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A Gift From The Universe...
On September 7th, 2008 I received the most incredible gift from the universe. I had no idea it was coming. It wasn't wrapped, yet I couldn't see it. It had no taste, no smell, no, visible presence - yet when it arrived, it changed my life forever.
This was not an ordinary gift. It was not intended to bring immediate cheer to my life, but it was intended to be transformational, which it was, in a very powerful and profound way.
On this day, at around 12:30 in the afternoon, I was nearly killed at the Chaco Canyon Cultural Preserve when I was hit on the head by a falling rock. I was knocked unconscious, and later awakened to discover that I was alone on the desert plateau, with no one in the vicinity to rescue me. My head was covered with blood, my scalp was split open, I was light-headed and dizzy, and my vision was blurring.
I remember the very moment that the rock crashed onto my head. As I fell to the ground and began to black out, I truly thought that my life was ending. I don't know how long I was out, but when I awakened, I was shocked that I was still alive, which presented a whole new challenge. I was alone, 1.5 miles from the trail head, and there was no one else around.
After doing a self-assessment of my body, and my location, I realized that if I was to live to see the end of the day, I would have to rescue my self.
How profound and appropriate. The reason I went to Chaco was to enjoy a personal retreat so that I could reflect upon my life and chart a new path.
Never in my life have I been more alive and more in the moment than that day when I was hiking out, my head split open and my body covered in my own blood.
Life presents so many different opportunities to learn and grow. I went to Chaco to create change in my life, and somehow, that choice led me to a path where a rock was already destined to fall.
Everyone has some sort of "ROCK" in their life... it doesn't matter what "hits us on the head". The only thing we have control over are our choices and actions.
Regardless of the events in our lives, until we take responsibility for the situations we find ourselves in, we can never move forward. We are solely responsible for the outcome of the events in our lives because we can choose the meaning we give to our experiences, and the subsequent actions we take.
This experience was a defining moment in my life. When the Universe allows you to die for a moment, you come back with a remarkable view of life that can only be seen through the eyes of experience.
When we make the choice to rescue our self... then, and only then, do we make room for the universe to move in and provide the people, places and circumstances to complete the rescue.
There may be some pain, there may be some blood, there may be some tears, but that's where the growth comes from.
Through all of this, I was given a deeper insight into how wonderful and magical the gift of life truly is. It also entrenched me in the conviction that love, faith and action are our greatest assets.
As eternal as a lifetime seems, the delicate canvas of our life can end at any time. Do not take this moment in time, or your life, or anyone you love, for granted. Life is very fragile. Do not cling to the past. The past is nothing but an anchor that prevents you from sailing forward toward your dreams.
Allow your heart and mind to be free. Set your vision forward. Be excited about who you are, and the infinite possibilities life has to offer.
Be at peace with life. Harbor no anger or resentment. Be honest and truthful..., with yourself and others. Contribute to our world in a positive way. Live from the Heart. Live with Passion. Live with Purpose.
Honor those you love. Give your energy to that which creates beauty and gives light to life. Above all, live in a place of GRATITUDE.
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