A NEAR MISS...very close call almost struck by a car while running this morning

A NEAR MISS.. very close call almost struck by a car while running this morning. My work travel has me in Hyannisport on the Cape. My 5:45 early morning run in the dark is always my best way for me to start a busy work day even away from home. Fortunately I was present to being in the moment at about 6:20AM an extremely close call with a car abruptly pulling out in front of me and narrowly missing me despite my florescent vest and headlamp. BE PRESENT and grateful for every moment you are alive as it could be your last.

THE OTHER PART OF THIS STORY.....the woman driving the car circled back around to find me. She got out of the car sobbing and apologizing for nearly hitting me. She was more shaken then I was over the incident. She went on to say her mother had just died, she hasn't slept in days and was tired and not paying attention. She repeated several times how sorry she was ...for me, the best way to respond was to hug her, tell her it was okay and to tell her I understood, yet I said try to be in a better place, and it will be okay. She nodded squeezing me tight, despite me being all sweaty from the run. I thanked her for coming back to find me and continued on.  

MY TAKEAWAY…..As runners and/or cyclists we all have our stories of “near misses”, or incidents where we are hit and injured, yet rarely does it keep us away from what fills our hearts and souls, the joy we get from running.  If we are afraid or are present to the thought of “something might happen,” then we would lead a life of fear and miss out on what all life has to offer.  Being present to fear brings more fear and inevitably the universe responds in that way.  For me, despite where I am, the time of day, the weather conditions etc. etc., I almost always respond with I am going to go out and run or cycle, it is my passion, it helps me to be more present to myself, and all the world has to offer and for me to offer it.  Certainly, at times be guarded and/or safe (headlamps and florescent clothing in the dark), but don’t miss out and make the excuse for not going out for that run, you are shortchanging yourself and possibly missing out on the opportunity to be the best person you can possibly be that day and in that moment.

PLEASE SHARE...an incident, a close call, that helped you reflect on life differently.