Hi everyone,
Thought I'd share this story:
During my rehabilitation program I have become good friends with a guy named Thomas, as we were had the same timeslots for physical therapy. He was further along his program when I joined and he has been a great support, cheering me on as I progressed, and he is really good at welcoming new-comers and helping out. I asked him s hort while ago how he manages to be so upbeat and cheerful so much of the time. His reply: "Because I told myself that I am a positive and helpful person". At first I just thought he meant that it was something he was telling himself, like we all have something lines we say to ourselves
But then he told me his story. Up til then we had exchange information on our injuries, tips for handling wheelchairs etc, nothing too personal. But then he told me how he actually got where he is now and why he is positive about it:
He had been a drug addict and he had attempted suicide by jumping from a rooftop. The building wasn't tall enough so he survived, but with serious injuries as all can imagine. But before he jumped, he had (in a clear-headed moment as he said) written a letter to himself in case he survived. He had sent it to his brother who was the only member of his family who hadn't cut the connection to him because of his drug habit. In the letter he was telling himself that thought he didn't know what state he would wake up in, he wanted himself to know that it was for the best and to look at the bright side of life. That he had done some very bad things in the past and people who were hurt and angry with him had legit reasons, but that he should know that he was a new man now. He was telling himself that he was a positive young man who was always willing to help others where and when he could, that he should remember that the sun always shines even behind the big grey rain clouds. Basically, he had written a letter to himself informing him of the person he, before he jumped, wanted to be - and that he now in the new life should cherish the new chance he had been given. He has big gaps in his memory and the doctors are not sure if it's caused by the head injuries from the fall or from the drugs, but he says that either way then the letter has helped him accept his past and that he understand that some family members still do not wish to see him. He has faith he will reconcile with them all along the way.
I was amazed of the idea of writing a letter to yourself basically reminding yourself of the road you wish to take, the person you want to be and what you want to be remembered for. He always carries it in one of his pockets so when he had a hard day, he can remind himself that it'll pass and there'll be sunshine again. I thought it was an idea I would share here because I think we can all use the tip of having something written down to remember who we want to be or who we are, when we have a bad day.
Thomas will be sitting in a wheelchair for the rest of his life, paralyzed from the waist down. I am learning to walk on stairs again - I do up, but I still need some work on the balance so I don't fall all the way down again...
I send everyone some of Thomas' positive vibes for wishes of a great day ahead
February 26, 2012, 07:16:04 AM
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