If you have been following this blog you have gotten a glimpse of my story. You have heard some of what drives me and what I am attempting to do daily in my work with people and some of why I started this blog. I want to take just a few minutes to make it more clear why I am taking the time to write about life and leadership and in some posts focusing on cliches.
Part of my mission in life and in my work is to help guide people to their higher potential, deeper meaning, and means to living a more fulfilling life…BEFORE TRAGEDY. This should help clarify why I said my Dad’s death is the worst thing that has ever happened to me….and the best. I simply can not imagine that I would be half of who I am today without this tragedy and the forced opportunity to grow. Notice I say opportunity because not all make the choice to grow from tragedy. It is because of my experience that I feel compelled daily to push people to new heights. I know sometimes I push people hard, but my intent never sways and my reasons for doing so are deep and very real. I have in several instances warned you in this blog, “Don’t believe me, you will when the ‘day’ comes.”
For Kelly, one of my family’s friends and a dedicated reader of this blog, the day I refer to almost came just a few days ago.
At 3:20pm on Tuesday Kelly posted this on her Facebook page:
Decided to take a different way home from Pottsville and enjoyed some of the most beautiful sights. Lakes, farms, wineries, & even cows running.
At 5:25pm the same day Kelly’s Mom posted:
I want to thank God for his protecting power. Kelly was driving home from Pottsville today, and as she was going around the bend another car crossed the line and hit her head on….
A foot to the left or right, a few more miles per hour, or the airbag failing to open and this post could have been about Kelly’s funeral. Please notice the tone of Kelly’s post…she was actually putting action behind the cliche “Stop to Smell the Roses. In an instant, life can change.
Enouph said.
I am happy to report Kelly is home safe with her loved ones. She suffered a broken wrist but was given an opportunity much like I have talked about in this post. If I know Kelly at all, she will be one to live a “richer” life because of this happening and continue to not take things for granted…perhaps even more so now.
Think back to one of my first excercsises I asked you to do….List the best and worst things that have happened to you. Will you actively pursue a better life? Will you become a more empathetic person? Will you create deeper connections with people of all races? Will you view hardships as opportunities to grow? Actually, will your two separate lists become more unified. I am calling for action. And this post is reminding you why I am.
Also remember my post, “Got Something to Say”. I had something to say (below) to Kelly after she commented on my blog and I sent her the below e-mail just two days before her accident…I am glad I did.
Kelly,
I truly appreciate your comment on my blog. Why? Because it’s from YOU and I know you get that journey of finding self and working through insecurities. Angel as my witness, every time I leave from being in your presence I comment to her that you are a good person with the right intentions, you get it, and are a joy to be around.
Much love!
Short post. No rocket science. No magical wise words.
This is simply a suggestive and powerful reminder. And, more clarity on what drives me in my work and to write this blog…BEFORE TRADGEDY. It took tradegy for me…please don’t let it take that for you.
Stay True,
Ted
P.S. Kelly, healing energy coming your way and thank you for allowing me to use you as a reminder to all of us to actively pursue much of what this blog represents. I am sorry you experienced your accident but thankful you are alive and have been presented a gift in disguise.
To all, please sign up for this blog below and share this post so we can continue to grow this platform. It is growing! Last week on one day we received 3,700 hits! And, the last post received just over 2,600 hits. We are on to something…please continue to travel with me and invite others to do the same.
Ted, what an amazing story. Thank you for sharing. This definitely made me stop, think and be greatful!
Shawn
Ted, your words never fail to resonate with me in one way or another. This post was the perfect reminder to me that nothing in life should ever be taken for granted, not even for a split second.
I am beyond thankful to have you and Angel as a part of my life, and I love you both. 🙂
3600 and 2600 hits… Not surprised… Get that facebook link posted so we can spread the word and get your hits to 3600 and 2600 an hour.
Thanks again for sharing real life stories with us, Ted. I’m so grateful Kelly is ok after that accident as well!!!
Since your dad passed away, Ted, Dan and I regularly have conversations about what we want to make sure we do in life, because we might die tomorrow, or today. We even talk about whether we’re ready for death, even though we both want to live a long time to enjoy this world. I turned 50 this year and this has been another opportunity for me to focus on what’s really important to me, and my family with Dan. I can truly say that if I died today, I lived an incredible life that I am so grateful for and have no regrets. It has been an amazing 50 years!!!
As I said, I don’t want to die, but it is freeing to be able to say you’re ready. I think I got there because I have gone through many challenges and sufferings that have allowed me to experience “little deaths” of my ego and more worldly areas of focus so that I can live more fully who I am at my center, my values, my spirit, in all that I do. I see the world differently, I value life differently, I don’t “have to” have anything more. So in this decade, I hope to live in the present moment as much as I possibly can, continuing to deepen relationships with family and friends, and use my gifts to make the world a little bit better place in whatever ways I am able…one breath at a time.
You all may have seen these before (George Kinder is one author of them, not sure if original or only author), but these questions might be helpful to keep identifying what’s most important to you:
1. If you had everything you needed for the rest of your life, what would you do?
2. If your doctor told you that you had 10 years left to live, but you’d be healthy as long as you were alive, how would you live it?
3. Imagine you have only 24 hours left to live. Reflect on all the things you intended to do, and all the things you accomplished. What did you miss out on and who did you not get to be?
I am so grateful for my parents and the many, many guides I have had over these 50 years to help me learn how to grow from difficult experiences, hold on to what’s most important, and let go of so much that doesn’t really matter…. Joy to you all!!
What an addition to this platform, Linnea! Thank you for giving us more questions to provoke thinking and action and for sharing how all this relates to your life.
Great post Ted! love the inspiring and positive words. Great way to start my day! Love ya!
Thank you for your kind words about Kelly. This past week has been very unnerving. These precious lives are given to us to nurture and love. The blink of an eye can change your world. We really aren’t promised tomorrow. So glad there are Angels that watch over us. Our loved ones that we have lost, never really leave us.As long as they live in our heart, our memories keep them alive.Of all the things in this world, having children is the best. God Bless you and your beautiful family.
Thanks Ted!!! I read the email you sent me the other day to JT cause it really meant a lot to me. Life can change in the blink of an eye. I was reminded this week how nothing is ever promised and we must live each day the best we possibly can. When I fell out of the car onto the ground, the only thought that crossed my mind was “IM ALIVE.” And I never felt more alive than I did in that moment and I’m so blessed and so grateful that I get another day to live this beautiful life.. not just go through life existing without purpose. 🙂 Thank you once again for your touching words!