fence at my uncles farm. At the time it was scary but now it’s just one of those funny stories my family tell at gatherings.
you may borrow and keep any sayings I may have, few ever came from me anyway.
bummer on the electric fence. Well, it's good you can be the brunt of jokes now and nothing more serious. Great commenting @galione, thanks
Sorry that happened to you; but good to hear it had an overall positive influence. Having to stay in one place does make you think a lot more; as if the mind is making up for the bodies stillness. Take care.
thanks so much for the great commenting @twirble. Have a great weekend
That was quite an adventure and I'm glad you learned something from it because if not, I wouldn't be here learning from what you just wrote too!
Thanks for sharing! I hope you have completely recovered. 🤗
thanks so much for commenting on my post @beatenegg
Happy February too!
I wish you health :*
It is a the wonderful landscape, in my country it have been snowing for 2 days. I miss the sun ;)
Have a nice day, @gringalicious!
Thanks so much @allesia, here in my town, it is raining heavily
I am super glad I have never broken a bone.
that's great to hear
Lovely post,don't worry much about your knee it doesn't look bad and like you said it's good to appreciate what you have,there is someone somewhere who lost his or her leg.Be happy
thanks so much for the comment @carkia
This post has received gratitude of 2.77 % from @appreciator thanks to: @gringalicious.
Awesome photography, Thanks for sharing your activity with us keep it up and enjoy your life i wish you all the best
thanks so much for commenting @cristitaylor