Unexpected Lessons From A Runaway Shopping Trolley

Ever had one of those moments where you can see a disaster brewing, like something is about to go horribly wrong, but you’re powerless to stop it? That was me last week, watching my rogue shopping trolley at ALDI gain momentum on a car park slope that rivals the skate park around the corner—or at least, that’s how it felt at the time. Consider this a friendly PSA: the gradient at ALDI is not to be underestimated, and neither is a runaway trolley.
Picture this: I reach into my car to straighten another shopping bag that had fallen over, but when I turn to unload my trolley, it’s gone. I’m in jandals (thongs), wearing a dress, dealing with post-chemo numb feet and hands. I see my trolley that’s accelerating away from me on an angle like it’s in some kind of trolley Grand Prix. I immediately thought, “There’s no way I’ll make it in time.” But instinct took over, and despite looking like a spooked hippo who had just been fired upon by poachers (my sincerest apologies to any onlookers), I launched into a sprint. Considering I don’t remember the last time I actually ran any distance, this was already a surprise.
I thundered across that car park and with mere millimetres left, I put everything I had into a final lunge, arm outstretched as far as it would go…and stopped that trolley just 10 centimetres from a parked car.
Lesson learned: you never really know what you’re capable of until you’re forced to test your limits—whether it’s saving a car from an untimely dent or surprising yourself in other ways. Yes, I may have pulled a glute in the process, but I also proved to myself that even when you think you’ve hit your limits, there’s always a little more gas in the tank.
So, here’s my challenge to you for 2025: pick something you think you can’t do—or haven’t done yet—and give it a crack. For me, it’s composting. I’ve no idea where to begin, but I hear the council runs workshops, so that’s my starting point. It doesn’t have to be monumental; it just has to be meaningful. Whether it’s mastering sourdough, learning a language, or finally tackling that DIY project, push yourself a little further. Who knows? You might even save a trolley—or a car—along the way.
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Amanda

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