Monday, January 5, 2009

Have you had a life changing experience? Was it a tragic event, something special, just a thought, something you read? I did, one week ago tomorrow. What was the first thing that you said to yourself when you 'opened your eyes, let the dust settle, finished the sentence, etc.?' I think that is the most interesting thing of the life changing experience. What is the first thing that goes through someone's mind?

4 comments:

  1. So what was yours? Welcome to the blogging world!!! I am excited to follow your blog.

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  2. I slid on black ice, on Hersey Hill, and swerved badly, hit the snow bank, and flipped our truck, and landed on my hood. I opened my eyes, and the first thing I thought of was my Grandfather (who's birthday it was that day), and then I said to myself, "I need to go to church." Isn't that weird? I am SO not a church person, and it was the first thing that came to mind. Strange. I haven't been yet, but I have been doing a little research on a religion my sister told me about- they recognize all religions, without saying one is better or more right than another. Can't think of the name right now. I will have to look it up again.

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  3. My life changing moment came about three years ago. My moment happened quickly and I don’t remember all of it. Forty-eight miles into a trail race on a personal best pace I tripped and that’s all I remember. I regained consciousness on the ground. Maybe it was a minute, maybe it was ten minutes I will never know. I remember seeing black and then some white spots and immediately knew something was wrong, but I wasn’t sure what. Without thought I screamed and pled for help, but after a few minutes I realized no one was around to hear me. At the time I didn’t realize the severity of my injury and despite the pain it didn’t even cross my mind that I could really be hurt. The first real thought that came to mind was that I needed to get to the finish line.

    In that one split second moment when I didn’t lift my right foot high enough my life changed. I went from a person who defined herself as a runner to someone who could possibly never run again. I went from an independent person to a person who heavily depended on others. I went from happy to extremely confused and sad.

    What I can tell you is that I learned a lot about myself and about those close to me. I also learned about how perfect strangers are willing to reach out and help. I can honestly say that I now live life differently. I can honestly now say that if it were to happen again my first real thought would be different.

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  4. Aliza- yikes. Yes, I can see that as being the first thing, you have been training and working so hard, you are in the moment, and damn, I need to finish. Depending on others- totally changes things. Look at where you are today- still running ;-) what an accomplishment. Great job girl. I hope you feel pride when you lace up your sneakers, and when you start to forget what happened, it is good to bring yourself back. I've already had to do that with myself. Worrying about the little things, then I remind myself, I'm lucky to be alive.

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