Life doesn’t always go smoothly, and it certainly doesn’t ask for permission before it tests you.
Three and a half years ago, my life changed in an instant. I misjudged a bend, lost control, and hit a tree at 60mph in a severe car accident. The seatbelt failed, and my head bounced directly off the steering wheel. The impact resulted in three separate bleeds on the brain, a prolapsed left orbital, and a fractured cheekbone. I had to completely relearn how to walk.
Surviving the crash was only the first battle. The aftermath wasn't something that just faded away, and I live with the permanent effects every single day: double vision, lightheadedness, severe head pressure, and mornings where I wake up and literally can’t see a thing. To this day, extreme tiredness will still overwhelm my physical movement.
When you’re dealt a hand like that, you realize very quickly that you face a daily crossroads. You can either let how you feel win, or you can prove that you are in control through the power of your mind.
I made a choice after my accident that I could use my story to hopefully help others overcome their battles. To encourage people to get their own journeys started and show there is always hope, I ran 5K every single morning on TikTok Live for 433 consecutive days. It wasn't about cinematic hype; it was pure, unadulterated discipline. To this day, I still go live every morning walking with my dogs, playing upbeat tunes to encourage people to get going, stay consistent, and appreciate the simple things in life.
We live in a world obsessed with materialistic items and external validation. But the truth is, health is your true wealth. Your body is a direct representation of who you are as a person—how you respect yourself, how you handle pressure, and how you show up when nobody is watching.
You are where you are in life because of the choices you make. That might be a hard pill to swallow, but it’s also the most liberating truth there is. If your choices put you in a place you don't want to be, your choices are also the only thing that can pull you out. Stop expecting things from other people. When you expect nothing from anyone, you take total ownership, and you only have yourself to blame if things don't go right. Have your own back, stop caring about the noise or what critics think—more often than not, people who talk about you are just threatened by your actions.
You have to believe to achieve. Have the will to never give up, show up for yourself every day, and be the light in other people's dark.
HARD TARGET JOURNAL CONTRIBUTOR
Written by: Nathan Court
Severe car crash and life threatening injuries survivor, passionate about spreading good energy and encouraging people to start their journeys
Instagram: @nathbrainbleed
TikTok: @nathbrainbleed
1 comment
A true inspiration Nath. Been watching you for nearly 2 years now and you are a true inspiration to everyone you come across. I have my own battles and on some of my darker days your lives help see me through. I wish there were more people like you in the world because it would be a much brighter place. I even got your quote tattooed on my arm as a permanent reminder that “yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery and Today is a gift” I will forever be grateful for your positivity and strength you show daily.