By Simon Wright – Follow
me on Twitter @Siwri88
The month of
July is full of milestones for me, both in a good and bad way. They range from
the anniversary of my graduation to recently, completing a full year in my
full-time role in the publishing industry.
Of course,
nothing’s ever perfect in life. Some aim for total perfection but it simply
isn’t possible. And this particular month brings back some painful memories
which will always remain forever.
It is an
incident I don’t like to talk about, largely because it makes me emotional.
After much deliberation, I have decided not to go into detail about what actually
happened to me on the evening of 23 July 2009. What I will say though is it changed
who I was and the proof that every second really does count in life.
Luck on my side
Those close
to me personally will know what happened. It was an incident that really shook
my confidence. On the night of Thursday, 23 July 2009 – my life could well have
ended. I’m not exaggerating either. It was a truly terrifying ordeal and there
wasn’t much I could have done when it was taking place. It is at these points
and I’m not a religious person where you want the Lord to be looking down on
you and ensuring no great harm is done.
I suffered
relatively light injuries (that’s if you put a broken nose in that category).
In the days afterwards, I had never felt so shaken up, terrified of what might
happen next. I was in-between the transfer of finishing college to starting
University. I was moving into Halls of Residence in Northampton in less than
seven weeks’ time and here was a massive hurdle that was now in my way. I
became tense and scared of even leaving home. So, the days afterwards were some
of the hardest I’ve ever had to go through. Gradually though, it would get
better.
I admit I am very
lucky to even be here today. So, I know that but I’m encouraged to have
progressed so much since.
That hasn’t
come though without needing to make some changes.
No more risks
I think that
what happened has made me more of a cautious individual, particularly when it
comes to taking risks or a chance that could backfire. I have never been a
massive risk-taker anyway but you don’t appreciate the consequences of what
could happen if things go wrong. That’s just something that doesn’t need to be
factored in.
It has
perhaps made me more reluctant to commit to certain aspects of life but if it
is what keeps me secure, then it is hardly a crime.
For sure, I
became a safer person. There was a period where I would enjoy going out,
hitting the nightclubs and having a few too many drinks. Then I would somehow
stumble home and not quite remember how that happened. Now, I don’t take those
chances anymore. I still like to go out, but I’m more likely to have a few
drinks in a bar and have a giggle with some of my close friends rather than go
clubbing. Those regular days ended with what happened and while there were
still occasions of this at University – only the nights out in the Balestra
nightclub in Northampton felt anything truly special. I would always go and
have a good time, but remember to get home safe and know I’ve done that too. I’m
happy I took this route – it was just a shame something bad had to happen for
me to realise this.
The real life lesson
Five years is
a long, long time and the fear that was built around me slowly started to come
down as the end of summer 2009 approached. I’m thankful the University
adventure was when it was. The move to Northampton came at the right time, a
great opportunity to make a fresh start.
Physically, I’m
okay and emotionally, it is tough to talk about it but when someone asks, I
will give brief details. The days afterwards, I got some fantastic support from
the people I valued and respected. Friendship is an important part of my life –
right up there with family values and for me, much more than a relationship.
Mentally
though, the scars of that night will probably always be there. It is not something
that can totally be forgotten. It might be the case for 360 days of the year
but in the week leading up to the date, it becomes a bit more difficult. I
would be lying if I said the incident hasn’t been replayed in my head but
luckily, that is only in rare circumstances.
The real life
lesson out of it though was the general appreciation of what life is all about.
It was something I told one of my closest friends from the college days around
a fortnight afterwards and that was; ‘every second of my life is precious now.’
 |
| Make the most of the time available to you |
And it has
been too, both in the good memories and even the moments where things haven’t gone
according to plan. Every second counts in life. Always cherish those special
moments and make the most of what is available because no-one knows what is
around the corner. The unexpected really is the unexpected.
Since then, I
am a journalism graduate, a full-time worker in one of my preferred chosen
fields, freelance journalist and successful blogger and been on many journeys
since, from holidays in Fuerteventura to visits to the Olympic Park in
Stratford, the home of British motorsport, Silverstone (twice) and a VIP tour
of Wembley Stadium. And I know that if things had gone slightly different five
years ago – none of that might have been possible.
So, every
second is precious. Don’t waste time – who knows what will happen next.
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