A Night Like Any Other...
Some years ago my life was perfectly on track, or so I thought. I had a university education, a good paying job, good health and a stable relationship - we talked of marriage. Then one night, I decided to walk to the shop down the street to pick up a few items. Things would never be quite the same again.
I was on the way back from the shop, just 100 feet from my place. Suddenly I was hit forcefully from behind. The next thing I knew I was laying on the sidewalk, in pain, and very shocked and confused.
A motorcycle coming up the street from behind me had swerved to avoid a puddle, lost control, and came up onto the sidewalk and hit me. Totally out of the blue.
My injuries included a fractured pelvis, some damaged discs in my lower back, neck injuries, and a broken left arm, among other damage. Fortunately insurance covered most of my medical expenses, but I had other things to worry about.
Going Downhill Fast
After discharge from the hospital, I could barely move. Trying to stand up or walk was a painful exercise. It was impossible for me to work. As a private contractor to large corporations, I had no access to any form of work insurance or compensation.
This situation lasted almost 2 years. I had previously enjoyed work, travel and exercise etc. These things were impossible. I became depressed. I started to drink more. And, in an act of craziness, I started to smoke. I had been a life-long non-smoker up to this point.
My relationship suffered greatly. My partner ended the relationship. I don't blame her... I was in a very dark place, as they say.
Because I had no income and my savings were rapidly disappearing, reality forced me into a reckoning with my life.
To make matters worse, much worse, my career virtually disappeared in a market crash. My kind of work (no, not banking), almost evaporated overnight. When I recovered from my injuries, there was no job to go back to. A bit like waking up from a bad dream, into a worse dream.
Making Some Changes
First I had to quit smoking and sharply reduce drinking, I couldn’t afford them. My health got better for it.
Then I had to move into a smaller place with cheaper rent. This forced me to take inventory of everything I owned. There was no room for everything in a smaller place. I went through all my clothes, books, household items etc., and picked out the few essentials. The rest I gave away, sold or threw away.
That left me literally with just a few clothes, a few books, a laptop and a phone. And my bicycle.
Good Bye Luxuries
I made a very tight budget and I stuck to it, even to the point of skipping meals to stay on budget.
Eating out was too expensive, so I always cooked at home. I actually learned a little about cooking. I learned the cheapest places to shop for everything. I bought food at the supermarket at the time of day/night when they mark unsold items down.
I never wasted food. I created combinations to use everything. I cooked simply and quickly.
I reduced my electricity use as much as possible. I saved water. I stopped cable TV. In fact, I sold my TV.
I got rid of my car. I walked, rode my bike or took public transport.
I bought second hand clothes in good shape. I read books at libraries. I volunteered at a senior’s center, getting one free meal a day in exchange for cleaning for a few hours.
After I healed well enough to exercise, there was no money for gym membership. I created an effective exercise program I could do at home with no equipment. I got stronger.
Free Things
I researched free attractions and events. I found a surprising number of free museums, performances etc. Parks and people watching became a thing. I finally learned how to play chess properly.
I even attended an instructional talk on ‘dumpster diving’, or ‘urban salvaging’, as it is termed. Link This was a bit humiliating for me, a hard pill to swallow. A big come-down from a well-paying job. But reality doesn't care much for our sensibilities.
Image By Carlos. A. Martinez - Source
But, it was surprising how much good food supermarkets throw away. It turns out to be $165 billion / year, an amazing waste. Link
Note – please research dumpster diving before you try it, to avoid breaking laws or eating food that could make you sick.
In The End
It was years before I was able to return to my previous career. I had lost touch during my recovery time. The few jobs available went to others with stable contacts. I got by on part-time work, volunteering and a little out-source work. Not ideal, but something.
Then slowly, I climbed back up to something resembling my former life, but without all the excess baggage.
I have eliminated any ‘unnecessities’ that cost money. My life is very simple, with simple possessions, simple needs. But I also learned that there are a lot of things I don’t need, in fact don’t want.
I’m much more grateful for what I have. And a lot more compassionate for those without. I am very aware that at any time, just in a flash, one can lose everything – health, job, love and even life itself.
As I look back, I realize that I was never really aware or appreciative of how fortunate I was for my health, my work and my partner.
I won’t make that mistake again.
*All images from Pixabay, unless otherwise specified.