Do you dread the thought of waking up to live another day in pain and misery?

Do you feel thoroughly defeated, abandoned and without hope?

Do you feel like no one, not your doctor, not your family, not your best friend, truly understands what you are going through?

If you conscientiously and faithfully follow these five steps you can absolutely and confidently turn tragedy into triumph!

1. Hope for the Best, Plan for the Worst and Expect the Unexpected:

Good things will happen if you expect them to happen. A positive attitude attracts positive energy and optimistic people. Likewise, a negative attitude attracts negative energy and pessimistic people. However you should always plan for the possibility of adverse events. If they do happen you will be ready for them. By expecting the unexpected, you will always be prepared!

2. You Don’t Have to do it Alone:

It is practically impossible to recover from a life threatening illness all by yourself. As human beings, we need each other to survive. If you surround yourself with a strong support network, you will always have somebody there for you in times of need. There will be plenty of “low” times in your recovery and you must learn how to handle these tough situations. Ask for help! You don’t have to do it alone

3. Use Your Resources:

Who is going to help you recover from your life threatening illness? There are many health care professionals who can help you. Don’t limit yourself to what your insurance covers. Any treatment that helps you recover from a life threatening illness is well worth the out of pocket expense! Here is a small list of health care options that you should consider:

• Medical Care
• Chiropractic Care
• Massage Therapy
• Physical Therapy
• Acupuncture
• Naturopathy
• Herbalists
• Occupational Therapy
• Psychotherapy and Counseling
• Pastoral Counseling
• Nutritional Counseling
• Alternative Cancer therapies
• Holistic Healers
• Homeopathic Healing

4. Acceptance:

If you are having a difficult time accepting your current circumstances, you are not alone. Read the following statement over and over until you “get it.”

“Unless I accept life completely on life’s terms, I cannot be happy. I need to concentrate not so much on what needs to be changed in the world as on what needs to be changed in me and my attitudes. "(AA Big Book 3rd ed. P. 449)

5. One Step at a Time One Day at a Time

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. (Confucius)

If you are recovering from the devastating effects of a life threatening illness, it is very easy to become overwhelmed each and every day. Nobody is asking you to climb a mountain today. Just take action by taking 1 small, simple step forward.

There is meaning in your suffering.

If you hang in there long enough, you will experience a peace and joy that transcends all understanding. Wait for the miracle to happen…

“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.” (Dr. Elisabeth Kubler- Ross)

Dr. Larry Smith Chiropractor and Author of:

Embrace the Journey of Recovery: From Tragedy to Triumph! and co-author of:

Inside the Minds: The Art and Science of Sports Medicine

Embrace the Journey of Recovery will passionately reignite your spirit and teach you how to confront, conquer and powerfully triumph over any life threatening illness! Experience the remarkable story of two courageous yet ordinary individuals and their astonishing recoveries from heartbreaking tragedy. The message is simple. They transformed their lives and you can too!