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Tuesday, July 17, 2012
15 years later...Milestones occur every day!
Fifteen
years ago today, I narrowly escaped the Grim Reaper’s scythe. Every year since,
I have marked this day as a 'Homage to my Hemorrhage,' celebrating the gift
of more time here on earth. Originally, I thought of this year’s anniversary
as a milestone, but in reflection, I realize that every day is a milestone,
an extra opportunity to make a positive difference.
Although
my life’s path as I had envisioned veered way of course, I am immensely
grateful for the incredible opportunities my stoke
has given me. I never felt like a victim of stroke, but rather a survivor of
life's happenstance. While some may cringe that I refer to my stroke as a
gift, it has shaped my life in ways that are surprisingly full of wonderful
possibilities and brought many remarkable people into my life, people who
leave me in awe and inspired by the power of the human spirit.
No one
completely escapes adversity, be it physical, emotional, or financial. Mine
happened to be a paralyzing stroke, but it has given me insight to what is
important. My stroke has taught me lessons that keep me grounded, fulfilled,
and ready to greet each day with renewed hope. Thanks to my stroke, I've
learned:
● Life is about
choice. Each choice is predicated on my prior choice.
● Laughter truly is
the best medicine for the mind, body and spirit. I require daily doses. It
starts by laughing at myself, and when my dear
friends join in, it creates a cacophony of joy.
● No one is
responsible for my happiness but me. I must choose to be happy. But just
because I choose it doesn't make it so; it takes hard work.
● I must overcome obstacles to
accomplish a goal. Obstacles, or roadblocks, cause detours, but I am not
discouraged. Detours often lead to new discoveries about myself
and what I am capable of.
● The
proverbial 'light at the end of the tunnel' is there only if I find it within
myself to foresee a positive outcome.
I am not
my stroke. Does it define me? In some ways, perhaps, but it is only one side
of the multifaceted person I am. I am the victor of my stroke; I conquered
the beast. Yes, it raises its ugly head daily, but I am battle ready. This
enemy did not defeat me, it only made me stronger, wiser, grateful, happier,
yes, happier. I know up-close-and-personal that every day I get out of bed is
a gift.
Julie’s
user name is pinhead
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