Kristin Cavallari has a new appreciation for life.

Kristin Cavallari

Kristin Cavallari

The former 'Hills' star was involved in a dangerous car crash in Chicago earlier this month (21.01.16) that left her with a dislocated elbow.

Kristin - who has kids Camden, three, Jaxon, 17 months, and Saylor, two months, with husband Jay Cutler - posted an Instagram message on Thursday (28.01.16) a week after the accident explaining that she gained a new perspective from the accident.

She wrote: "Sorry-gonna get corny on u for a second ... I dislocated my elbow in a car accident last week and because of that, and everything else I've been through in the past couple months, I have such an appreciation for life. I am so thankful it wasn't worse, and more importantly that my babies weren't with me.

"My arm hurts like a b***h but I'm thankful because I have my arm!! Shot my spring shoe look book today and even though I could barely move my arm, I am forever grateful for being here to shoot it."

Kristin has been seeking solace in her friends and family after a difficult few months, which also saw the tragic death of her mother passing.

In another Instagram post earlier this month, Kristin wrote: "Last night was the second time I've put makeup on in over 5 weeks and left the house (besides the grocery store and taking Cam to school). Even though I shed a few tears, it was a really nice night and felt good to be out. 2015 brought my sweet, baby girl but it also took my brother's life. Hoping for no extreme highs and lows this year. Happy new year, everyone."