I honestly believe that if we can try and turn the statement … “why is this happening to me”, into … “what is this trying teach me”, we can experience a pretty radical shift in perspective. Real life circumstances don’t magically disappear when we do this of course, but when we can find some measure of wisdom within the wounds we are inflicted with, we can find a way to move forward in spite of them.
As always, I’d love to hear from you! If you can relate with any of the biggest lessons I learned this year or if you have some of your own life lessons from 2017 that you’d like to share, please do so in the comments below. I can’t wait to read them.
One
Some people will look at you and see your circumstances. Other people will look at you, see your circumstances and then look beyond them and see you. These are your people.
Two
Situations that appear totally unresurectable can still turn themselves around. Often when you least expect it.
Three
Don’t allow yourself to be defined by anything or anyone. You are not the circumstances of your life and you are not the opinions of others. The only thing that decides who you are and who you want to be, is you.
Four
Gratitude can bring tremendous peace to a seemingly hopeless situation. When you feel completely disillusioned and empty, focus your mind intently on simple blessings.
Five
The human body is incredibly strong and resilient and absolutely … and infinitely capable, of healing and overcoming any illness, disease or health challenge.
Six
The reality of an unlived life is filled with grief. Looking at photos on social media of other people smiling, hugging their children, holidaying with their girlfriends or marrying the person of their dreams, can make you ache in places you never thought existed. You can never retrieve the time that has past. The only silver lining, is the strength your acquire learning to go on in spite of what you’ve lost.
Seven
Apologising for your health status is never, ever required.
Eight
New Age-y memes that appear on your news feed that declare … ” relax, you’re exactly where you need to be” are not even the slightest bit helpful when you’re trapped in the worst case scenario. So ditch memes like that and learn this one instead … “you may be where you are right now, but you absolutely have what it takes to get through it”.
Nine
Never underestimate the power of prayer.
Ten
Friendships aren’t dependent on physical contact, or birthday parties or drinks on Friday night after work. Some of the best people and most life-changing, spirit-reaffirming relationships can grow with people you have never even met. Hallelujah for the internet.
Eleven
Heal long held wounds. Appease all-consuming fear. Spark unstoppable courage. Inspire others to pay it forward. Kindness … in moments of genuine need, can change someone’s life forever.
Twelve
Serious illness can be a vehicle for immense spiritual growth and accelerated learning. Look at it that way and you not only will you draw strength from your seemingly unfavorable circumstances, but you will shift the odds of healing immediately in your favour.
Thirteen
Never minimise the act of holding someone’s hand. Even the reassuring hand of a caring stranger, can bring immediate comfort and make everything ok again.
Fourteen
The antidote to fear is always love.
Fifteen
Dreams may fade, but they never ever die.
Sixteen
You aren’t born brave, you’re made brave. You don’t stumble across resilience, you learn it each time you find your feet after a fall. Your darkest moments might bring you to the brink of total collapse … but mark my words. They will also be the greatest opportunity you ever get to build your character, strengthen your resolve and know without doubt, who you are deep down in the corners of your soul.
Seventeen
Every day is a another opportunity to start over.
P.S Just a lil’ note to say thank you to everyone on my private mailing list who read my end of year update. I appreciate your support very much and your kind messages were so appreciated too.
Beautiful share — as always you have offered so many gems for those experiencing challenge to find a way to change their perspective and shift how they feel in this moment. Your strength and inner beauty never fails to amaze me. So honored to call you a friend. xxx
Thank you, Julie. I appreciate your supportive feedback and I feel honoured to call you my friend too x
Amelia, your beautiful and loving soul is such a beacon of light, hope and leave to so many. You are is such an inspiration and am I am so glad to know you.
You are so very kind … thank you, Tamara. I’m so glad you’re here x
I don’t know you Amelia but I am a friend of Jenny Buttaccio and I have followed your story for the last year. I am SO DAMN PROUD OF YOU! Your words, given what you have faced and overcome, are really remarkable. I am looking to regain some of my inner courage at the moment and it brought me to tears to read these lessons from you. I don’t know you but YOU my dear have touched my life.
I’m so moved by your generous words, Kasey… thank you so very much! It’s not always easy sharing my journey but kind souls like yourself inspire me to do so. It means so much to me to be able to help others in some small way. Hugs x
Thank you. All such wise and relevant words This one really stood out.
