Life Altering Experiences

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Permalink Reply by Jennifer Mannion on May 12, 2008 at 11:19am

My Life altering experience was after 6 years of chronic illness and chronic pain seeing the movie "The Secret" and KNOWING I would heal myself. The movie alone was not enough but it was seeing the movie that made me want to learn all I could about not only the law of attraction but the mind/body connection. Within a few weeks I felt better than I had in years. Now, 18 months later I am the healthiest I have been and have not experienced pain or taken a pain pill since healing myself. This led to me writing an ebook on my healing process, starting a blog about natural healing and coaching people to become empowered and to heal whatever emotional or physical ailment they are struggling with. I am grateful for my experience with illness because through it I discovered my passion for helping others to heal. I already had a BA in psychology and was always the one my friend went to for help -- now I know in what capacity I am meant to help people -- and it is WONDERFUL! I have energy for my kids, maintain 2 blogs -- another one on non-violent computer game recommendations for kids, am pursuing getting my invention manufactured.... and STILL have energy to spare! Every day is such a gift and I am so grateful for my health and for my ability to reach out and to help others. Thanks for the opportunity to write Kimberly - I can't wait to read other's stories!

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Permalink Reply by Kimberly Jenkins on May 12, 2008 at 11:32am

Thank you Jennifer for taking the time to contribute! I am a firm believer in the old saying everything happens for a reason. I became Late-Deafened in 2001 and I never let it stop me from achieving my goals. In fact I am a top Sales Consultant at one of the top telecommunication companies in the world. I also own my own business and am an activist in my community. I have a wonderful son and life is great but I do believe that if I didn't lose my hearing I might not of accomplished all that I have at such a young age. I set goals and try to accomplish everything I put my mind to do. I believe in God and trust that prayer changes everything. There are times when I do wonder why but even when I was going through my trails, I never asked God "why me", I asked " why now?" Alot of people depend on me and come to me for guidance and strength and I try to remain focused so I can be a positive role model for other people. Remember if God puts you through it He will get you through it!

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Permalink Reply by Mrs. Justina Page on May 12, 2008 at 2:24pm

"All things work together for good.." is what I hear you saying. That is my faith as well. I know for a fact that prayer changes things as well. It is amazing to me to see how God makes these things work for us!

Justina

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Permalink Reply by Dawn on May 12, 2008 at 2:09pm

After 8 years in a dead-end marriage to a man who had a heart the size of Texas; but unfortunately was addicted to alcohol....I realized I simply couldn't do it anymore. It wasn't that easy - as nothing that matters in life is.

It was after attending the one and only Al-Anon meeting I ever went to - that I discovered, not only did I have a choice; but it was up to me to make the most imformed choice; not just because I was emotionally distraught.

The topic of this all-women group was "making the choice." One woman talked about her decision to stay with her alcoholic husband, learning not to enable him, and also learning to live this very difficult path. The other woman had ended her 17-year marriage, because she knew she couldn't follow the 'do not enable' rules and felt that she was dying inside. Both women said that they stood by their choice, and would do whatever necessary to keep themselves safe and sane.

I left there -- empowered. Knowing that the choice I needed to make, was to care ultimately for myself. That I had to end this sham of a marriage; and get back to living.

It was a difficult road. However, making the decision, sticking to my guns, listening to my SELF, and honoring the decision - brought me peace and contentment. I gave myself four years to heal, I didn't date - so that I could care for myself and get myself back on track again. I told the universe: I'm ready now. And the universe answered by bringing Jim to me. Husband #2, a dedicated and unselfish man. One who shares my hopes and dreams, not just for the future - but for the here and now.

Taking care of yourself is the MOST important thing. Period.

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Permalink Reply by Mrs. Justina Page on May 12, 2008 at 2:21pm

Choice is possible - realizing you have it is even more powerful. I am glad to hear you have been blessed!

Justina

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Permalink Reply by Corinne Gregory on May 12, 2008 at 6:21pm

Oh, my gosh...I can completely relate to this.

