Back pain

I threw out my back during the Golden Week.

That voided all our plans instantaneously.

I couldn't drive the car we rented. Money well spent.

We couldn't meet the friends we were looking forward to hanging out with.

I literally couldn't stand for two days.

I still have a cane within reach as I'm writing these words.

While I would have happily enjoyed not hurting myself, I'm taking this as a good reminder of two things.

One is that, however thoroughly you plan your life, your plans can be discarded instantly.

Not always by external forces or people wanting you to fail.

But sometimes by sheer lack of luck.

I guess the lesson is, plan things but don't expect things to go as planned.

And two, that we take way too many things for granted. Especially when we are physically able.

It's really time-consuming to brew a cup of coffee when you need a cane to stand up.

And I won't go into the logistical details of operational efficiency in the bathroom.

The truth is, while throwing out my back was an unlucky event, I do share some responsibility in its occurrence.

I haven't taken good care of my body for a while.

I don't exercise. I stretch once in a blue moon.

I sit like a teenager watching TV.

That's on me.

I've been very disrespectful of what was given to me. The privilege of a fully functioning body.

I'll work on this. I promise.

What's the lesson? Don't take anything for granted? Definitely.

But more importantly.

Don't assume that what you have will stay yours forever.

Maybe that's how we can value what we already have a bit more.