*Eight
New Age-y memes that appear on your news feed that declare … ” relax, you’re exactly where you need to be” are not even the slightest bit helpful when you’re trapped in the worst case scenario. So ditch memes like that and learn this one instead … “you may be where you are right now, but you absolutely have what it takes to get through it”.
I actually saw that new age one in my FB news feed yesterday! Your version is so much more helpful and compassionate.
Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year xx
Hi Adele, so lovely to see you here.
I see memes like that all the time too! Totally drives me nuts lol! I actually wrote a speech about that topic … I hope one day I get to share it.
Thanks for Christmas wishes too… wishing you all the very best as well xx
Your words bring tears to my eyes, Amelia. Thank you for articulating my thoughts so beautifully – especially about friendships and human touch. I’ve done a lot of personal growth myself over the past year, developing a special strength that I doubt would’ve been possible without such challenges. So much has been taken away … big stuff, stuff that matters. Yet in a way, so much more has been gained. (Not to minimize or suggest I don’t get down and angry at times – as I’m sure we all do!) I hope the New Year will be kind to you in every way; I have a feeling you’re going to shine even brighter in 2018. We both will!
Hi Rae, thank you for sharing how you feel. I know the lessons I learned this year are really the same ones everyone encounters. As humans navigating life & it’s challenges we are so much alike. Yes the loss is so difficult sometimes … I understand that too.
I appreciate you taking the time to read my post and comment here & yes, may 2018 be brighter for us all x
Amelia you are a very special lady and I thank God our paths have crossed….. Your 17 lessons I am sure will resonate with everyone…. Prayer is so powerful and even when God may say no or not yet He strengthens us and uses everything to bring good things to pass!!! Thank you for sharing and being so encouraging!!! God Bless in all ways possible and have a beautiful Christmas and extra special 2018 😘😘😘😘❤️❤️❤️❤️💞💞💞🌲🌲🌲🌲
Thankyou! For your bravery, your strength, and sharing your incredible gift of writing. You have so many times lifted me from very dark places, forever grateful ❤ You are ALWAYS in my prayers. Awesome list, and prefect timing (as always). Sending love, and light today and everyday Amelia. You are a beautiful priceless gift. 💞
Leah,
Hearing that my words have in some small way helped you, well … that means so much to me. I really appreciate your very kind message and your prayers … and I’m sending love & light right now to you too!
A x
Hi Amelia, I am always touched by your resolve to learn and grow from whatever happens. I can relate to all your insights in this post and have been there myself. Sharing these insights is what keeps me going as well. Much love to you, Hal, x
Hi Hal, so nice to see you here. Thank you for reading by post and I know you have been through so much too. Growth is not always easy, but in the end, always good. Much love to you too x
Amelia,
So lovely and so true❤️ Prayer and Faith is my path. I “ graduated” this past September from Lyme treatment and tell everyone regardless of everything I went through I have been blessed!
Thank you for this❤️
Hi Sue, firstly, yay! Graduated from treatment? Awesome news! And secondly, I love your brave perspective too – blessings are there if we can dive deep to find them.
A x
Crying as I read this because it all feels so hopeless sometimes. Mould brings me to my knees and I feel like I’m always running from it. I don’t know how you do it when I just want to give up. All the money on treatment and people getting frustrated that I recover a little then get sick again has made it feel impossible. I think it’s different and easier when you have true support of family and friends. You know I admire your strength and it’s great you share it. I hope you go on to help many people, dear, Amelia. I signed up but didn’t get your post. I’ll check my spam. Is there another way to access it?
There are plenty of times I want to give up, Miche. And so many times I have too. It’s not how many times you fall down, it’s that you get up again that counts.
I know you are going through difficult times now, but you will get through it – I don’t doubt it for a second.
A x
PS will send you a messsage RE my update.
Beautiful words lovely, i learnt recently that suffering is a choice I didn’t know i had. I am making new choices everyday to enjoy my life, in spite of illness. I haven’t been 100% successful yet but i am on my way. Ive sent u an emali, thankyou again my dear, you help me so much xxx love cat
Cat! I got your email, thank you! Will reply soon.
Chronic illness can leave us feeling powerless and stripped of all choice in our lives. It takes great courage & dedication to look for ways to counteract that. I can see your awesome efforts from here, Girl. Keep it up!
Hugs x