Life After Being Hit By a Bus

“I feel like I’ve been hit by a bus!” We’ve all said it at one point in our life. Or someone has said it to us. It’s a common expression, I’ve even used it myself! Of course, not so much these days. But it doesn’t bother me if someone else uses it in front of me.

Used to signify a great shock, I can tell you, the actuality is pretty accurate descriptor.

What does it actually feel like to be hit by a bus? Thankfully, I have no idea. Sometimes memory loss can be a good thing!

the bus

This week, it will be 4 years. 4 years!! At times it feels like a lifetime ago. Other times it feels like just yesterday.

The thing is, lots of people have a “bus” in their life. Something that comes along and changes your life completely.

For me, the accident and the surgeries, injuries and complications were life changing. I will never be the person that I was before. I wouldn’t even know how to be her if I wanted to.

Life after the bus

Moving on from a significant event is challenging. To say the least. You’re not the person you were before, but who are you now?

Time spent reflecting and getting to know yourself can help with this transition. Mindfulness teaches you how to be more present. To reflect. To increase your awareness. All of which is helpful moving forward.

One moment does not decide who you are. It’s what you do afterwards that defines you.

Do you give up? Or do you pick yourself up, dust, yourself off, and begin again? 

Beginning again is a concept taught in mindfulness. Noticing your mind has wandered, coming back to the breath and beginning again. A concept that is useful in other areas.

Beginning again is about choice. A difficult choice, sure. And one that has to be made over and over again. But it is a choice. Even if it doesn’t really seem like it.

There are lifetime changes and consequences that I have to deal with after my accident. The migraines, the anxiety and depression that I face on a regular basis. My brain also works differently than it used to.

Forgiveness and Judgments

Mindfulness is about observing and being aware with an attitude of kindness, curiosity and non-judgment. It’s about recognizing the little voice inside your head and about how mean it can be. When my brain doesn’t work “right” or something takes me longer to do, or I miss an important step, the judgemental thinking tends to start.

So I take a breath, and begin again.

With mindfulness you start to recognize that thoughts are just thoughts. They only hold power over us if we let them. If we don’t attach to them, and we just observe them, they will disappear. Think of them as moving along on a conveyor belt. There and then gone again.

Learning how to be more mindful was the best decision that I have ever made! It helped me through some big challenges. It’s also helps me manage my day-to-day anxiety.

Interested in learning more about mindfulness? Sign up below to be on the list for my upcoming Beginning the Path to Mindfulness course. As a thank you, you will receive a free mini mindfulness training.

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