Now that the barn has burned down
I can see the moon.
~Persian proverb

We’re supposed to find the blessings in the things that happen to us–even the hardest, most awful things. The most painful. The most traumatic.

And that can be hard.

It’s also true that the people who emerge stronger for their ordeals are the ones who can find that elusive positive in the worst of circumstances.

I think now of Malala, the young Pakistani activist and Nobel laureate. Shot by the Taliban and badly injured, she emerged to inspire the world.

But that kind of courage and inspiration is also found in every day people. Men and women who face hardships of any kind, great losses and health challenges and are able to access the positive outcomes of these awful situations. Perhaps they won’t win a Nobel prize, but they may emerge with more compassion or helping those around them find compassion, with the ability to inspire and change lives of friends and family or with a deeper appreciation for giving and receiving love.

Have you lost a child and reached out to help another parent in pain over their own loss? I can name three mothers I know who have done that, even in their own pain.

Have you reached out to those around you who are elderly and lonely? Or housebound and alone? I know several people who are sick and yet still reach out to others.

Do you use your talents to help others who also suffer, as my friend, Cathy does with her writing about M.S.?

Have you learned to receive the gifts of time, meals and company that others give you?

There’s no end to the way that those of us who face great challenges can inspire others, even if we don’t know it.

It’s something to think about.  If you’re in need of compassionate support for healing, see our products and services at AHealingSpirit.org