We often hear stories of people narrowly escaping death, but until you experience one yourself, it’s hard to grasp the profound impact such moments have. I had my own near-death experience a few years ago while on a solo hiking trip in the mountains, and it completely changed the way I see life.
I had set out early in the morning to conquer a well-known trail. The weather was perfect, and the forest was calm. The trail was narrow, winding its way through dense trees, with steep drops on either side. I had hiked on similar paths before, so I felt confident—perhaps too confident. The moment I remember most clearly was when I lost my footing on a slippery rock near a cliffside. My body slipped, and for a second, everything seemed to slow down. I remember feeling a cold rush of panic as I desperately grabbed at the air, trying to steady myself. But there was nothing to hold onto.
In that brief moment, I thought I might actually fall. The ground beneath me felt unstable, and my heart raced as I fought to regain balance. I didn’t know how I managed to pull myself back up onto solid ground, but somehow I did. I wasn’t hurt, but the adrenaline was overwhelming, and my hands shook uncontrollably. I realized that I had been seconds away from a potentially fatal fall. The gravity of the situation hit me immediately, and my perspective on life shifted. I was no longer invincible—I was human, fragile, and vulnerable.
What struck me most was how quickly everything could change. One wrong step, one moment of distraction, and I could have been gone. As I stood there, taking in the view, I was flooded with gratitude. Life is precious, and that experience made me more conscious of the fragility of each moment. I didn’t need to wait for another close call to appreciate what I had—I learned to live with more intention and awareness.
Near-death experiences, though terrifying, can serve as powerful reminders to cherish every moment, to be present, and to appreciate the gift of life.
