On Thursday this week, I went for a cycle and got hit by a car.
It was a beautiful crisp 7-degree winter’s morning. As is my way, because I love/ hate the cold and remarkable contrasts it brings, I was wearing only a pair of running shorts and flip-flops.
I pulled up to a familiar T-junction and waited for a car to indicate left and then slowly peddled into that lane as the cars behind weren’t going very fast. I waited in the lane looking left at the traffic and the next thing I knew I was whirling through the air confused and disoriented before landing on my head.
It turned out that the driver didn’t see me. At that hour in the morning, the sun is right into the driver’s eyes as I have experienced as well when driving. Apparently, he braked just before hitting me and I don’t think was going very fast but enough to experience a violent impact. I was wearing earphones, which is not ideal.
I stood up and with dread checked my body to see if anything was broken or in a state of disrepair and despite a very sore head and neck, and shock, I seemed to be OK. My rational brain was still trying to process what had happened. I kept thinking, “Something really bad is going to show up in my body,” but it didn’t.
I asked the young man, “Didn’t you see me?” which seemed to be a ridiculous question, as the words tumbled out my mouth! A man called David came by and did a bit of an amateur concussion test, “Stick your tongue out, how many fingers am I holding up?” that kind of thing, and then proclaiming, “Yeah, you are fine!”
All I had to show for the accident on my body was a slight cut on my right big toe. I even cycled gingerly back home still in a state of shock.
I called the doctor explaining my circumstances and he said it seemed fine and just a monitor myself.
Two days later I went to see the chiropractor who gave me an X-ray and an assessment concurred and concluded that it was concussion, saying that concussion is anything that is not your normal feeling and functioning. I felt dizzy at times but not severely and a couple of days later I still have a little bit of a headache.
What are my takeaways from this experience?
- Yes, anything can happen at any time. It is incredible to me as human beings how we just keep living and breathing; putting one foot in front of the other and the universe delivers what she delivers! How much control do we really have?
- “What did you learn from this?” Or, “What’s good about this?” are really good questions. I think when something like this – an accident, or an unexpected illness – happens, it’s a great opportunity to slow down and be more conscious. I was reminded that sometimes on a bicycle I can behave like I am the ‘king of the road’ (read, ‘idiot’) and that I am pretty invincible (the inner 17-year-old, within, it’s a thing!) It was a stark reminder not to assume that I am always seen and that it is my responsibility to be seen!
- I don’t like insurance – surprise, surprise, until I get paid out! Weird, huh? – but I did consider my life and medical insurance as I was flying through the air and the story of my life seemed to play out at lightning speed but in slow motion. I considered the people in my life who are important to me: my daughters, my family and those I love.
I was lucky. It wasn’t my time, and I am hugely grateful for being alive and having no injuries (my head is still a bit sore, but I have faith that this will pass.)
Why not look at something unexpected or unwanted that happened recently and ask yourself, “What was this trying to show me? Or, “What is good about this?”
Better still, pay attention! I intend to.
Courageously yours,
Simon
Simon Ekin – The Naked Speaker:
Helping People Get Their Mojo Back
