A little over 2 weeks ago, I was driving on I-85 returning from visiting my parents in NC. It was just after dark. I was minding my own business, with no one in front of me, excited to be only an hour from home, listening to my audiobook, when I came across a tree that had freshly fallen entirely across the northbound highway.
- 0.01 sec: “That’s not real/right.”
- 0.04 sec: “NO!”
I slammed the brakes and braced myself.
I went through the tree, and the tree went through the car. Airbags. Skidding, spinning. I wound up facing southbound in the right hand side ditch.
Audiobook was still playing. I grabbed my phone and quickly got out of the car. (Thought: “I’m out of here!”). Got away from the car and called 911.
Cars had been behind me by about 1/2 a mile. The next one came. They didn’t see it in time, either. They plowed through and spun to the shoulder as well.
6 cars plowed through before traffic came to a halt on 85.
NO INJURIES.
Not one.
I recognize my extreme and miraculous blessing to have not even been scratched. And the others, as well!
I am thankful I had already been in a place where I was intentionally focusing on all the things I am grateful for in my life.
- I REALLY love my MINI Cooper.
- It was not my time ..
- I am IMMENSELY grateful for ALL of the supportive people in my life.
- Had I gone out, I did realize that I would have been pleased that I was at least working towards the things I really want in life, and not settling: work I love, a home I created to be a personal oasis, great relationships, and a vision for the future life I’m working towards. I was not settling. Maybe I didn’t get as far as I’d have wanted, but I would have been pleased that I at least was not settling; that I was growing and creating the life I imagine. I would have been pleased. No regrets.
Being as it was not my time, I am excited to maximize EVERY part of life, EVERY opportunity, to be MORE PRESENT in the moment than ever before, and to ENJOY EVERY DAY and EVERY step of the process.
Life is too short to settle. And it’s too short to allow anything to hold us back from creating the life we are absolutely in love with: health, love, relationships, work, and everything else.
Use EVERYTHING for good. Feel into EVERY moment.
I don’t believe we each have to have a personal experience like this to realize these things and live from a place of creative intentionality on a daily basis.
We have the power to create the life we really want.
Don’t let anything hold you back. Not anyone’s possible negative opinion or disapproval. Not the fears in your mind. It’s not worth it.
Glean strength from everything.
I share because this is what this experience taught me.
Sending love to each of you!
❤️