Unexpected Lessons: How a Car Accident Forced Me to Prioritize Self-Care and Mindfulness

Rear View Lessons

Life has a way of stopping us in our tracks when we least expect it. A couple weeks ago, I found myself on the receiving end of one of those unexpected moments—I was sitting at a stoplight, minding my own business, when I was hit from behind. Just like that, everything jolted. The sound, the force, the confusion—all at once.

Physically, I sustained injuries but am thankful because the outcome could have been worse. Emotionally, I’m still processing. But like most things in life, this moment didn’t pass without leaving me with a few powerful lessons and a deeper appreciation for healing—not just from impact, but from everything we carry.

Lesson 1: Stillness Doesn't Mean Safety

I was still—not moving, not distracted, just waiting patiently at a red light. And yet, I was still hit. That moment reminded me that we can do everything "right" and still find ourselves in situations we didn’t ask for. Life doesn’t always operate fairly, and that’s okay. What matters is how we choose to respond when the unexpected shows up.

Lesson 2: You Don’t Have to Be “Fine”

For the first few days, I caught myself telling people, “I’m fine,” before I even realized what I was saying. The truth? I wasn’t fine. I was in pain. I was shaken. I was frustrated. Giving myself permission to not be okay was the first step in truly beginning to heal.

It reminded me how often we try to minimize our pain for the comfort of others. But healing starts with honesty—with ourselves and with those who care about us.

Lesson 3: Rest Is Revolutionary

In a world that praises hustle and productivity, it’s incredibly hard to slow down. But after the accident, my body didn’t give me a choice. I had to rest. I had to listen. And I had to stop pushing myself through pain just to prove I was strong.

Rest is not weakness. Rest is wisdom.

Lesson 4: Ask for Help—Then Receive It

Whether it was asking someone to drive me, help with errands, or just check in—I had to get comfortable with receiving. It wasn’t easy. But healing showed me that being vulnerable enough to ask for help doesn’t diminish my independence—it reinforces my humanity.

We weren’t made to carry everything alone.

Lesson 5: Check in on the Quiet Folks

This experience made me think about all the people who are going through something silently. I could easily have gone about my days, showing up, smiling, and getting the job done—while hurting deeply inside. It’s made me more intentional about checking in on others, especially those who seem “strong” or “together.” Sometimes they need it the most.

Where I Am Now

I’m still healing—physically, mentally, emotionally. Some days are better than others. Some days I wake up grateful, other days I wake up aching. But every day, I’m learning to be gentle with myself.

And maybe that’s the biggest takeaway of all: Healing is not a race. It’s a process. One breath, one moment, one step at a time.

To anyone else going through something hard right now—be it an accident, a loss, a setback—know this: you don’t have to pretend. You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to keep showing up for yourself, however that looks today.

Here’s to the slow, sacred work of becoming whole again. 💛