Ordinary Kindnesses

July, interrupted

It feels strange that it’s August.

The last time I wrote was at the end of June. In my head I’ve had all kinds of plans since then. A few essays I wanted to write. Camping trips with friends. Reading at least one of the books piling up on my night stand. But Summer hasn’t exactly looked how I imagined.

Instead, a tree fell on my face.

Which sounds a bit ridiculous, but unfortunately is true. And I’ve mostly been in recovery mode ever since.

Just over a month ago, I was riding my moto home when a tree limb broke overhead. I was going about 35 miles an hour, and in an incredible act of physics, we somehow managed to collide.

I rarely take my moto anywhere other than the 5 minute ride down the road to the beach, but on this day I had a doctor’s appointment. I was on my way home, and one minute I was thinking about making it back to work on time, and the next I was sitting on the side of the road with blood pouring down my face wondering what the hell just happened.

Thankfully, I’m ok. I mean. . . my face is still broken, and healing has been so much slower than I’d like. But every day feels a little better, and every week I’m a little more grateful.

Grateful that I’m still here. And also grateful for all the incredible ways people have shown up.

My neighbor who dropped everything to take me to the hospital. Friends who appeared with dinners on the porch. My phone filled with so many messages from people just checking in. And my incredible husband who somehow kept our whole world running while I’ve been operating at half capacity.

So many small kindnesses that held us together.

And it’s given me a whole new level of appreciation for all the little things. Going for walks. Sitting around the table with friends (turns out laughing is surprisingly painful when you’ve fractured your cheek and recovering from a concussion is no joke).

We talk and hear so much about longevity these days. Peptides. Cold plunges. Supplements. Strength training. None of it is bad, but every once in a while, it’s good to be reminded what it’s all really for.

More Tuesday dinners. Walks after work. Heads on shoulders. Holding hands. Opportunities to be the one who shows up when someone needs us.

More ordinary days that don’t feel extraordinary until we realize they are.

xx,

Ashley