It’s my BIRTHDAY!
On July 26, I turned 48 years old. I know…it’s kind of strange for someone over 40 to be transparent with their age. However, I am happy to celebrate every year I have been blessed enough to obtain. You see, when I was 27 years old, I was in a major car accident. I wrapped my car around a telephone pole going 65 mph. I sustained 5 broken bones and severe internal bleeding. I was so injured that the paramedics made the decision to Life Flight me to the Shock/Trauma Unit at Suburban Hospital. I’ve never been so hurt in my life and it took weeks to recover from the trauma to my body.
This near death, life changing moment helped me to put things in perspective. The perspective that I gained was one of gratitude. I gained the ability to look at the world in terms of opportunities instead of obligations. This ability to see opportunity, even in the midst of adversity, has helped me to become more positive and cheerful in my outlook. It has helped me to view criticism and failure with a frame of growth. I view every experience I have as a unique appointment with an ability to become a better me.
Even though I gained a new perspective, there are times where I still struggle. However, I always try to find moments of gratitude in the midst of struggle or sorrow. One of the largest struggles I have ever had to work through is the death of my mother. My mother was my only parent and I have grappled with her loss for the past 11 years. But even though I deeply miss her, I always find moments to reflect on the beautiful moments I have had being her daughter. I reflect on the time we almost got thrown out of my son’s elementary Christmas Concert because we couldn’t stop laughing. I reflect on the time she tried to teach us how to roller skate and almost broke a hip. I think about the values of hard work, determination and the unflappable belief that better days were coming that she imparted into my heart and soul. And in those moments of reflection, I gain perspective on love and loss. I am better for having been her daughter and I reflect on my eternal gratitude that I get to be a part of the legacy of such a great lady.
Although I am 48 years old, I am still on the journey to become better and better. I can’t wait to see the opportunities for growth, love and laughter I was be presented with this year. And I can’t wait to tell you all how this year challenged and shaped me to become a better form of me!