It’s Not What Happens to You; It’s How You Respond

I came across this article about a woman who had a life-changing accident which left her without the use of her arms or legs. This was a devastating accident which completely altered her future and gave her a choice to give up or to fight.
 
She chose to fight, and because of her amazing resilience, faith, and great support around her, she has become a beacon of light to many, including those facing terrible life-changing events. She has given many hope that there is a future regardless of the circumstances.
 
This is a beautiful story of success over adversity. As you read this, be inspired and realise that whatever you are going through, there is hope for a promising future.
 
 
A diving accident which changed everything.
 
Joni Eareckson Tada, born on October 15, 1949, is a remarkable woman whose life story has become an enduring testament to faith, resilience, and the triumph of the human spirit over adversity. Despite facing profound challenges, Joni has emerged as a source of inspiration for millions worldwide.
 
In 1967, at the age of 17, Joni’s life took a drastic turn when a diving accident left her paralysed from the neck down. The sudden loss of mobility and independence was a devastating blow, and Joni had to confront the reality of living with quadriplegia. However, she turned to her faith for strength and purpose rather than succumbing to despair.
 
Joni’s journey of overcoming adversity began with a profound spiritual transformation. Her faith became the cornerstone of her resilience, guiding her through the physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges ahead.
 
She chose to fight.
 
Instead of allowing her disability to define her, Joni embraced the opportunity to redefine what it meant to live a meaningful and purposeful life.
 
One of Joni’s significant contributions to the disability community is her artistic expression. Despite her limited physical abilities, she became an accomplished mouth painter and writer.
 
Her vivid paintings, created by holding a brush in her mouth, reflect her artistic talent and her determination to defy the constraints of her condition. In addition to her visual art, Joni has authored numerous books, sharing her insights on faith, suffering, and the transformative power of God’s love.
 
A wonderful organisation
 
In 1979, Joni founded Joni and Friends, an organisation dedicated to providing support and resources for individuals with disabilities and their families. The organisation has become a global force, offering practical assistance, outreach programs, and a message of hope to those facing similar challenges.
 
Through Joni and Friends, Joni has worked tirelessly to promote inclusivity, accessibility, and the understanding that every individual, regardless of physical abilities, possesses inherent dignity and worth.
 
Joni’s impact extends beyond the realm of disability advocacy. She is a sought-after speaker, addressing audiences worldwide with her compelling story of perseverance and faith.
 
Her faith has helped.
 
Her message resonates not only with those dealing with disabilities but also with anyone navigating the complexities of life. Joni’s authenticity, warmth, and unwavering trust in God inspire people from all walks of life.
 
The depth of Joni’s faith is evident in her ability to find purpose in the midst of suffering. Rather than viewing her disability as a hindrance, she sees it as a platform through which she can share the transformative power of God’s love and grace.
 
Joni Eareckson Tada’s journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the capacity of faith to transform lives. Her legacy is not merely a story of personal triumph but a beacon of hope for those grappling with their own challenges.
 
Through her art, writings, and advocacy, Joni inspires individuals to embrace their circumstances with grace, tenacity, and an unwavering trust in the God who sustains them.
 
 
Amazing story
 
Wow, as I read this, I realise that my problems pale insignificance by comparison and inspire me to work harder to overcome the physical and emotional challenges that come my way.
 
I am a very positive person, but things go wrong in my life as they do in everyone’s life, and sometimes, it takes a bit of effort to get back into a positive, energised mindset. This is where I use the techniques I teach, like Gratitude and the Reframe Technique, where I find the seed of something positive in every negative situation.
 
 
These techniques really work to change your mindset.
 
I use Mindfulness techniques to reset myself, including observation and deep breathing. I also visualise all the images on my Dream Board every morning, and this act alone is responsible for a dramatic mindset change.  
 
As I visualise the exciting things I want to experience in the future, I feel the emotions of achieving them, which lifts my level of positivity. My energy levels rise, and I feel ready for the day. The principle here is ‘what you think is what you feel’.
 
When you visualise lovely things on your Dream Board, you can’t help but feel better because you release Dopamine and Serotonin into your bloodstream, which immediately makes you feel good. This gives you immediate energy and excitement for the day ahead. It’s like eating chocolate without the chocolate.
 
 
Thoughts for the week 

1. This week, think about Joni’s response to her accident and what characteristics she demonstrated.
2. Think about any problems you are facing which seem to be insurmountable.
3. See if you can see things differently and fight on. 

 Warm regards

John