I have just got home from losing control of my car in the snow and ending up off the road. I lost control of the car and tried to pull it back, but it ended up veering across the other lane. At that stage all I remember is screaming and thinking ‘this is it’ .... Luckily there was no oncoming traffic at the time but it felt like the car was going to flip over as I went over a grass verge. It left the road and I ended up in a field, luckily the right way up!
I am fine and completely in tact, just pretty shaken up. I have never had anything like that happen to me before and it is the one and only time my life has flashed in front of my eyes. It’s been an eventful couple of hours and I am just calming down now after a hot bath and lots of tea! As I am sure you can imagine there have been a lot of thoughts running through my head since it happened and I wanted to share them with you.
Slow down and be prepared for the unexpected
I have to admit I need to slow down in life in general and I do drive too fast at times. I am not making myself wrong as the accident happened in a sudden blizzard, which I slowed down for so I think anything would probably have been too fast. Slowing down my driving and general approach to life has been something I have been working on, so I guess this is a good wake up call!
Some things are more important than money
I was on my way to a coaching session. When I composed myself I was concerned not to let my client down, and sorted that out with a phone call. However then I also started worrying about not earning my fee today as I have recently started working on a self employed basis alongside my part time job. As soon as the thought came into my head I caught myself and stopped. Without dramatising it, I know if things had gone slightly differently, I could have died today. Some things are more important than money.
I am not invincible
Related to what I said about slowing down, I realised today that I (and my car 
) are not invincible. It may sound obvious to you, but it’s usually not to me. I am (fairly 
) young and I have never had a serious illness or accident and it really isn’t on my radar. Intellectually I know I am human and fallible but I often don’t feel like that. Of course, as with everything in life, it’s about balance, because we don’t want to go around thinking about our weakness and mortality all the time either, but I think its done me some good today to take stock and realise that I am not superwoman and I do need to take care of myself as much as humanly possible.
Treasure each moment
Once I had got home safely, I had a cup of tea (I am English after all! ) and my cat Squeaky jumped on my lap and gave me some loving furry purry head butts! With the drama over, the reality of what happened today started to sink in along with the realisation that there could have been quite a different outcome. Cuddling my cat and sniffing the lovely homely smell of her fur, I really was in the moment and so grateful for her and everything in my life.
The kindness of loved ones and strangers
A few minutes after the accident, I was sitting dazed in the car when I tried to see if the car would move but the wheels were spinning on reverse and forwards. A few cars had driven past and I could see puzzled faces wondering why on earth there was a little purple car sitting in a field by the side of the road! I had called my husband who was on his way to help when a van stopped and the guy got out to see if I was ok and how he could help. It turned out that he had heard about the accident from a friend and turned round on his journey to come back and help me! We were assessing the situation. He drove down the road to see the best place to exit the field, and whilst he was gone a two other guys in a four wheel drive pulled up to help as well! The first guy came back five minutes later after picking my husband up too and between us all, we towed the car out of the mud. I was so touched by their kindness, especially in a freezing cold blizzard! Situations like this make you realise the inherent good in the human race.
What’s your legacy?
Once I had made my calls to my husband and client the next thought that popped into my head was pretty much: “that was close … if that had been it, what would be my legacy?” I know that I would be missed by my loved ones and that I have done some good with my life, but I also know I have a lot of potential to unleash and that I sometimes lack the confidence and drive to do what I know I am capable of. I think this is one insight from today that may take a bit of percolating, so I will keep you posted on what I come up with.
I am really grateful that things were not a lot worst today. I wanted to share them with you in case it helps you too. I know for one, I am going to drive as carefully as possible from now on! A lot of home truths really hit you in situations like this.
Wow Jen...thankfully you are ok
. Amazing the guy turned around in a blizzard to help you...I'm glad you wrote about it right away (helps to process)and are heeding the wake up call. I've had to be clunked on the head several times before I got the message (I gather I'm a bit older, well maybe more than a bit). Adrian must have been shook up as well.
We are in the middle of a blizzard here as well...rare weather for England, yes? Very meaningful post, curious to see how you answer the legacy question. Thank god for tea (afterall, I'm Scotch-Irish...ok mostly American at this point but the tea still flows)
purple car <--cool!
Sheila
Sheila McCann´s last blog ..Fishegg # 78 Narcissus - Mythology
Great post. being grateful is my every thought...lol. Well not everything thought. Yet i try. Sweet post! Like Michael Beckwith said" Nothing can come into our lives unless we are appreciative of what we already have".
Jonathan Figaro´s last blog ..9 Ways To Guarantee Failure and Succeed
Jen:
Not at all. The fact is, you are certainly going to live a long and fruitful life. There will be no premature endings at all. Not acceptable.
