Challenges

Life’s challenges…

An opportunity in disguise meant to

Remind us of our strength.

When setting out to write and publish, A Joyful Life, I hoped that the book would serve as a reminder to us to live life to the fullest.

I wished to acknowledge that, at its core...life is good.

I wanted to share my personal story and the stories of others who had discovered, re-discovered or were in pursuit of their joy.

And finally, I vowed to be open and honest with readers and with the subjects of my stories. I have asked the same of them, too.

I’ve met so many people from a variety of backgrounds...both in the U.S. and abroad. I’ve had the opportunity to write stories, song lyrics, poems, quotes, and I blog regularly. I have taken thousands of photos in an attempt to capture the beauty of life. I’ve learned about...the publishing world, talent agency representation, website content writing, search engine optimization, social media/website analytics, complex financial reports, book signing protocols, graphic design, and a whole host of new things along the way.

The process has taken time...not weeks...not months, but years. It has been an incredible experience! I have been eager for the opportunities! And, I am grateful for the entire joyful journey!

A reminder of strength…

In September, my siblings and I laid our mother to rest. We held hands with one another as we said our goodbyes to the woman who had brought us into the world. We shared stories... we laughed, and we cried. We sorted through her personal effects, photographs, and household items. We recalled the memories that were attached to each particular possession. We drew strength from one another.

Several days following our mom’s funeral, I boarded a plane back to Florida (where I had been living for nearly a year). I was both sad to leave Ohio and relieved to be heading back to the land of sunny skies, sandy beaches, palm trees, and perfect temperatures.

My travel time was spent going over the final days and hours of my mom’s life. I hoped that our mother would have appreciated the tribute to her life that we had so mindfully considered. I hoped that she was smiling down on her children.

I was sad, of course, but I did allow myself to entertain what life was going to look like moving forward…I would allow myself to grieve. Then, I would honor my mother by making the most out of the new version of my life without her.

My mid-air plans…

I would zestfully jump back into my work.

I would amp up my writing and storytelling.

I would take more photographs.

I would increase the distance of my daily walks with my four-legged pal, Lita Lee.

And, I would make more frequent trips to my home-away-from-home, Bunche Beach.

As the flight crew and passengers prepared for landing, I was confident that there were many things on the stunning horizon for me to look forward to!

My first afternoon home, it was a Saturday, it was quiet. I took a stroll around my neighborhood. I caught up with my tasks and returned a few phone calls. I took it easy, and I was pleased to have the balance of the weekend ahead of me.

But, on Sunday, an event took place that would change my well-thought-out plans in one unforgettable moment...I was viciously attacked and assaulted.

The act:

I was charged and tackled to the ground.

My arms were forced above my head.

I felt the weight of his large-framed body against mine.

I was incapable of moving.

He lifted his knees and began to dig them into my groin.

He looked me straight in the eyes and exclaimed,

You are going to see what I am capable of!

I responded quietly,

Please, no.

After I spoke...he took his forearm and pressed with all of his might into my neck.

He covered my mouth and nose with his other arm and hand.

I saw black spots...

Then flashes of light...

And, then, stars.

I could not breathe.

I could not see clearly.

I was frightened beyond measure!

He took his right hand that was holding my mouth...

He forcefully turned my head.

He brought his arm back as far as he could...

He continued to strike me...in the head.

Life seemed to be in slow motion.

He paused.

And I paused.

I remained still.

I laid on the cold concrete floor.

He got off of me.

He seemed dazed.

I was dazed!

I managed to lift myself and get to my feet.

I was shaking, but realized that if I was going to get out of the situation…

I would need to RUN…AND, RUN, I DID!

I do not know whether the perpetrator who decided to harm me will ever be held accountable or not. That’s not up to me. I have no control over it. I will not soon forget what that man did to me. I will not forget the pain he inflicted nor the look on his face when doing so. I will not forget how he thwarted my opportunity to grieve the loss of my mom properly. But, I did decide how I would respond to his violent act.

First, I returned to the place where I am surrounded by the people who love me. Second, I took a friend up on her offer to stay with her to heal. Next, I began using my passion for writing as more of a therapeutic tool. Now, I am telling this very personal story. (After all, when I embarked on A Joyful Life’s journey, I promised to be honest!) And, finally, I have chosen to forgive him. Not forget, but forgive.

Challenges come in many different forms. Sometimes, we are faced with unsolicited, unwanted, and unexpected events. It is our response to these difficulties that defines us, not the event itself.

I will return to Florida in the coming months, not to the same location where I was living...but I will return.

I will have a new plan in tow.

I will not only succeed, but I will thrive.

I will continue to focus on the good in life.

I will be reminded of the strength I have gained through my challenges.

I will live an abundant, joyful, and joy-filled life!

I wish you the same!