How a painful wake-up call unlocked my greatest journey
Quitting my job and apartment was scary, but it led to the trip of a lifetime.
In this story, I reveal how an unexpected back injury set me on the path to a new adventurous life.
A sudden collapse
One Friday evening, after another exhausting week at work, I was washing my hands in the bathroom when a sharp, stabbing pain shot through my lower back. I collapsed.
I tried to stand but couldn't—my back had completely locked up. Panic set in as I realised I was alone—my flatmate was away.
Somehow, I managed to crawl down the stairs to my room, my heart racing. Each movement sent another jolt through my back. I hauled myself onto my bed, unsure what to do next.
Through my bedroom window, I could see flags flapping in the breeze—remnants of London’s celebrations after hosting the 2012 Olympics. The city was buzzing with pride, but there I was, stuck in the fetal position, the furthest thing from jubilant.
When the pain became unbearable, I called a taxi to take me to the hospital.