I was a bit shaken up by your post. It made me feel anxious for your safety and security. Only good things should flow into your life. Nothing bad like this ought to happen to you. And I can't even imagine how Adrian must feel. What a lucky break that things have worked out. By the way, today I am going to be praying for you.
It seems you are on edge these days and are moving too fast. Slow down, please, and give yourself a break. I was the same way, rather high-strung, and then found meditation, which changed my life. I am sorry about the lousy weather in England. Please drive safely and slowly. And whenever you feel like rushing, think about these words.
Take it easy. The money you will earn over time. Nothing matters more than your safety and security. I am relieved you are alive and kicking.
Thanks for writing and informing us about this unfortunate incident.
Hey Jen - I'm happy to know you're ok after this incident and I think its wonderful that you've been able to transform this situation into a post that everyone can learn from. I'm certain that the thoughts running through your head which you shared above are thoughts that we can all relate to. This story will make all who read it stop for a moment and seriously ponder the points you have brought up.
Earl´s last blog ..Guest Post at Quest4Balance.com!
Thanks so much Sheila!
I'm ok, and a lot better after a good night's sleep. That guy was amazing! and you are right, writing about it helped me feel better. I didn't want to frighten anyone, but I thought it is a good reminder for us all... sometimes we need to listen to the messages! Adrian's ok, a bit shook up too but we're both relieved it wasn't a lot worst. Yep, we don't often get blizzards here, we have had snow on and off now for two months which is pretty rare. I'll be back about the legacy question ...I was amazed that was the one of my first thpoughts ... it's amazing how things like that clarify what you think about! Raising a cup of tea to you too! 
and glad you like my purple car! 
Thanks Sheila - it means a lot that my online friends have reached out to me.
Thanks Jonathan ... I felt so grateful yesterday. Thanks for the great quote, gratitude is so important.
Hey Archan!
I am sorry, I didn't want to shake you up. It was a bit scary yesterday, but all the things I wrote about were how I felt and as with a lot of things in life, lots of good lessons and insights came to me yesterday from this incident. It really sharpened my focus! Adrian and I are really fine and both grateful I am safe and fine and it wasn't a lot worst.
It's funny, we live a rather laid back life and don't have lots to rush around for which is nice and how we create it, but I know that I have that impatient tendency within me (probably why I have always been drawn to meditation and living in the present moment....) I really feel like I have learnt a valuable lesson.
Take care and rest assured, all is good here and I am committed to remembering to be slower in my day to day activities and grateful.:)
Thanks as always Archan.
Jen
Hiya Earl!
It really helped me to write about it and I felt like it might help other people too, so I am glad you got some value from it too.
Thank you.
Jen
Hey Jen,
I'm glad you're still alive and rocking. I too was in a car crash when I was 19. Got a few bruises and it hurt for a few months, but in the end it was all ok and it was an interesting experience.
Sometimes these "bad" things happen. I believe that in the end something positive will come out of it and it has already done so, like with the strangers coming to help you. Kind of reminds you that there is hope and we can change the world.
It is already happening
Henri Junttila´s last blog ..You and I, We Will Lead the Way
Hey Henri,
Thanks! I am ...rocking today and feeling a lot better!
Glad you were ok after your crash too, I was lucky I have no bruises, it was just a shock really.
I completely agree, it is already happening, those guys were so awesome, it really made my day in that sense! I feel like I have got a lot from the experience already, as you say there is positive to every "bad" situation.
Hi Jen,
First, it was a nasty surprise to see your tweet with the headline of your post this morning. I was so sorry to hear that you'd had that experience and am only too glad that you're well. But it must have been a shock.
Still, it has given you food for thought and been a source of learning for you. Thanks for sharing. I think life is very precious and it's good to put yourself first even if that means missing a bit of work or whatever because you're taking care of yourself. I think in our line of work, people appreciate that we take care of ourselves and it gives them permission to do it too.
Christine Livingston´s last blog ..The Silent Rise of the New Work Pioneer
Hi Christine.
It was a shock but writing this post and talking to my online friends like yourself has really helped too and as you said I have lots of food for thought. It has helped to put lots of things in to perspective. I agree, it is good to take care of ourselves and by doing that as you said we give others permission to too. I have had some good realisations about the difference being freelance too...you may not get paid, but taking care of yourself and your overall health is vital as well for your long term success and happiness.
Thanks for your support Christine, one of the first things I wanted to do once I was home and settled yesterday, was to go online. There is such a great community here.
