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It's a great time to reflect on where we are
and what we want for the New Year. There are so
many newsletters that have gone out on goals and
intentions this month, lots of great ideas and
motivational stories!
Why is there such an emphasis on making changes
in our life? I believe it's because we want to
live a life that is richer and fuller, a life
that has meaning; so at the end of the day we
know we fulfilled our purpose and lived our passion
on this earth, that we used up all our gifts and
talents, and made a difference or contribution.
This month, I want to share the story of my brother-in-law,
a person who lived life fully, and truly touched
the lives of many and made a positive difference
in this world. He overcame adversity, and was
a real inspiration to me.
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 I
met Doug in 1981. He loved to drink, worked hard
and played hard, and had the best of everything.
He was very much into material things. He was
a great guy, but you never got to know the 'real'
Doug, he was closed emotionally and didn't share
his thoughts or feelings freely. He drank too
much, and was an alcoholic who could be lots of
fun or get pretty miserable when he was drinking.
About ten years ago, he had a complete about
face; he stopped drinking and smoking and started
getting into top physical shape, feeding his body
only healthy food and working out regularly at
the gym. He was in excellent physical shape, and
climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro for his 50th birthday.
He was planning his next hiking trip, then three
years ago went to the Doctor because of a balance
problem he'd been having. That appointment changed
his life. They found a huge brain tumor that had
been growing for several years. They didn't want
to operate, because the surgery was too risky,
but did because he didn't have long to live without
it. He survived the surgery, then got an infection-
and a blood clot- and came through them - they
said it was only because of the great shape he
was in. After 4 months in hospital and rehab,
he went home, very weak and barely walking with
a cane. His one side was almost totally paralyzed-
he had little hearing in that ear. He would never
work again, and he accepted that. He went to work
at improving his physical health, and made far
greater improvements than the specialists thought
possible. He even started driving his truck again
last summer.
The great thing was Doug became heart-centred;
it was wonderful. Whether it was because of the
brain surgery or his near-death experience, he
became a more loving man. Family had more meaning;
he visited and truly enjoyed the visit rather
than disappearing when company came. He spoke
to you from the heart, he really listened to what
you said, and you knew that you were heard. He
shared who he was, he spoke with joy and wonder;
child-like innocence. It was like meeting a new
man. He got active in service work and became
very social. Doug lived life fully and wholly.
Leo Buscaglia could have been writing about Doug
when he said, "Too often we underestimate
the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a
listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest
act of caring, all of which have the potential
to turn a life around." In the last years
of his life, Doug's smile, listening ear, honest
caring, really did have an incredible impact on
others.
Two weeks ago, he was following his daily routine,
catching the 7:30 am bus to the gym, then going
for coffee at the coffee shop. He was crossing
the street in a crosswalk, and was hit by a car
and killed. The man who overcame many mountains
was killed by a car! Doug truly lived a rich,
full life. He overcame adversity. He touched the
lives and hearts of many, and truly made a positive
difference in this world. He lived his life with
passion, and definitely fulfilled his purpose
here on earth.
My hope for you- for me- for everyone- is that
we live our lives to the fullest. If we were to
be hit by a car today, could we say we lived a
rich full life, a life of few regrets? That we
climbed our mountains and got to see the incredible
view, the incredible rich life we are blessed
with?
Have you asked yourself what living a rich full
life means to you? If you haven't, I encourage
you to take some time this month to ponder that
question, and write about it. Then set an intention
to make it happen, and a goal you can make and
steps you can take to make it real. Mountains
are climbed one step at a time! (If you need some
help with this, feel free to contact
me- as a coach, that's what I do!)
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I am Norma Reid, a Certified Executive Coach,
and owner of From Dreams to Reality Success Coaching.
My dream is to help you fulfill your professional
and personal dreams and live the rich, full life
you are meant to! Reawaken to your magnificence!
If you need some help in creating more balance
in your life, connecting with your vision, values
or purpose, or creating an action plan to get
moving in the direction of your dreams, call me
for a sample coaching session.
Thank you once again for letting me share part
of your journey with you. Until next time, enjoy
the incredible wonder and beauty this time of
year blesses us with! If you haven't taken the
time to play lately, add some playtime to your
daytimer and your life! Let your spirit soar and
make it incredible!
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