It was a late afternoon at a church outing. All the kids were in the backyard horsing around. The championship match. It was me a 13-year-old in 8th grade versus another bigger guy who was a sophomore in high school. Our makeshift bell rings and we start the “fight”. The rush of wind goes by my face as I feel a fist go by my face. I trip and fall onto the hard grass hill. He falls on top of me as well then…POP!
Breaking my leg in three places was a devastating setback to my athletic lifestyle. The inability to exercise, run, or have any fun left me feeling dissatisfied and disappointed. The agony and constraints were overpowering, and I fought to see a silver lining in the circumstances. As someone who lived on regular physical activity such as lifting twice a week, running here and there, and pushing my body to its limits, being forced to use crutches and unable to walk properly was a tough reality check. The once-simple acts of going on a jog or hitting the gym looked like distant dreams.
Despite the darkness of my injuries, some unexpected advantages arose. Forced to slow down and rest, I discovered a renewed appreciation for life’s simple pleasures. I found the beauty of quietness and learned to appreciate times of serenity and silence. I came to understand that, on occasion, a significant setback is necessary to fully appreciate the small pleasures that we frequently take for granted. My injuries were undoubtedly difficult, but they also taught me a great lesson about accepting life’s unanticipated turns and finding joy in the here and now.
The injuries also allowed me to prioritize other facets of my health and well-being that I had previously disregarded. I made new connections with loved ones, pursued new interests, and had a renewed appreciation for my body’s tenacity. While breaking my leg was undoubtedly a setback, it also provided me with valuable lessons and opportunities for growth. In the end, I emerged from the experience stronger and more grateful for all that life has to offer.