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Falling Flat on My Face

  • Sep 2, 2021
  • 2 min read

Ten days ago I fell flat on my face, landing on cement. As a result, I was in the hospital for three days, had a brain hemorrhage/concussion and a broken orbital bone in my left eye. The recovery has been challenging because I’m not supposed to strain my eyes or stress my brain by thinking too hard. So, no reading, no looking at my phone, computer or TV. Thank goodness for audiobooks and podcasts.


I will have surgery on Thursday, Sept. 2 (today!) at 3:30 p.m. to repair my eye. In three weeks I should be back to "normal" if there are no complications. So far the hardest things for me have been 1) not being able to walk my dogs 2) having to postpone getting my manuscript to my editor (wow - that sounds so cool to say!) and 3) headaches, dizziness, double vision.


Resting can be lonely and boring, but thanks to friends on social media, the encouragement has kept me from going nuts. I am sooooooooo fortunate and blessed to have caring, loving friends out there messaging me.


Falling flat on my face has forced hours of lying around thinking. I’m thankful it wasn’t worse. It reminds me we NEVER know what is going to happen next. A normal day can end up in some sort of tragedy. But if we worry about stuff that hasn’t happened yet, we waste the moment we’re in.


An Eckhart Tolle quote says:


“Realize deeply that the present moment is all you have. Make the NOW the primary focus of your life.”


It’s true. None of us are guaranteed tomorrow. I’ve been thinking about the U.S. military men who lost their lives last week, all the innocent Afghans who lost their lives or homes or family members. And the thousands in Haiti who perished in the earthquake 2 weeks ago, their entire city destroyed - it seems to have fallen out of the headline news. And here in the states, so many devastating fires on the West Coast that are burning down homes and killing wildlife, the hurricane that has left millions without power in Louisiana and tornadoes on the East Coast.


So I don’t have a helluva lot to complain about. I am safe in my house with excellent doctors looking after me and all my basic needs are met. My “now” in life is quiet. If I feel stressed or frustrated, I have to bring myself back to a place of gratitude and acceptance.

Crying is not good for my eye right now, so I’ve learned to cry internally when I get sad and miss Keven (he’d take good care of me if he was here).


My dogs miss being walked, but love having so much snuggle time with me - sometimes it’s the small things in life that get you through the day.


Thanks for reading!






 
 
 

13 Comments


edam tom
edam tom
4 days ago

I found do my matlab homework useful while practicing MATLAB problems,


 especially for understanding logic errors and improving my coding approach.

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Thank you for sharing this so honestly — your vulnerability and reflection are truly inspiring. Falling flat on your face is something we all experience in one form or another, and your willingness to talk about it with such clarity makes it easier for others to feel seen and understood. It’s a powerful reminder that growth often comes through the stumbles just as much as the triumphs.

That idea resonates across so many fields and experiences. Whether you’re navigating personal challenges or solving complex problems at work, learning from setbacks is essential. Even in technical environments like marine insulation companies, professionals regularly test new methods, reassess outcomes, and adjust their approach — whether they’re working on efficiency or on improving marine…

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Barbara, your courage and introspection in the face of such a challenging experience are truly inspiring. Your reflections on the unpredictability of life and the importance of staying present resonate deeply. In moments of stillness, it's remarkable how clarity can emerge.

As a Legal Nurse Consultant, I often delve into medical records to uncover critical information. Similarly, your journey underscores the significance of understanding and addressing health challenges with diligence and care.

Additionally, when considering health and wellness, it's essential to be aware of product liability issues. Ensuring the safety and efficacy of products we use can play a crucial role in our recovery and overall well-being.

Wishing you continued strength and a smooth recovery.

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Beautivana
Beautivana
Sep 26, 2025

Barbara, your resilience and gratitude in the face of such a challenging ordeal are truly inspiring. It's a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing each moment.

For those navigating recovery or seeking to bolster their overall health, consider exploring cavitation treatment. This non-invasive method targets stubborn fat areas, complementing a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, incorporating a face massager into your skincare routine can enhance results by improving blood circulation and promoting lymphatic drainage.

Wishing you a smooth and swift recovery. Your strength and perspective are a beacon of hope

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I'm so sorry to hear about your accident, Barbara. It's inspiring to see how you're embracing the present moment and focusing on gratitude during such a challenging time. Your reflection on the unpredictability of life is a powerful reminder to cherish each day. Wishing you a smooth and speedy recovery.

On a different note, if you're looking to maintain a clean and organized home during your recovery, house cleaning queen creek offers excellent services in the area. Their team ensures your space remains spotless, allowing you to focus on healing. For those in Queen Creek, AZ, house cleaning queen creek az provides professional cleaning services to keep your home fresh and tidy.

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