finding good days

I thought I knew the value of a day. I was wrong.

Aug 21, 2024

Life has a way of teaching us its most valuable lessons when we least expect it.

Earlier this year, I injured my knee on one of my ski trips. Before my injury, I could be selective about life. If I couldn't sleep, I could catch up tomorrow. I could be friends with everyone, meeting up anytime, anywhere. I enjoyed writing but told myself I could write another day, wanting every piece to be perfect. For a decade, I didn't write. There was no rush to visit places or try new restaurants. If I felt like it, I would fly from Paris to Rome just for Italian food for lunch.

If the day wasn't perfect for my plans, there was always tomorrow. Good was insufficient; I waited for the great moments, the perfect moment. Everything was possible, and there was no rush. Little did I know how quickly that could change.

Suddenly, I couldn't walk anymore.

After the injury, for days, I couldn't get food 3 meters away from where I rested. I couldn't focus on work. My body went through so much trauma, I was barely functioning. My days went from full of adventures to every day being a challenge.

Every day was a bad day.

Months later, I still don't know when I'll walk normally again. Things got better. I stopped walking with a limp. Most people couldn't tell I was suffering from an injury. Yet, I was still struggling.

Just as I was adjusting to this new normal, a few days ago, a small vicious dog attacked me at the park. I couldn't run away. My knee suddenly felt like it was 2 months ago. I had to limp home. The next day, I couldn't walk more than 10 minutes without getting tired. I am feeling like I have no energy again.

Every day became a bad day again, full of things I couldn't do.

Then, I remembered the day I could walk again with a crutch after my injury. It wasn't a perfect day. I couldn't walk across the room holding anything. But it was a good day.

I started writing this publication from my sick bed after a surgery. My energy was low. I could barely focus. But I realized that if I didn't start writing now, tomorrow might not give me the chance. If the lab test came back showing that I have cancer, I might never be able to write again. My essays are not perfect, but I try.

I realized every day is precious. When you're feeling even a little better, don't wait. Take that short walk, prepare a simple meal, tell your family that you love them. Do things that make you happy, even if only a little bit.

Because maybe you're not in a rush, but life doesn't wait for anyone.

Every day is a good day even if things don't work out. We have to manage and make it good. We don't know if another perfectly great day will ever come.

A truly great day is rare and unpredictable. It's a gift, not a guarantee.

Life doesn't pause for healing or limitations. Our determination to live fully shouldn't pause either. Even when confined to a bed or chair, we can read, think, and plan.

Life can't wait for all the bad days to pass. It's part of life. Even a small moment is worth celebrating.

Every day is a good day if we choose to see it that way. It's not about waiting for perfect conditions, but about making the most of what we have, right here, right now.