Blackberry & Apple Turnover: Putting the Important Things into Perspective

Wrapped up in our everyday routines, it often takes a chance event or an unexpected encounter with adversity to truly put the important things in life into perspective.

It was pouring on Saturday, August 14, 2010, but I was determined not to let the weather dampen my spirits. I drove my brother to the Midlands for an exciting new experience: something I had longed to try after watching the Royal Caribbean TV ads. Bedford, it turns out, has its own slice of Caribbean paradise in the form of a FlowRider surf simulator. Steve and I learned to bodyboard, and with each new skill we mastered, our instructor encouraged us to showcase our progress until we inevitably wiped out and joined the queue to try again. It was a fantastic day.

On our way back, just a mile from home, my car hit a flash flood on a dual carriageway, spun around, rolled twice, and landed in a blackberry bush. My SatNav flew out the window, never to be seen again, and I was fortunate not to lose my iPad and ironically, my Blackberry.

Steve and I were incredibly lucky to walk away from the accident. The car was totaled, but it protected us remarkably well. The accident may have cost me an arm and a leg (figuratively, of course), but that seems insignificant when I consider what might have happened. What if… what if…

We seldom contemplate our mortality unless someone close to us passes away or we have a near miss ourselves. Such experiences force us to acknowledge that life can be unpredictable, change swiftly, or even be taken away in an instant.

I am full of admiration for a community member who has campaigned tirelessly to raise awareness of knife crime after a close friend was murdered during a night out. Through her KnivesCostLives program, she conducts talks in local schools to educate about the dangers of knife crime and present alternatives to gang involvement.

Has an unexpected life event ever inspired you to give back to your community? I’d love to hear your stories below. Personally, I am more resolved than ever to embrace life’s challenges and cherish my friends and family.

Are you ready to dedicate some time to improving the lives of others? If so, you might find a challenge that suits you at Vinspired.