3 things I learned from falling in the mud
It was a beautiful night in Waterville, Ohio.
The sun was just setting. We were out for a walk with our friends, who had moved there from San Francisco years before. “Why?” you ask. That’s another story.
Back to Waterville.
We had just had a nice Mexican dinner that included Mexican beverages. We were all full and needed to stretch our legs. That’s what we did along the banks of the Maumee River. It was relaxing.
Then, I had the urge to go farther down the bank. “Why?” you ask. That’s a whole ‘nother story.
This is when the warning alarms went off, but were unheeded.
“Brian, don’t go down there.” “Brian, you can’t see that well.” “You’re going to fall.”
I pretended not to hear the alarms.
The next thing to happen was the earth started to move beneath my feet. Uncontrollably, I accelerated and did the only thing I could do. Fall. While, well short of the frigid water, I found the only stretch of mud that I could and I dove in it. My favorite shirt and all.
They had lost sight of me.
“I’m OK!” I shouted for reinsurance. That was more for me than for them. Here I am trying to do a bear crawl up the riverbank and there comes a hand. It’s Steve. “Just give me your hand.” Although mine were quite muddy, that’s what I did. Otherwise, I’m not sure how long it would have taken.
Once to the top, we surveyed the situation. This is what I found.
- Listen to the alarms. Life may still turn out differently than you’ve planned.
- Don’t be afraid to reimagine what I night filled with relaxation and laughter might be about.
- Friends and family are important. Even if you don’t always listen to them .
Yes, I’m weird. But we all are.
About the author
Brian E. Wagner is a Speaker, Author and Coach, and he is also the Creator of A RADICAL VISION.
Hey, I know those Dudes!