I'm glad to know you're Ok Jen and applaud your thoughtful post. The legacy question is a very good one - I'm working on mine and thank you for the reminder that every day counts because we never know what's around the corner.
with love and best wishes
Ananga
Ananga @ LivingbyDesign´s last blog ..Inspiration for Living a Passionate, Authentic Life!
Thanks Ananga. Lovely to see you here.
The writing process really helped calm me down yesterday. The legacy question is a good question to sharpen the focus isn't it?
Jen
Hi Jen,
I am so glad you are alive and OK!!
Great post, I enjoyed reading it. Did your life really flash in front of your eyes? I agree that people can be so kind. I have moved to a new city recently and have seen how much people want to help in all sorts of situations.
Hi Anna!
It was a weird day yesterday, I had this slight foreboding feeling about 5 minutes before it happened actually. I think my mind shut off when the car actually went, I don't remember the car sliding across the road,but I do remember screaming and thinking "this is it, I'm done!" So relieved!
Thanks so much for your comment.
How's life with you? I saw you are moving to NZ, are you there yet? Great that poeople are being so helpful to you too, there's a lot of awesome people out there isn't there?
Great to catch up Anna.
Must have been exciting! Just kidding, happy to see you are ok
Oscar - freestyle mind´s last blog ..The Day When Everything Changes
ha ha!:) that really made me laugh!
Jen -
So glad to hear you're ok!! I've been in a number of very serious car accidents (unlucky I guess) and they are definitely scary experiences. I think what you got out of it and what's great, is that we need to appreciate and cherish every moment we have. I think sometimes (ok, maybe a lot) take life for granted. By being with each moment we can better appreciate the gift of life.
Take care!
Nate
Nate´s last blog ..Overcoming Our Attachment To Thoughts
Jeepers Nate! They are scary indeed!
I think we all do that (take life for granted at times) and I think it a day to day practice that helps us to bring that awareness and presence to each moment.
Thanks so much for dropping by.
Jen
hi jen,
how are you?
hope you are feeling much better.
that was a close call and thank God you are safe though shaken.
take care of yourself.
ayo´s last blog ..Useful Ways To Become DAFT!!!
It's funny isn't it when we're suddenly forced to the present moment. All of the ramblings and aspirations of our minds has suddenly put to a halt as we come face to face with the reality of the moment.
I have had a similar experience like yours, and the first thing I realized during that moment was how I wasted each passing day and not realizing that every moment is important, that I should do my best each day and use all my abilities to live a life of fullness. I am now living with these driving thoughts on my mind.
Live is very short and unpredictable, we might as well live it like its our last.
Hi Walter,
That is exactly what happened! What I want to make sure is that I remind myself of this experience each day and like you use it as a way to keep my focus sharpened on what really matters. Absolutely.... we really don't know when it might be! Thanks Walter!
Hi Ayo!
Hope you're well too.
I'm much better thanks, and I really appreciate you stopping by.
Jen
So pleased to heare you're ok Jen. Was really worried about you.
I think there's a lot of experiences in life that we can learn from and I think it's great that you've turned this into a positive experience.
I would like to stress something to everyone reading this though....
Stop and help. Don't pass on by thinking that someone else will help. Stop and help. I came across a really nasty car accident once where a couple had crash headlong into a concrete block at high speed. Lots of people were standing around but no one was helping. Thankfully I was passing by and being medically trained I instantly got out and started to help them. Don't stand and watch or pass on by. You'll be surprised how affective you'll be even if you don't think you've got the skills.
Maybe I need to write about post about this. Hmmmm
Get well soon Jen - lots of love from your cat -)
Ben´s last blog ..8 ways to make Valentines Day special this year?
Jen,
Glad to hear you were ok, if a little shaken.
I have had a couple of moments like this, like you I almost crashed my car and hit a tree, but managed to keep it under control and also I was a passenger in an ultralight aircraft and had to make an emergency landing as the wheel had come off. Wouldn't have been so bad but we were in Zimbabwae flying over a minefield and I could see wild animals!
At times like this (at least after the event) you do reflect on what you haven't done and be greatful for what you have.
Jen,
You'll be pleasantly surprised to know how much goodwill your work has generated over the web. You have so many people who are genuinely concerned about you; you have earned so many well-wishers, who want to make sure you are safe and doing well in your life. That's success!
What's the moral of the story? Well, let's find out, shall we?
Anytime something like this happens, try to count your blessings. You are never alone. There are always people out there who care about you. Reach out to such people whenever you feel blue or unfortunate events like this occur. And write about such experiences, so keep us in the loop. Writing can lead to catharsis, a purging of the emotions, and it will make you feel better too. So, keep on writing and we will keep on reading your work. Today, you and Adrian are in my thoughts and prayers.
