A Painful Instant

A couple weeks ago, I had a pretty spectacular fall. I was rushing around, picking up my house, when my socked feet shot out from underneath me at the top of our hardwood stairs. My entire body flew into the air, I landed on my tailbone, and then my head, and then slid — thump-thump, thump-thump, thump-thump — all the way down, until I laid in a crumbled heap on the floor.

Well. First of all, I’m fine. A lot achey and bruisey for a few days, but no permanent injury.pintip

My children, of course, had lots of practical advice for me.

“You need to walk slower, Mommy.”
“Don’t wear socks.”
“You should use the railing.”

But my biggest take-away from this event? Life can change in an instant. An INSTANT. One wrong angle, and I could’ve had broken bones. Or worse.

The last year or so, I seem to be receiving constant reminders to embrace each day, to appreciate the small things, to not stress so much. Or maybe these things were always present, and I’ve just been noticing them this past year. My fall is one of these things. Even though my bruises have more or less healed, my little trip down the stairs is still very present in my mind.

So today I just wanted to share this reminder with my friends in the lagoon. Your life can change in an instant. EMBRACE IT.

16 thoughts on “A Painful Instant

  1. Very sage advice. Carpe diem. We should all learn to live for the day, because life truly can change in the blink of an eye. The stories I could tell – but I don’t want to depress people. Thank you for the reminder!

    1. Oh, Sharron, I shudder even as you don’t tell the stories. I’ve heard way too many. Carpe diem is right. Thanks for stopping by!

  2. We have but one life…live it to its fullest. Live as each day were your last. We’ve heard it all and taken to heart when we have–for a few minutes. But we don’t realize how precious each moment really is. It takes us experiencing those little episodes to make you wonder what fate has in store. Excellent post!

    @Sharron Riddle Houdek–I agree “Carpe diem”. 🙂

    1. Loni, I absolutely agree. So easy to forget and get loss in the everyday stresses of life. Every moment is precious. Hugs to you!

  3. Man, I hope my life changes soon. It’s been really boring lately.

    (I do mean change in a good way because last year I had way too much bad change!)

    Hope you are feeling better, Pintip!!!!

  4. My kids are newbie drivers. I pound home your message every day. In the words of Phil Esterhouse, “Let’s be careful out there.” I loved Hill Street Blues!

    1. Yes, let’s! What an exciting time for your kids (and you!) I hope they stay safe on those roads!

  5. Oh Diana, I am so, so sorry to hear that. 🙁 🙁 🙁 I will definitely be more careful from now on.

  6. Hi Pintip,

    I think our stars might be aligned. I was out hiking the other day and I fell down the little carved out steps on the hillside, pretty close to how you described making your way down your steps! It’s the scariest thing until you realize you’re okay (and your family can’t help but crack up at how insane you looked while tumbling down…after they know you’re for sure okay)

    Thank you for this little reminder on how quickly things can change. Let’s all give one mighty heave towards things changing for the better 🙂

    1. It was really scary! Although nobody saw me, which I thought was a shame because I’m pretty sure I looked hilarious. I hope you are all healed up, Carlene, and you be careful, too!

  7. Oh, Pintip! Although I knew about your spectacular fall, I’m so glad I didn’t see it. You know me and my habit at laughing at people’s falls. It’s awful! Awful, I tell ya!
    I’m so glad you’re on the mend. And listen to your kids! I think I’ll have to get you a pair of those toddler socks with the sticky stuff on the bottom. LOL.
    In all seriousness, thanks for the reminder to embrace life’s moments. They are a gift, and they shouldn’t be taken for granted. Ever!

Comments are closed.