Life Sparkles
By Steve Goodier
"Nobody, as long as he moves among the chaotic
currents of life, is without trouble," said psychologist Carl Jung.
I received a letter from a woman who responded to
something that I wrote. Listen to her unusual response to trouble:
"Your excerpt from your book *Touching Moments*
really spoke to me. I have discovered the gift that can come from adversity. In January my
husband, who is in his 50's, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease.
My whole world was turned upside down and I was devastated. It was a
relief to know finally what was wrong with him, but also I am all too
well aware of the grim reality of the hideous effects of such a
disease.
"Sometimes it is really frustrating as well as heartbreaking to see
the way he struggles to communicate and express himself. In addition
seeing him standing in front of his closet, not sure why he is there
but knowing there was something he needed to get out of it, tears me
apart.
"However, this disease has brought us closer together. I find
myself cherishing moments with him which I might never have given a
second thought to. I find myself letting the dishes wait if he
suggests that we take a bath together or go swing outside in our
garden swing. He looks at the world with new eyes, and scenes I might
never have noticed he points out to me. It may be the way that the
light plays on the fountain or a delicate spider web glistening in
the sun.
"I am learning to live in the moment and to be aware of all the
beauty and wonder that surrounds us in this world. My husband's
illness, as insidious as it is, is molding me into a better person, a
more tolerant and patient person, and full of gratitude for each
moment we spend together.
"Trouble will come, there is no escaping it, but trouble can richly
bless us. We may find our life changing direction and seeing
possibilities we may have missed if trouble had not brought its gift
to us."
A woman I know was diagnosed with cancer and has struggled through
surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation treatments. She was recently
asked how she is doing. Her response was, "Life sparkles." Isn't that
wonderful? "Life sparkles!"
She went on to explain that ever since the disease she has appreciated
life more fully. Now she sees a sunrise or the way the sunlight
reflects on new-fallen snow as if she were looking at it for the first
time…or the last time. The world is awash in beauty in ways she has
never before noticed. Kindnesses done for her by friends mean more.
Life sparkles!
Nobody can live without trouble. But for those with eyes to see...life
sparkles.
See Also:
How to Cultivate Seeds of Greatness in your Life
10 action steps to enhancing the creativity in your own life:
Dwelling in the Land of Tranquility
We can live in an environment of turmoil or tranquility, despite what is going on around us. This is a choice we make, often subconsciously.
Life is a Choice!
Obstacles are a part of life. It can happen to anyone, and they happen to everyone. All of us, in no matter what the situation have a choice, but it's realizing you have the choice that empowers you.
Eat Those Problems and Love It!
You could view your problems as opportunities to create
something that may be better or more effective than your
normal situation.