Hi Ben,
Thanks for all your support the last few days, I really appreciate it. Great points you make too, I would definately put my self out there to help others in this situation after my experience this week - I am so grateful those guys did for me.
Squeaky's been taking good care of me too!
Hi Matthew,
I am definately feeling very grateful this week... Things like this really are a great reminder to live every day like its your last!
Lovely to have you here. Wow! You've had some adventures haven't you?!
Hi Archan,
you are right - I am so moved by everyones love and support here. Thank you all! Archan, thank you for your summary - very well put! So much positivity has come from this already as well as some great reminders of how fantastic people can be. Thanks for your love and prayers Archan. 
How great to have you here again.
Jen,
So glad you are ok!
It's it ironic that we tend to think about our lives at times like these? Life is so precious and our time in this world is short. Sometimes I think these moments are a signal from "the guy upstairs," telling us to slow down and enjoy what we have.
I hope you'll enjoy your weekend. We're happy your are safe.
Jason
Thanks so much Jason. Absolutely! I am taking heed and have really tried to slow down and soak up the present moment this week.
Have a lovely weekend too.
Jen
Wow, Jen, what an experience. I subscribe to the school of thought that says there is meaning in everything. I like what you've gleaned from the experience, love the image of you and your cups of tea and your cat (very comforting animals). Especially like your thoughts on unleashing your potential. Very inspirational. Keep going!
Also, wanted you to know I gave you The Sunshine Award for positivity and inspiring creativity in other bloggers. http://bit.ly/aTsDvq
Linda
Hi Jen,
Thanks for your reply. I was just curious to know whether your life really does flash in front of your eyes (as people say it does) or if that was a figure of speech.
Life is good thanks, I am still in Oz until my new passport arrives, then I will be going back to New Zealand as soon as it does - can't wait
xx
Anna Conlan´s last blog ..How to Avoid Spiritual Addiction & Stay Grounded on Your Spiritual Path
Hi Linda,
)
Thanks so much for your support (Squeaky says hi! She is on twitter now by the way, I'll tell her to follow you!
THANK YOU so much for The Sunshine Award!
Hey again Anna
I guess that was probably the wrong phrase ...I just thought 'this is it!" rather than my life actually flashing. I did read spome articles in the paper this week and there was one lady that said she nearly died and that did happen to her ... a recall of everything she had been though in life ... like a review.
All the best with the move!
Jen
ps- tahnks for following Squeaky on Twitter too!
Hi Jen,
I'm just reading this for the first time. I'm so glad you weren't hurt! You are fortunate and sometimes in life, things happen that make you think about your life. I never really thought about my legacy. I'm a good person and try to be kind to others. I am fairly sure I would be missed by people, certainly my family.
I try to enjoy the little things more these days, like sitting next to the fireplace and watching the snow fall outside. I know you've had a lot more than we have! I never want my wife to head out into a snowstorm. Maybe next time you'll call to reschedule instead of venturing out into that. It is my guess that your client will understand. Obviously you have learned something from this experience. Hopefully the car is in decent shape but more importantly, it's great to know that you are.
Sorry I didn't read this sooner Jen. I had no idea. I've been really busy. Maybe I should slow down too..
Best,
Bob
Bob Bessette´s last blog ..5 Important Car Buying Tips
Hi Bob,
Thank you! I got a fright but thankful it wasn't worst. Yeah, it's funny that the legacy question came to mind afterwards. I am still thinking about mine too. I like how you said you enjoy the little things ... something I am noticing too, it really is the small moments that are usually the most profound.
The snow was light when I headed out, and the blizzard happened really quickly ... it seemed to pass in about five minutes but obviously left the road really slippy. I have definitely learnt some good lessons from it, most importantly that I need to slow down in general! I am fine now, but thanks for your kind words Bob, I do appreciate them.
Jen
Jen,
I'm glad to see you're okay after your ordeal.
Unfortunately, our wake up calls come when we least expect them, which makes them either very scary or very uncomfortable. The sensible people take note and alter their lifestyle accordingly.
A great post, thank you for sharing.
Regards
Paul
Thanks so much Paul and great to see you here.
I am glad you enjoyed the post - it was very therapeutic for me too and as you said was unexpected but some good stuff has come out of it already.
Jen
Wow, that sounds incredibly scary! Glad you're okay. I had a hard time in snow/blizzard conditions on my last road trip and it was not a good feeling seeing a car on the side of the road or a truck in a ditch every couple of minutes.
At least you're walking away with realizations and without any broken limbs. Take it easy on the road!
Moon Hussain´s last blog ..My Massive Passive Income Brain Dump: What Do You Think?
Hey again Moon!
It was a little hairy, but thankful it wasn't a lot worst!
Jen