When I first thought about the possibility of accepting my life would be different, I felt like a quitter.

I told myself I should never give up on getting my old life back. I begged, pleaded, bargained and I still suffered physically, spiritually and financially. When I ultimately accepted my situation, my back pain and financial situation remained the same, but my emotional pain turned to peace.

Twelve months after my accident I had successful back surgery. My recovery wasn’t easy or fast and my financial problems continued to climb because I was unable to work for several months after the operation. To make matters worse, my insurance company found a loophole in my policy and informed me that they were not going to pay my medical bills.

In spite of everything that was happening, I was amazed how easy it was for me to renew my spirit by accepting the things I could not change.

Today, I’m happily married to a wonderful woman and am the father of two remarkable boys. I don’t believe I would be a husband or a dad today if I didn’t experience the suffering and insights that came as a result of my back injury. I approach my family and work with peace and passion. Life still has its ups and downs, but I am no longer worried about things outside my control.

As a result of my injury, I changed my priorities and the way I spent my time. I would never have believed it the day I damaged my back, but getting hurt changed my life for the better.”

Excerpt from Strive to Thrive Today!