Mind Set Go

Watching an episode of Long Lost Family, I heard Scottish footballer Dominic Mateo comment upon having brain cancer.  He said, “I’ve been given another chance.  That’s how I see it in life.  You know, I really do.”

What would it take for you to adopt this attitude?  Taking the reins on life and going for the ride of your life with the unspecified, unknown time you have left… Can your mind wrap its consciousness around this concept?  A life-threatening diagnosis can leave you reeling.  So can tragic things you’ve seen; experienced.  Sometimes the delicate balance (lives seem to teeter on) becomes unrailed and seemingly pushed to extremes.  But many claim that it is, indeed, facing and embracing the unknown that leaves one grateful and full of renewed energy. 

Feeling like you have another chance is yours for the taking.  Now.  Today.  Living with grace and gratitude does not have to be spurred with a near-death experience.  The time is now, no matter your age or condition, to begin.  It all starts with a deep inhalation and an outlook.  No matter your circumstances, you can be grateful and make the most of your situation, your life. 

It may seem easier to embrace change as something that happens to you—as if you are the recipient of change.  But if you truly embrace change, you welcome it.  You walk with it and beside it. And, you no longer feel the victim of it.  Your mojo is not a response to something life hands you, but is, rather, a guiding force you generate.  Change and its inevitability become constants: your roots and foundation from which to build.

Start where you are, no matter the circumstances.  Stand tall if you’re able.  If your body can no longer do so, your mind can.  Go ahead and take this next chance while you believe in yourself, in your kindness, in your ability to give back and bounce back no matter the circumstances. 

Even if you don’t feel you can, smile.  Smile, and let it radiate through your body.  That smile will lift you up and guide you on; it will enable you to see color as you’ve never experienced before.  To hear sounds you never noticed.  Smell the salt of the earth.  It will put the twinkle back in your eyes.  And you will probably feel compelled to lift your eyes up toward heaven and to salute the giver of life.  Or to at least marvel at it, if nothing else.  You know of something you can share, and the relationships you build will be strong and firm.  They will welcome all, standing up for justice and peace and the goodness your heart can once again feel. 

It doesn’t take a brain tumor—but if that’s the gift you’ve been handed, rejoice.  That second chance may guide you to new heights, new beginnings.  But you, and you alone, will have to let it in. Rejoice and be glad in another chance. Let it in, and live by and with it.