In this episode, we talked about:
- How a serious back injury forced me to slow down and reassess my life
- Why setting a word of the year helped me navigate uncertainty and fear
- The bouldering accident that led to a fractured T12 vertebra
- Experiencing panic, loss of control, and helplessness in a hospital setting
- The doctor’s advice that became my guiding principle: focusing only on the next step
- Learning to surrender control, ask for help, and accept support
- The physical and emotional realities of recovery and limited mobility
- Trusting the body’s ability to heal — even when progress feels invisible
- How setbacks can become invitations to rest, reflect, and realign
- Current life updates including wedding planning, career shifts, and Season 3 changes
Listen to the full episode now:
“Let’s just focus on the next step first.”
Timestamp:
- 0:00 how a back injury forced me to slow down and rethink life
- 1:09 new year intention and 2025 word of the year
- 2:34 disclaimer watch the video version
- 3:14 storytime
- 8:14 dealing with panic and the doctor’s advice just focus on what’s next
- 13:18 the reality of pain helplessness and needing support
- 16:21 learning to let go ask for help and trust the journey
- 19:35 focus on your intention embracing uncertainty
- 20:20 trust the journey healing rebuilding strength and finding purpose in setbacks
- 25:15 current life updates wedding planning mindset shifts and career moves
- 27:35 season 3 updates adapting growth and embracing change
Detailed Summary:
Introduction
In this episode of Small Girl Big Talk, I share a deeply personal story about breaking my back — an experience that completely disrupted my plans, my routines, and my sense of control.
What started as a normal bouldering session turned into a life-altering injury that forced me to slow down, surrender, and rethink how I approach life, healing, and uncertainty.
The Accident and Immediate Aftermath
The injury happened during what was meant to be my final bouldering session before the holidays. Despite feeling physically strong and confident, a slip at the top of a route led to a fall that resulted in a compression fracture of my T12 vertebra.
The pain was immediate and overwhelming. A doctor who happened to be climbing nearby stepped in and took control, calmly guiding me through breathing and assessment. When it became clear I couldn’t sit up, an ambulance was called — and everything after that moved quickly.
One sentence from the doctor stayed with me throughout the journey: “Let’s just focus on the next step first.”
Hospitalization and Diagnosis
After X-rays, an MRI, and hours of waiting, I was diagnosed with a minor compression fracture. Surgery wasn’t needed, but I was required to wear a back brace and undergo an extended recovery period.
Being hospitalized over Christmas, losing independence, and needing help with basic tasks became one of the most humbling experiences of my life. It challenged my identity as someone who is usually strong, capable, and independent.
Learning to Let Go and Ask for Help
Recovery forced me to surrender control — something that doesn’t come naturally to me. I had to rely on my partner, my family, and medical professionals in ways I never had before.
This season taught me that asking for help isn’t weakness. It’s trust. It’s love. And sometimes, it’s necessary for healing.
Healing, Patience, and Trust
As weeks passed, progress felt slow. I couldn’t train, work normally, or move freely. But medical scans showed something powerful: my body was healing even when I felt stuck.
New bone tissue formed while I rested. Strength returned gradually. Healing reminded me that not all progress is visible — and rest is not the same as stagnation.
Life Updates and Season 3 Changes
Alongside recovery, life continued. I’m planning a wedding, building digital products, managing work commitments, and navigating career transitions — all while learning to pace myself differently.
Because of this, I’ve decided to move away from a weekly podcast schedule and instead commit to two to three episodes a month. This shift allows for more sustainable creativity and better quality content.
Conclusion
Breaking my back taught me lessons I wouldn’t have chosen — but deeply needed. It reminded me that life doesn’t always move according to plan, and that healing often requires surrender, patience, and trust.
Sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is slow down, focus on the next step, and believe that even in stillness, something meaningful is happening.
Thank you for being part of this journey with me.
