Valley of Enlightenment

Feb 15, 2015

Feel the adrenaline rush through your body

Going down the hill at top speeds, I pedal fast to create momentum to super boost my pedaling uphill. First, I would need to zoom pass the one way stop sign at the T intersection at bottom of the hill. Hoping that there wouldn't be any cars speeding down the hill or up the hill at the same moment of my high risk crossing, I would make a left turn going uphill.
Dangerous right?
To prepare, I would look into the distance from the top of the hill for oncoming cars. I would quickly proceed when I think it is clear. Doing the math, I estimate that it takes three seconds from the moment I start my downhill descent to the bottom of the hill at top speeds. Since it is a quiet mountain side neighborhood, chances are slim that cars will be present when I run that stop sign after three seconds. It is a risk to save pedaling energy. Obviously, a risk I've done many times before.

New bike after 14 years of Old Rusty

This time however, a bright red car appeared within that three seconds as I arrived at the stop sign at 20 mph. I slammed on my brakes with both hands to avoid running into the side of that car. The brakes stopped the tires while momentum launched me forward as I catapulted into the middle of the street. The red car had noticed and stopped.
My left wrist hit the rocky road with great force, then my left knee slammed on the pavement and finally found myself laying on my left side. Instant pain ran through my leg and tingling sensations trickled around my forearm while I felt incredulous, embarrassed and discombobulated. I wanted to get out of the streets, but my body wasn't moving at all. Another oncoming car stopped because I was partially blocking his side of the street. Someone got out of that car and told me to just relax. Relief came to me as I listen to my heartbeat slow to an almost normal beat. I just laid there on the ground while a crowd started to form.
The people in the bright red car came to help. A neighbor and few other cars stopped to help/inquire as well. It was the most people I've seen occupying that area at once. Two men helped me out of the streets and onto someone's front lawn. They asked questions, looked at my wounds and apparently, my body was recovering from shock, but I was fine otherwise.

Less than 3 months old and on its 1st accident

They almost called the ambulance, because I was just laying down and not saying anything but I just wanted to relax. My wrist and knees were bleeding, throbbing with pain. I didn't want an ambulance so I forced myself to walk so they would know that I didn't need further medical attention. People left with a smile and I appreciated their presence.
"Jordan", a nearby neighbor, offered to drive my sister and I home with our bikes. We were three miles away from home and I wasn't in any condition to ride my bike back, so we accepted. On the ride, he told us that he'd seen five other cyclist / car accidents occur on that same intersection and he's only lived in that area for 6 months. Then I said, "And you offered to drive all five of those people home."
When we arrived at the house, we offered pomelos and a squash as a thank you. It felt good to offer something in return for their kindness.

The Valley of Enlightenment

I am grateful for the kindness of people and the instant collaboration of strangers to offer their compassion. I will always remember their faces when they genuinely wanted to know that I was going to be okay. Have faith that people will kindly offer their compassion wherever you are in the world. We all have the same feelings deep inside and being human is everyone's priority. Have faith.

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Reinvention

I practice mindful and positive thinking on a regular basis. My constant reinvention enables me to be more open to share my story.I empower people to follow their happiness and see the world with more love in their hearts.

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