My life-changing experience came whan I ended a 12 year marriage to someone who, I believe, has either Anti-Social Personaility Disorder, Bi-Polar, or most likely both. I didn't realize how awful his "disorder" was until AFTER I left with my children, which is when things really became scary. He tried to destroy me, literally -- psychologically, emotionally, professionally.

But, the "pinnacle" of the life-changing moment was this: I had agonized over whether or not to leave this man (no, at the time I didn't realize the extent of the problems, only that there was one and he didn't want to get treated), and couldn't pull the plug. At the same time, the Today Show was going back and forth about whether to have me on their show. LITERALLY the day AFTER I wrote a 7-page letter to my ex, telling him he needed to move out...the Today Show committed and booked me. That was four years ago, and life's never been the same!

I truly believe there was "cause and effect" here because I couldn't be "allowed" to move forward in my life and in my crusade as long as I remained stuck where I was in a toxic, damaging relationship -- one that was not only hurting me, but my daughters!

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Permalink Reply by Dawn on May 12, 2008 at 6:57pm

I can totally relate, on so many levels. Sometimes what we think we should do, is different than what our gut tells us. We have to always listen to our gut; because it is the very core of who we are! :-)

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Permalink Reply by Kimberly Jenkins on May 13, 2008 at 2:57pm

Summer, I know sometimes change is hard...know that we are here for you. You have people who care and at the very least will LISTEN to you , because you matter!

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Permalink Reply by Mrs. Justina Page on May 12, 2008 at 2:19pm

My life was changed forever in the early morning hours of March 7, 1999. That is when fire swept through my Houston home, killing my 22-month old son, Amos, severely injuring my other twin, and leaving me with third degree burns over 55 percent of my body. With the support of my surviving family, church family, and with the power of faith and love, I have made a miraculous recovery. The affects of burn trauma are far reaching. The losses in many cases are totally devastating and include disfigurement, loss of possessions, and loss of life. Children who experience this devastating trauma are especially in need of support and encouragement. After my physical and emotional recovery I began dedicating myself to helping families affected by burn trauma. In January of 2007 I began the ABC Club (After Burns Club) which is currently being held at Shriners Hospitals for Children in Houston & Galveston. I am aspiring to open a family room, The Amos House of Faith Family Place, for the caretakers of seriously burned patients being treated on the John S. Dunn Sr. Burn Unit. This is my way of giving back to the community that helped her through my long and arduous recovery. I believe that the greater the experience, the greater the call to service. Unfortunately tragedies like mine can happen to anyone. When they do, the families involved will need all of the love and support possible. In July of 2006 I founded a non-profit organization, The Amos House of Faith, with a mission to provide temporary housing for caretakers of burn patients and post burn support for children affected by burn trauma. This vision was inspired by my first-hand experience of how traumatic a burn injury can be and the immeasurable benefit of post burn support. A burn tragedy places a great deal of physical and psychological stress on the burn survivor and their caretakers. Many patients who are admitted to the burn unit live more than 20 miles from the Texas Medical Center. The first three days of a seriously burned patient are very critical and if they survive their stay is often lengthy. Therefore, the caretakers tend to stay on the unit in uncomfortable conditions for long periods of time as well. Often they sleep in waiting rooms because they are not able to afford lodging, parking, and meals. The Family Room will alleviate some of the financial strain as well as establish a support system for those going through similar circumstances. Invaluable resources for post burn support will also be provided. Children who are burned are especially in need of early intervention. They tend to internalize emotions that later come out in a very negative manner. When a child’s confidence and self-esteem are in tact, a great society is in the making. In a beauty conscience world, people with disfigurement and/or scaring are often given a silent seal of disapproval. Some consider a burn trauma to be a sentence of despair and hopelessness. We are aspiring to challenge burn survivors, adult and children alike, to tap into their inner strengths and beauty and continue living fruitful and productive lives.

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