My Gratitude & Pain – There was a Reason For Both

There is a reason why gratitude and pain must run parallel in our lives.  If it didn’t we would not understand how to mature emotionally, spiritually or even physically.

In the early part of 2007, my whole world changed.  My partner left the company, my young nephew was killed in a boating accident and his mother, my little sister, died a few months later from cancer.  At the same time, my husband suffered from depression and was unable to keep the business afloat during my out of state trips to help the relatives.

Just when I thought things were about to turn around I slipped on black ice in December of that long year, and landed on my head.  This fall created an injury to my neck and brain.  For nearly three months I was lying on the floor, in bed, or in a chair having brain seizures.  When I wasn’t having seizures I experienced forms of stroke-like symptoms, neurological issues and severe dyslexia on and off.  The most frustrating part, however, was the inability to process intelligent adult conversations.

By June of 2008, my business had closed but the seizures were less frequent and less disruptive to my life and to my families life.

Although the first two and a half months disappeared from my memory, something wonderful happened six months after my fall.  One morning in June, I sat up in bed for the first time without pain and looked out my bedroom window.  I remember seeing a beautiful sunny day as I looked out my window.  I suddenly realized my eyes didn’t hurt from the light and I felt no pain in my head or anywhere in my body.

My heart was immediately filled with gratitude.  I wanted to jump up and run through the house telling everyone but I didn’t want to ruin the quiet moments of sheer elation so I forced myself to remain still.  I also noticed an inner peace that I hadn’t felt in years.  My head, it seemed, had finally connected to my heart because  I heard these two very simple but powerful words from inside me; “Trust me”.

Immediately I began to cry and thank God for all that I had, and all that He was going to do for me.  I thanked him for every little (and big) thing and for all the deep lessons I still needed to learn.

At the end of that song of gratitude I realized that I would not have changed a painful thing that happened in 2007.  I knew every bit of it was for my own maturity and powerful growth, in fact, as strange as this sounds I wouldn’t have had it any other way.  I finally understood how to cherish the joys of gratitude, after learning to release the pain, and I’ve made it my purpose in life to help others learn to do the same.

Since that day, something creative burst forth like sunshine behind a cloud. I’ve written and communicated in ways I never did before.  I can’t explain it, I just know it is very real and powerful.  I’ve heard this happen to others but it’s not easily explained.  I’m thankful, that’s all I know.

Do you have a story of a brain injury that happened to you or someone you know? Please share it here if you are willing to be open about it. I’d love to know how you survived it and what life is like for you now.

What Happened On My 5 Mile Bike Ride

Have you ever done something that you thought would take a long time but you got so caught up in the moments that it actually went by fast?

I took a 5 mile bike ride this morning and it was amazing. The sun was rising, the birds were singing loudly, and not a single car, person or animal stirred. It was so surreal.

As soon as I left my driveway I took a few deep breaths and the air smelled as fresh as anything I could think of. I got to the top of a small hill and I began to think about the blessings in my life. I recounted the many trips I’ve taken, the people I’ve gotten to know, the fresh air that I breath every day and for family and friends who have come and gone. Every blessing I could think of led me to another one as each pedal rotation gave way to another, and before I knew it I had gone five miles in a very short time.

I feel on top of the world as I write this post. It’s the kind of thing that happens when you begin your day feeling grateful rather than ungrateful and cursing everyone or everything around you. In grateful attitudes there is no blame, no gossip, no worries, just you and a heart filled with joy.

Something happens in those moments…the only way to describe it is like a peace that the world cannot give. I know which I’d rather have every day, what about you?

If you want to embrace a heart of peace, and discover your purpose, then look to the right>>> and fill out your name and email address so you can receive a free Ebook that talks about those very things. Feel free to leave a comment as well as I always love hearing from you.