I’m a Klutz
This was about my 30th time to sit on top of Angels Landing in Zion. I was never injured on the hike, which many people are afraid to take, because I always left my klutziness behind. I now need to learn how to do that on flat ground. — Photo by Kim Perrin
And Age Hasn’t Changed Things
When I was growing up my knees were always skinned, I still have a scar from falling out of a tree, and I chipped a tooth falling on the sidewalk running for the school bus when I was eight. As I got older, I fell over roots while hiking, once slipped and hit my forehead on my desk at work that required 14 stitches, and things got even worse when I began birdwatching because I was always looking up and not down at my feet.
My first reaction on taking a tumble – I’ve pretty much perfected the art of falling without seriously hurting myself – is to look around and see who saw me. I’m always hoping nobody. I only broke my first bone, a tibular, three years ago when I stepped into an unseen hole on a grassy lawn just a week after I moved into my third-floor walk-up apartment here in Tucson.
My daughter worries that I will fall down the stairs. She shouldn’t. I know to be careful on stairs. I always hold on to the railings, always have. It’s the flat ground, except for that one tree, that has always gotten me.
Until recently, I just accepted that being a klutz, which also includes spilling things, bumping into things and knocking things over, is part of who I am. I never truly worried about my klutziness. But the bruised butt and skinned knee I still have from a fall the other day while carrying two packages that obscured my feet, has finally gotten my attention.
This old broad’s body is showing its age. Falls hurt more and the damage doesn’t disappear as quickly. I can’t do everything I used to do with the same kind of impunity as when I was younger. This acceptance comes with a bucket of tears, including a few being shed as I write this. It’s hard to give up the belief that I can do anything and everything, a trait that has helped me survive in a sometimes tough world.
So does anyone know of a class that will teach me not to be a klutz? This 77-year-old broad certainly needs to take if it you do.
Blog pick of the Day. Check it out.
Bean Pat: Big Sky and Big Adventures http://tinyurl.com/zcnphjh The movie review is interesting but the photos that accompany it are the real story.
Pat Bean's blog 
Tai Chi is pretty awesome. I can’t say that it’s eliminated all my klutziness, but it does encourage one to move more deliberately.
Sounds right for me. I’ll check it out. Thanks tlryder
I loved doing Tai Chi when I could do it. The mindfulness required when learning the moves was both physically and emotionally stabilizing. With practice, the mindfulness carries over to the rest of your life and movements become more graceful.
Yup. I’m looking into tai chi. Thanks for commenting Sam
I must take after my Nana! I’ve always been a kluts. I walk into walls, trip over my own feet and knock everything off the table! I love my Nana! I’m happy to be more like her everyday!!
I just watched a tai chi video on moves for flexibility and balance, and tried to do it. I’ll try again tomorrow. Love you Shanna
Oh, I can relate so much! Of course you[we]’re not a klutz! It’s the hostility of things. Hubby says I’m the only person he knows who can get hurt while lying quietly on the bed! What can you do?! I only have one explanation: we are so attractive that even objects are attracted to us! 😉
Truth be told though, we do need a little more tlc towards our bodies as we get older. 🙂
Thanks Marina for the fun belly-laugh. Glad to have company. Guess we’ll both just have to hang in there.
Exactly and always with a smile! 😉 🙂 🙂
I did Tai Chi with my mom years ago. Right now I’m trying to stand up without putting my hands on the arms of the chair. I think it’s helping with my core and my endurance. Try the Tai Chi too
Hang in there Lynn.
I’m a klutz too, and if you find something that works, let me know. I could use it. 🙂
I can relate to that!
Hey Sis, yu are more healthy than most your age and I hope to be as well in 4 years. Look forward to being your neighbor in a few short days, Love Robert
I own my klutzism since I was born. I am not sure that it has anything to do with strength or balance. Let me know what you find. Just keep climbing, I think. Best medicine. – Lorian
Your posts are such an inspiration to me – I’m so glad I stumbled into your blog!
I’m glad you “stumbled” too
Oh gosh and I thought I was a walking danger! I once fractured my toe by bumpig it on a corner of an EMPTY luggage…until today my family wonders how on earth it happened.
The name Angels Landing in Zion is so interesting, I’m from Singapore so I am sorry if I am not familiar with it but is it a mountain?
I guess you could call it a mountain. You can see a photo of it on my May 8, 2013 blog at http://tinyurl.com/gsvb247