Other's Examples

Many of the things we face in this life, the obstacles, the hardships the ups and downs seem less harsh when we are touched by other people's stories. Many things are brought into perspective from the things we hear from day to day. From the positive attitude of others, to the courage, strength and wisdom that someone displays.
It could be the person that you think has the best attitude, a positive outlook on life and is dealing with a terminal illness, you would never know it unless they told their story, because they go through each day choosing not to be a victim. They don't let their circumstances bring them down. They take what they have and they make themselves who they are, an example.
No matter whether it is a person you know, a story you have heard, or even a book that you have read there are constant examples of people who deal with their unfortunate circumstances, health issues, or overcome something like an addiction and use it to be an example and witness to others to help them through their struggles.
My best friend growing up died when I was 11, she had terminal brain cancer for over 3 years. I watched her grow sicker every day but it didn't stop her from being full of light and sunshine. I remember her making me laugh, the smile she put on the doctors, nurses and other patients faces. I remember her running up and down the halls at the hospital with an IV-stand attached to her. She was dying but she didn't show it. She inspired me at such a young age, that no matter what circumstances you are faced with, no matter what can bring you down, you can chose how you react to it, you can look for an alternative to your situation, you chose how you let it affect your day to day activities or cause you to have limitations. Anyone can tell you it is easy. It is not. I am not sure it is suppose to be.
No matter how positive you are, no matter how much you show others the attitude you want to portray, from time to time, you will get knocked down, you are entitled to a pity party, have it, then get back up again.
Hope in the future, have faith in the unknown, use your personal struggle to help others. No one said you had to be strong enough, when we are weak, ask God to be strong enough for the both of us. (Matthew West)