Preface: this story has a happy ending, I promise. Or rather, I seem to think it has not ended but is simply just beginning :)

Where can I even begin?

From what point do you feel inspired to be reborn again?

After an accident? After a romantic breakup? After relocating around the continent and trying to find firm footing again?

Perhaps all of these experiences and more, really.

PART ONE

THE ACCIDENT

Berlin Spree River in the Summer 2021. — Rewind back to Summer

During the hot months of June and July on the Spree River

Paddling on the Spree River in Berlin at Sunset, June 2021. — Paddling on the Spree at sunset in Berlin, June 2021.

I think I’d like to rewind back to this past summer, when I was happily finding my way socially and professionally in Berlin - this city that took me months after a lockdown to get acquainted with its quirks, eccentricities, and unique appeal.

I was feeling into one of my most optimal states - physically active and strong, busy with stimulating and exciting social events (I.e. bars, picnics, bike rides, visits to art exhibits, just to name a few) and preparing for a summer of Stand Up Paddling on the Spree River, and regular lane swimming to prepare for a month long adventure in August to surf the Atlantic waters of Fuerteventura.

Needless to say, the latter did not proceed as anticipated due to a very unforeseen circumstance. In July, I regretfully injured my left shoulder (dislocation) and I had to receive an arthroscopic operation to stabilize my shoulder and prevent future injury. This set me back for what I thought would be a few weeks were months of not being able to use the full strength and stability of my left arm, let alone feeling comfortable and stable as I simply walked and laid down.

Left shoulder luxation and operation with stitches at the hospital. — Left Shoulder luxation with three stitches post-operation, july 2021.

For the first time since moving to Germany, I felt this pang of helplessness, regret, and immediate isolation being at the hospital (my first operation in my life) for a very mentally challenging stay of 3 nights and 4 days. I was scrambling reaching out to immediate family members through video calls on limited Wi-Fi, asking friends near and far to bring over toiletry items, a phone charger, even asking for translation services as I was truly questioning my worth and wondering why my stay felt longer than anticipated.

Of course, the surgery and immediate discharge from the hospital went successfully and I left with my left arm in a sling, prescribed with ongoing physiotherapy treatments, being told I would not be able to have full range of motion for another 12 weeks. I cannot stress how much I valued the swift and thorough care I experienced. From the initial checkup at the doctors, to orthopedic to get my x-ray done, to emergency room procedures all within the same day, I was processed from one professional to the next with little to no waiting time in between. In afterthought I can first-hand vouch for German healthcare as it is as efficient as its global reputation states. Needless to say, I am hoping to never revisit a hospital, in Germany, or anywhere else for that matter any time soon.

The week following my hospitalization was quite chaotic, as I mentioned I was planning and preparing for my month-long (or longer) stay in Fuerteventura. On top of that, my lease at my current apartment in Berlin was ending at the end of the week and I needed to promptly pack my suitcase for my summer journey, meanwhile also pack and store larger items to be kept with friends in the city. All with one arm, mind you.

After saying goodbye to friends, packing, cleaning, and purging many items from my old apartment, attending a boat party on the Spree River, I was finally jet-setting for Fuerte! I honestly had no idea what to expect, given my physical condition…