Yesterday, I met a girl who had broken both her legs in a skiing accident. She had spent five months in a wheelchair and now, a year later, was fully recuperated.
"I know this is a little deep, but how did the experience change you?" I asked.
"Well, first, I went through a deep depression. I felt sorry for myself. Kept asking, 'why me'? But now, I'm just so thankful that I can walk. I can even wear heels!" She smiled and waggled a boot at me.
I laughed.
She looked away and got quiet for a moment. Then she looked back at me.
"I realized that it's really important to be grateful. The whole experience made me a better person. And as awful as it was, I'm really glad it happened."
What tough experience has made you a better person?
xoxo,
Suzanne
About Me
- Suzanne Casamento
- Author of Fingerprints, Choosing Tally, and All the Moments in Between. Tweet me @suzannecasamento
Infertility. It made me a much more sensitive person. It changed the lens in which I see life--I tend to expect the unexpected more often. I make less assumptions about others too. Sometimes life makes choices for people despite their deepest desires. The experience also helped me find an inner strength that I didn't know I had.
ReplyDeleteI had quite a few experiences, hard to explain, that just made me realize how lucky I am. I have a boyfriend who would do anything for me. I have friends who actually love me. And that I just try and be good and helpful to everyone around me. Trying to help do whatever I can. I dunno.
ReplyDeleteAfter the love of my life passed away I found myself searching the faces of strangers, wondering if they had suffered a terrible loss too. I didn't want to be alone in my grief. Experiencing such a loss has really reinforced that we never really know what's going on behind what we see and we must never judge someone who might appear to be mean, impatient, etc.. There's a good chance that they are just incredibly sad.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I'm much more empathetic than I ever was.
On a happier note, I never knew just how strong I could be until I decided to have my daughter on my own.
All of my challenging life experiences have made me a better person. You learn you're capable of dealing with a hell of a lot more than you ever thought, and you get an expanded life perspective. Life's challenges are part of a rich life.
ReplyDeleteI'll sum it up by saying LIFE.
ReplyDeleteFirst, getting rejected for a job that I thought was meant for me. Then, getting rejected by the guy I thought was meant for me. Finally, getting rejected by my parents. All of those things brought me to better places and I am forever grateful that those low points changed the direction of my life.
ReplyDeleteHaving a chronic illness for 16 years. I know what I look like dragging my ass out in public when I have zero energy.
ReplyDeleteI make no judgements about what people look like because I don't know their back story. They might be having a day like mine, when being out of bed is a big accomplishment. Going to the grocery store in sweats and a baseball hat and no makeup might be the best you can do for that day.
I also am so much more grateful for the days when I have the energy to do something important.