Choose to Take the Journey

So I was in a motor vehicle accident 2 weeks ago. A car was speeding and rear-ended me on the freeway while I was stopped in traffic, knocking me into the car in front. He then tried to flee the scene until I took out my phone and started copying down his license plate number.

Fortunately, it was nothing too serious, but I’ve been having to deal with persistent headache, neckache, backache, nausea, and vertigo. The first few days were the worst, especially because of the added disruption to my life: insurance, repairs, rental car, doctor, lawyer, doctor, insurance, doctor, paperwork. One of my biggest frustrations has been not being able to hit the gym at the end of a long day.

As a result, I have found that managing my emotions (and my blood sugar) to be far more challenging. I am constantly craving fatty, sugary foods, but I can’t work it off! I get tired easily because my body is trying to recover, but I have trouble sleeping because of my neck pain!

There is a silver lining.

Last night I realized that it would take at least 2 to 3 months before my life would return to normalcy. I thought: You could either wait it out, or you could find another way to achieve balance in the meantime.

I may not be able to work out, but I meditate each night after doing Epley’s maneuver.

I may not be able to go clubbing with my friends, but I use some of that time for reading and writing (and planning where I’m going to go when I get better!)

Most importantly, I’ve come to realize (yet again) the importance of having an attitude of gratitude–appreciating the little things so I don’t lose sight of the big picture. It might sound melodramatic, but if it were not for a few random factors, the accident could have turned out a lot worse, so I am honestly grateful just to be alive.

If something in your life is not quite right and you’re waiting for it to get better, don’t just put up with it. Take it as an opportunity. An opportunity to reevaluate your life. To focus on something (or someone) you’ve been neglecting for a while. Or even to just invite someone over for dinner, a movie, and 2 glasses of wine. Cheers!