The Split Seconds of Life

The day began quite peacefully. I was leisurely driving to Blowing Rock to do a book signing. I was rounding the curves with ease while listening contentedly to soothing tunes on the radio. Got the picture? Suddenly, in one life-altering split second, I found myself choking on chewing gum juice. Yikes! My potential autopsy report flashed before my eyes: Cause of death-- reckless chewing--asphyxiation from choking on chewing gum juice. We've all don't it -- ..right?? I knew I must survive, if for no other reason, but to save my boys the embarrassment of describing their mom's unfortunate demise from chewing gum juice to the disbelief of their buddies. Would they even want to claim me or remember me in any sort of credible light?

This was no leisurely drive. I was now struggling to save my own life. The adrenalin rush kicked in! I began to implement my life-saving plan of action. I reminded myself that I was a multi-tasking female creature for which we are known. So...I took a life-saving swig of coca-cola (cherry, to be precise) and then began to code-blue myself. I miraculously began to regulate my breathing pattern and the choking, gagging, sweating came to an end. Keep in mind that it was done while maneuvering treacherous, curvy roads. Ahh -- now back to the leisurely drive with calming background music.

Split-second occurrences come in many forms. They can be moments that re-edit life as we know it. These life-altering moments can change one's mood and outlook on a dime. Life is full of just such life changing circumstances. This trip up the mountain had begun as an innocent serene trip. It quickly turned into panic and seconds later culminated into gratitude to just be alive'"not to mention that I was pretty darn proud of myself for the life-saving feat I had accomplished. (I'll try not to bring that up again.)

Split second moments of life can cause mood changes that pacify. I had a mood altering chance encounter that happened to me one summer at the beach. My son was attending a summer camp when he was young. The campers were to spend each day learning to sail in the ocean. However, a hurricane was being forecast and alerts for boaters were being announced by the media. Logically, I felt that the counselors were aware of the dangers. Hmmm -- .but what if there was the off chance that they didn't watch television in the hermit style serenity of a camp situation---cut off from the world and it's roaring winds and choppy seas. I went for a walk on the beach, as I watched the waves becoming higher and higher with increasing intensity. The beach was basically deserted because of the impending doom. However, in the distance I noticed a lady strolling casually by me and we began talking about the weather. I told her of my concern about the kids at the camp and that I was hoping that the kids were not out sailing. She spoke mood-altering split second attitude changing words that left me with goose bumps. She said, "Oh, I'm the camp director. I just came from there and they are not in the ocean today. They're doing arts and crafts for the day. No need to worry."

Split-second changes can be "ah hah" moments when something clicks and can come in many forms. It could be the retrieval of a forgotten name from the recesses of one's mind or the final understanding of an illogical math problem. Perhaps, it is a defining crystal clear moment when we comprehend someone's behavior and personality. We ease up on judgment and replace with understanding. Or the light bulb moment when we realize the direction we're headed with an endeavor.

They are profound moments that can come in many impressive forms.

But did I tell you about the time I was choking on chewing gum juice while driving to the mountains? I magnificently saved myself in one defining split second moment. (Sorry, just had to get that in there one more time.)