Be A Survivor

Some things happen to us in our life that we will never forget. We will remember the time and the place that we first heard of a tragic incident, and we will not forget what we were doing and our reaction to the news. We might also remember what we were doing before and after the news because it changed our lives forever.

I can point to many situations in my life where this has occurred. When my father, mother, and two brothers passed away, the San Francisco earthquake of 1982, my wedding day, the birth of my children and grandchildren, the OJ verdict, 9/11,, my first and second cancer diagnosis, and now COVID-19. These episodes in my life did not happen on just that day. They changed my perspective of living forever and, in some instances, changed how I live.

It’s important to realize that every episode in our life that forces us to change who we are, for better or for worse, is worthy of acknowledgment. We cannot grow unless we acknowledge the past, which sets in motion our present. The struggles we endure, the pain we feel, the joy we experience, and the people we encounter, support, and love all matter. They shape who we are today and who we will become in the future.

Today is one of those days. It is a day that will shape your future. Take note of what is happening around you and how it impacts your life. Determine what it will mean for your future and how you will respond to it.

Do not be a victim. Be a survivor!