Life isn’t always easy. I am probably not telling you anything you don’t already know. No one is exempt from challenges in life. Some go through more challenges than others. I have learned to be content with NOT (always) figuring out why. But I know that is not easy. Especially if you are on the receiving end of a catastrophic health crisis. I can only imagine all the “why’s” YOU want to figure out. So, in typical me fashion, I want to put myself in your shoes. I need to. Why? Because “physical therapy” is not ONLY physical. It is mental. It is emotional.
All that being said, here I sit. Trying to feel how you must be feeling. Here I sit, reflecting on my own life….
Why do some people seem to struggle at every turn? And others don’t? I think I can relate. Not fully, but at least in part. For me, it seems like I came out of the womb struggling. Literally. I was born at 25 weeks and weighed 3 lbs…… 40+ years ago. (No further comment on the “+”) ?️. Let’s just say it was a miracle I even made it out of the hospital.
It started with a struggle to breath, to eat, and to thrive. My parents were told I would always be “delayed”. And so it was. I pretty much spent my growing up years working 3 times harder to get half as far as my peers.
As I reflect, I think of the person I am today. I expect to have to work hard, so I do. I expect things are not going to be easy. I anticipate (and plan) to have to work 3 times harder and get half as far.
You see, I was “trained” to think this way from an early age. Now, as an adult, this way of working (toward my goals) is what makes me (somewhat) successful…… at life. However, had you asked me growing up, I would have told you it wasn’t fair. When others were out playing, I was at home with a tutor.
When my friends were out partying (in college), I was home studying.
Not fair, right?
Wrong.
It WAS and IS the biggest blessing in my life.
I know how to work. I know how to struggle. I know how to fail. And now, I also know how to overcome. To conquer. To persevere. Maybe, just maybe, our greatest challenges in life, ARE the greatest blessings.
And maybe…….
Missed opportunities, catastrophic injuries, losing a loved one, or receiving a life altering diagnosis IS a blessing in disguise. I will end with this video. I hope the 5 minutes it will take you to watch this video gives you the motivation to continue to find the blessing in your struggle
Dear Tara,
First, I am really happy that I discovered your website… Having found myself in a horrible situation after a stroke I was totally devastated… From happy, active and always ready to help people I turned into a “pile of helpless muscles and bones”… My right side was totally disabled. .. Honestly , there were moments I did not want to live. My poor daughter tried hard to help and support me but I felt terrible realizing that I became a burden for her… The private physio therapists were not much of a help in my case. The situation became even worse with COVID-19…
One day I was desperate to find some help on the internet… and to my great surprise GOD sent me my real ANGEL !!! That was YOU, dear Tara!!! Yes, you helped me to feel confident I can help myself to get better, you encouraged me and showed those valuable exercises… Following the explanations and exercises day by day I made slowly step by step in my recovery…Now I can walk slowly with a cane, my leg became stronger but my foot is still weak , especially my toes… As to my right hand, well, it is still non functional… I hope sooner or later I will be able to use it for my every day functions.
Help me GOD and TARA!!!