Your Life Can Change In A Split Second
Published on 12 Jan 2010 at 5:17 pm.
3 Comments.
Filed under Courage Series, Feature Articles, Spirituality & Inspiration.
Last Friday night January 8, on ABC’s 20/20, Elizabeth Vargas interviewed a woman by the name of Katie Piper, an aspiring model and media personality in the UK who was suddenly attacked by a man who threw sulphuric acid on her face. In a single moment, all of her dreams for the future disintegrated. The story was both shocking and inspiring as the interview explored how she put her life together and has turned a tragedy into a triumph. To view her story click here. Have a box of tissues nearby. http://abcnews.go.com/2020/KatiePiper/
Lance Armstrong championed his cancer diagnosis and achieved seven Tour De France victories.
Before he died, Christopher Reeves inspired people all over the world with hope for recovery from neck injuries and paralysis.
A few months ago, Oprah had a woman who was severely disfigured who had an amazing joyfulness and zest for life. She said when looked in the mirror, she saw the beauty of her soul shining through. In her eyes, she was still beautiful.
We can find heroes, champions, stories of courage every day who inspire us to greatness beyond our wildest imaginations. Tragedies, catastrophes, and emotionally devastating experience can often bring out the best of who we are.
We might summon superhuman strength, a deeper capacity for love and compassion, or astonishing courage we never knew we had. We might surprise ourselves by who we become when we are faced with extraordinary situations or even simple ones that challenge us to really show up.
Life is unpredictable. Anything can happen. The smallest things like a smile from a stranger, a kindness from a friend, an exciting idea that begins to bubble in your mind, meeting someone special, or making a new acquaintance can be life changing. Or something unwelcome, disappointing, painful, frightening, or devastating can rock your world and turn it upside down.
Several months ago I wrote about having a bad fall while out for a morning Power Walk. Initially I was laid up for about two weeks and my mobility was quite limited. I had to stop, be still, and do a lot of resting. Emotions and thoughts flooded in that at times, felt very painful. Things I hadn’t felt or realized because I was so busy DOING. During this period of recovery, which is still happening, I did some soul searching and it has been a powerfull gift. I have been blessed with an incredible community of supportive, loving people who help me when I have fallen and I can’t get up! Most importantly, my connection to Source anchors me in trust and faith to overcome my fears and black thoughts.
I’m not comparing my experience to Katie’s horrific story. What I am saying is that we make choices every day about who we are in response to life experiences. We don’t need something horrible to happen to slip into victim consciousness, sabotage ourselves in some way, shut down, hurt another, or make an unwise decision we come to regret. And when something unexpected happens, as LIFE does repeatedly, that tugs at your heart and pushes you to the brink of your perceived endurance, do you have the courage to take one more step?
If I had been in Katie’s situation, I wonder if I would have had the courage, strength, and faith to rally and turn my life into a triumph? Would I have given up and wished to die as she did? Truthfully, I honestly don’t know.
Every day we have opportunities to experience life, good or bad. We can complain about what did or didn’t happen, hold on to resentments against ourselves and others, ruminate about the past, or we can celebrate all that is right and good in our world, in this moment which is the only NOW we have.
So, the next time things don’t go your way, who will you choose to be and what will you do? Will you become a victim of circumstances or the hero of your life story?
It’s a New Year. Make it an extraordinary one!
Blessings,
Lorraine
PS: Sign up for TWO FR*E*E Transformational Teleseminars on January 27 & Feb. 4 with Anita Pathik Law and yours truly. “SOAR in 2010 -Shifting The Trajectory of Your Life Path!” Register here
Gina on 16 Jan 2010 at 10:14 pm: 1
Hi Lorraine,
I often think of Christopher Reeve as he was one of my favorite actors (I was a big Superman fan :). I’ve also read his book, ‘Still Me’. He was so inspiring and I often ask myself how I would be in that situation. I guess we never know until it happens, but I hope that I would consciously choose to Live and be an inspiration and not see myself as the victim.
One of my conscious practices is to say yes to what is and be ok, calm and centered even in the challenging situations life throws my way. I also strive to help others with this as well.
Thanks for sharing and for the reminder that I do have a choice.
Gina
lorraine on 17 Jan 2010 at 9:45 am: 2
Surrender and acceptance is the key Gina. The more we fight against the present moment, the worse it gets and spills into the next future moment. I don’t mean stuffing feelings - rather have them without building four walls, a roof, and making it your permanent residence.
Always great to see you hear Gina! Nice to see some things you’re up to on FB
Gina on 17 Jan 2010 at 4:34 pm: 3
I like that analogy Lorraine! Thanks.
Many blessings!