足元を見て歩け (Ashimoto wo mite aruke)

Last weekend was painfully reminded of this Japanese proverb which means "Watch your step as you walk."

I was happily walking along on a local trail at 7:30am on Saturday morning, enjoying the sunrise and looking forward to a fun day, when I was distracted by squirrels loudly fighting in a tree. I looked up, stumbled off the path, and my foreseeable future had just drastically changed.

I was able to hop to a nearby street, called a cab service, and 20 minutes later I was back at my apartment where I woke up my bewildered husband who instantly became my nurse and butler. He's now been at it for a week, we're both exhausted 😂

Lucky me, I just severely sprained my ankle so it's already improving. I could have broken it, ripped ligaments, all too horrible to contemplate as this sprain is already so painful. I'm also the proud new owner of an electric blue cane now that I've started walking again, never thought I'd need that just a few days ago!

What did I learn from this episode? Definitely the literal importance of being careful and more mindful of my surroundings as I walk or hike. Although this proverb also applies when navigating challenges or difficult situations at work or in life.

Lucky me has a supportive spouse to support me in both literal and figurative stumbles, cheers to you dear Makoto!

What has thrown you for a loop recently?