Existential Knee Pain
Taken November 8, 2023
Experiencing an existential crisis after suffering an injury that renders you immobilized is entirely understandable. For most individuals, it marks their first encounter with the realization of their true vulnerability, sparking a profound period of self-reflection. The abrupt change in mobility options and thought processes is unsettling. What was once a simple walk to the fridge transforms into a delicate balancing act with a crutch and a compromised knee. This sudden shift prompts victims to reassess their gratitude and adopt a more risk-averse approach to intense physical activities. Each day that the injured body part aches becomes a source of concern, questioning whether it will heal with time or necessitate professional medical attention.
On the flip side, this experience represents a crucial shift in how one perceives the world. In times of injury, individuals often need assistance from others, fostering a newfound appreciation for their community. Services like DoorDash, Instacart, and even Amazon become essential tools. Parents become pillars of support, alleviating concerns about recovery-related insecurities. Friends inquire about the incident, collectively reviewing the events that led to the injury to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Once the injured body part begins to heal, heightened concerns about physical health emerge. This serves as a positive catalyst, inspiring a commitment to lifestyle changes that contribute to improved overall well-being and happiness. A few weeks of immobility might prompt someone to take up running, or a month without the use of an arm might lead to a newfound determination to conquer every pickle jar and rearrange every piece of clothing and trash previously out of reach.
So, why discuss all this injury-related experience? Perhaps because injuries aren't as terrible as they may initially seem. As an avid cyclist, daily runner, and weightlifting enthusiast, I had to pause all these activities for a week due to injury, and it was undoubtedly challenging. Trying to maintain a competitive pace or lifting regimen becomes incredibly difficult when coupled with an injury, making it appear as if it's the end of the world. However, I'm here to assure you that it's not. Sometimes, these setbacks encourage us to live life more cautiously, and there's nothing wrong with that. While taking risks is essential, learning from every mistake along the way provides a better understanding of the types of risks one is undertaking.