The Life Defining Moment

I always remember an episode of the Oprah show where she was speaking about life defining moments and how we all have specific moments that we can say have altered us and shaped who we are today. As we grow older and have new experiences, the ranking of those defining moments continually changes. What seemed immeasurably important to you at one stage can dissolve into insignificance when put into perspective of new revelations of value.

When I think of  my life defining moments, my list starts with my accident and the loss of my son, Michael. These two moments stand head and shoulders above anything else I have ever been through and have forever changed my perspective. My accident has rearranged my priorities and made me realise the value of my beautiful family and how short that precious time could be. It also made me aware that even when we feel isolated from the world, there are many people who care even if we don't get daily confirmation of this. Take stock of those people while you can. It also made me realise that I need to make a difference with my life and not just survive it. Losing Michael was hugely traumatic but opened up an area of my heart that I never knew existed. It showed me the magnitude of love I could have for another human and allowed me to fully embrace this alien concept of fatherhood without any limitation of my love for Matt and Dan.

How would I have learned these things without actually experiencing those dark moments?
Did I enjoy those times? Of course not, but am I better off for them? Absolutely! I have gained so much from those experiences that I would never have gained in any other way. I guess that's the my experiential truth of the saying that it is the darkest moments that reveal even the tiniest of lights.

I'm sure you can immediately think about experiences that have affected you as well. Perhaps you are in one of those moments of darkness, not understanding why, not being able to see the end, filled with fear or anger or just completely over-whelmed by it. Remember your other life defining moments you have over-come and trust you will pull through this one as well. Trust that you will be stronger for it.

If you are currently in a good space, reflect on your life defining moments and see how you can utilise those experiences to help someone else. Take the time to help them to see that light in the darkness.  This could be your first step into the "People are Good" movement.