Watch Your Toe (and the Door Frame)
Sometimes the smallest things throw off the biggest moves.
Yesterday morning I had a plan: early mountain bike ride before the day exploded. I got up early, did my usual routine, and was walking around the house getting ready to take my oldest to school when bam I stubbed my damn toe. Hard.
Not on the trail. Not on a rock.
Just the door frame. In my own house.
Here’s the thing: before every ride, I do a mental checklist. Don’t crash. Be aware. Ride smart.
Maybe I overdo it, but after flying out the back window of a car at age 17, I think about injuries a little more than most. That accident left me with a slight drop foot and sometimes I drag it just enough to catch stuff like, yep, a doorframe.
I got mad. Then I let it go.
It wasn’t the bike’s fault. It wasn’t the house. It was just life giving me a tap on the shoulder.
Maybe it was a reminder:
“Be present. You’re still getting used to this house. And also… don’t crash today.”
The ride?
Honestly, one of the best of the year.
The toe? Still hurts. But I’m alive and moving forward.
Here’s the twist:
We chase the big stuff…closing deals, landing candidates, crushing workouts. But it’s usually the small stuff that throws us off. A lame toe stub. A random email. A weird comment that sticks in your head too long.
Sometimes, we actually achieve the thing we’re aiming for… but injure ourselves along the way.
Other times, the detour, the thing we didn’t plan…ends up unlocking something way better.
Moral of the story:
Watch your footing (literally and figuratively).
Be open to curveballs.
Take the side road.
And don’t let a stubbed toe ruin your day.
If you do get banged up along the way, don’t complain.
It’ll feel better when it stops hurting.
Got a story like this?
Hit reply — I read them all. Or send it over with a strong cup of coffee.
This week I’m drinking The Sender from Sumato Coffee.
Clean, bold, and built for mornings like this.