Cheergirl...Never have negative feeling about coming out of the other side appreciating and celebrating that you still have your life and that includes feeling happy about it.

At the time of the accident I was in, I was aware that something really bad had happened, I had a flash in my mind of an oncoming car crossing into my lane. What I was most aware, even being out of it, was that I had been injured seriously and there was a possiblity I could die. In the ER as I started to become aware of what had happened to me, I felt an almost spiritual sense of joy that I was still here. My body and head were in agony, but I was here, alive and joyful with every painful breath.

I think when we're faced with the cold, dark numbness of death staring at us and we don't cross over into that place, we find a different kind of joy and appreciation for the simple, seemingly mudane things in life.

And like you, "I seem to be less preoccupied with myself" and more aware of simple joys of living and really enjoying little things I never noticed before.

Stay with the healthy attitude and spirit you have and keep steadfast on the path you're on without apologies.