Life, as we all know, rarely adheres to our meticulously crafted plans. It throws curveballs, roadblocks, and the occasional sprained ankle (or, in my case, a broken wrist) that forces us to take a detour. This recent injury, while certainly unwelcome at first, has unexpectedly gifted me something precious: time. Time to ponder life, its workings, and the vast expanse of understanding that lies beyond the boundaries of our daily routines.
We often move through our days at a frantic pace, our minds preoccupied with deadlines, commitments, and the ever-present buzz of notifications. We plan, we execute, and we strive, all in the pursuit of… well, whatever occupies our minds at that particular moment. But what happens when that momentum is abruptly halted? When a simple fall on the ski hill leads to a fiberglass cast and a mandated period of stillness?
For me, the broken wrist became a strange kind of catalyst. Initially, frustration reigned supreme. The inability to perform even the simplest tasks, the constant ache, and the feeling of being utterly dependent were hard to swallow. But as the initial shock wore off, a different perspective began to emerge.
Free fr
om the usual demands of my daily life, I found myself with an abundance of time on my hands – time I hadn’t realized I so desperately needed. Time to sit quietly, look out the window, and simply be. It was within this stillness that I began to truly consider the intricate dance of life, the forces at play that we often ignore in our relentless pursuit of productivity.
It’s easy to believe we are in control, meticulously charting our course, but life has a way of reminding us of our inherent limitations. We can plan our careers, our relationships, our days, but the unexpected – the illness, the accident, the sudden change of heart – can disrupt it all in an instant. This recent experience has highlighted just how much we don’t control, and, paradoxically, that realization has brought a sense of peace.
There’s a beauty in acknowledging that the universe operates beyond our comprehension, that there are rhythms and patterns at play that we may never fully grasp. It’s a humbling experience, one that encourages us to release our grip on the reins, to embrace the unknown, and to trust in the process, even when it feels confusing and chaotic.
The forced slowdown has also highlighted the importance of the present moment. When you’re struggling to put on a shirt with one hand, you quickly learn to appreciate the simple things – the warmth of the sun, the taste of a good cup of tea, the kindness of friends and family. These are the quiet joys that often slip through the cracks when we’re rushing through life, chasing after the next goal.
As I look at this cast on my wrist, I no longer see it as an inconvenience, but as a reminder. A reminder of the fragility of life, the beauty of stillness, and the vast mysteries that surround us. It’s a reminder that sometimes the greatest insights are found not in doing, but in simply being. It’s a reminder that even in the face of the unexpected, there’s always an opportunity to learn, to grow, and to find a deeper connection with the world around us – and within us. And for that, I’m unexpectedly grateful.
Feb 11, 2025 at 1:08 AM
I'm blessed to have you in my life
Feb 12, 2025 at 9:52 AM
Thanks so much, Kim. That means a lot to me.
Feb 11, 2025 at 3:54 PM
Every word is so very true and important to remember and to remind us every day. Thank you that reminder Dr. Kent !
Feb 12, 2025 at 9:51 AM
These reminders have truly been a gift!
Feb 16, 2025 at 12:35 PM
Thanks for sharing, we all need to reflect on life and sometimes it takes being through the eyes of another.
Feb 16, 2025 at 6:03 PM
No truer words have been written. Thank you Dr K.
Feb 17, 2025 at 1:56 PM
I read this last week when it first came out and, since I have always said my 1st core value is health, I totally felt your words. Well those feels are even more so now. Hubby overdid shovelling last Thur. and passed out in the driveway and upon going down broke his fibula. It not only has this been a huge adjustment for him but also for me as his care worker. Our lives are quite different for the next while and I think we are feeling all the emotions you have. Hope we all get through these changes quickly and back to our good health.
Feb 18, 2025 at 9:37 PM
Lorrie Quinn So eloquently stated! Thank you for the introspection! It will serve as a reminder to me to be more patient with my aging self and the uninvited slow down of life! I would expect nothing less from such a caring and loving gentleman!
Feb 19, 2025 at 3:43 AM
Sometimes illness or accidents happen to teaching us incredible lessons of life, sometimes we need them to slow down and to find ourselves again....I totally understand your feeling because my experience with cancer or how I called "my adventure"taught me to listen to myself, to respect myself and to slow down....I am grateful for that experience! Get well soon!!
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