On the early morning of May 29—the last day in the Philippines before my flight back to Canada—I woke up when our cat was trying to open a closet door near where my head was resting. Still half asleep, I stood up quickly, lost my footing, and fell.

I instinctively used my left hand to break the fall and immediately knew I had seriously injured my wrist.

The following day, despite the pain, I boarded my flight home to Canada. I had commitments waiting for me: the WOWSA Wellness Day on June 6 and three fully booked Tai Chi programs beginning shortly after.

When I arrived, I went directly to the emergency room, where X-rays confirmed a fracture in my wrist. I am now wearing a splint and waiting to see the orthopedic specialist.

To be honest, I was heartbroken.

My classes had sold out within days of being announced. I was excited to return home and continue sharing Tai Chi with older adults across our communities. The WOWSA event is a wonderful opportunity, and I had looked forward to participating with enthusiasm and energy.

For a moment, it felt unfair that after such a meaningful and fulfilling season of teaching, my journey would end with an injury.

What Tai Chi Has Taught Me

But then I remembered something Tai Chi has taught me over and over again.

Life does not always move according to our plans.

We do not control every circumstance, and we do not prevent every setback. What we can control is how we respond.

Over the past two months, I had the privilege of sharing Tai Chi with diverse groups in the Philippines. I taught older adults, community groups, healthcare workers, first responders, correctional facility residents, and others who welcomed me with kindness and openness. Every session brought joy and reminded me why I love teaching Tai Chi.

It was never about performing perfect movements.

It was always about helping people discover strength, balance, resilience, and hope.

That purpose has not changed because of a fractured wrist.

What Remains Strong

My wrist is injured. The rest of me is not.

I still have another capable hand. I still have two strong legs. I still have my voice, my experience, and my passion for helping others move with confidence and grace.

Most importantly, I still carry the lessons Tai Chi has taught me for years: adapt, be patient, keep moving forward, and trust the healing process.

I have gone through harder things before. I know healing takes time. I know recovery is rarely a straight line. And I know that resilience is not about avoiding challenges—it is about meeting them with courage and grace.

Moving Forward

So no, I will not be cancelling my classes.

I will teach wisely. I will adapt where necessary. I will listen to my healthcare team and respect the healing process. And together, my students and I will continue to explore what it means to move with awareness, resilience, and vitality.

Sometimes life teaches the teacher.

This is one of those times.

And perhaps this fractured wrist is simply another reminder that Tai Chi is not about perfection.

It is about learning how to move through whatever life brings.

With patience.

With balance.

And with an open heart.

Continue Your Movement Journey

This moment of recovery has naturally brought me back to earlier reflections on Tai Chi, mindful movement, and aging with resilience. Over time, these writings have become part of a larger conversation—one that explores how we continue to move, adapt, and grow through every stage of life. This journey is ongoing, and each experience adds another layer to the practice of living with awareness and vitality. 

• Tai Chi and Healthy Aging in Canada

• Tai Chi as a Companion Through Grief and Healing

•  Gentle Tai Chi for Resilience and Calm

• Emotional Healing & Life Transitions

• Start Here: Vintage Vitality™ Pathways

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