Years ago, Lucy’s vehicle was broadsided by another car, slamming her into a brick wall. Lucy’s head bounced against hard surfaces. Although she didn’t know it at the time, her life as a driven, passionate, 4th Degree Black Belt instructor was over.
For several months she was required to stay quiet and alone in her darkened home – no books, no television, and no stimulation to her brain. Her daily life was darkness, silence, and painful headaches.
During the weeks of forced solitude, Lucy made a choice. She could either wallow in self-pity or become curious about how her changed brain was functioning. Fortunately, she chose curiosity.
Lucy had many moments of despair and anger. What she showed the world, however, was a precocious girl discovering her new brain toy. When her mind doesn’t make the connections it used to, she thinks, “Well, look at that. Isn’t that interesting.”
We can learn from Lucy’s attitude and determination. Rather than wallow in anger and self-pity, she chose to focus on searching how her new mind would lead her into the future in a different but still meaningful way.
We have the power to see our circumstances from a different point of view. Many things can change our future: an accident, sickness, loss of a loved one, or the dream job. We may not be able to do the things we used to do or go places we used to go. Lucy’s positive attitude is a shining example of how we can accept and reframe our approach to challenges. In spite of her brain working differently, Lucy realizes she still has control over her own thoughts.
No matter the circumstance, we have the power to decide how we will react.
The road is easier together,
