I
was meeting with a friend of mine recently, Joyce Ann Tepley. She wrote a book
that I would highly recommend called, "Thriving
Through It" - How They Do It, What It Takes to Transform Trauma Into
Triumph. (Amazon has it). Joyce retired from a forty-year career as a
clinical social worker and dedicated the rest of her life to honoring those who
thrive through adversity, by telling their stories. Twenty people from all
walks of life were interviewed for the book. They tell their own stories in
their own words about what it takes to thrive through the most difficult times
in their lives. Joyce herself, has dealt with Polio and a host of other
physical problems and she is also a thriver!
One
of the things I found most interesting about the book was the great insight
into how people chose to respond to what life brought. Some were motivated to
thrive "because of their difficulties,” while others were motivated to
thrive "despite their situations.” Either way, the stories reflect the
continuing process of growth in strength and wisdom.
We
were discussing a planned trip she would make to California. As we, spoke I
realized how much planning it takes for her to travel with all her needs and
concerns. The airport, high cabin pressure of the plane and her breathing, the
wheel chair, a cab that can accommodate it, her room arrangements, having
access to food and getting around a major city.
Many
of us take these things for granted. We travel on trains, planes and
automobiles without considering the things that cross other people’s minds -- we just do them. This always brings me
back to "The Curse of Blessings"
idea. One of the ways I found to become happier is to be grateful, thankful and
appreciative for my blessings – and take
time to I acknowledge them every day. Each day, I recognize one new
blessing. (It also helps reduce any whining or complaining that becomes
habitual.)
Joyce
works tirelessly on many projects and is involved in many organizations which
truly represent the TOV Standard. Her efforts, Preserve Life, Protect Life,
Increase the Function and Quality of Life for herself and others who are
Thriving Through It. Her life and the lives of the people in the stories she shares
are inspiring and instructive. Here is one model for being an "OPTIMALIST".
An optimalist understands that not
everything in life seems to happen for the best, but he or she makes the best
of whatever happens. Trauma, Trouble and Crisis are part of what it means to be
human. They also offer ways to thrive and flourish nonetheless, especially when
we Do TOV – words and acts that Protect
Life, Preserve Life, Make Life More Functional and Improve the Quality of Life.
By Doing TOV We Choose Life.
Let
me know if this was of value to you by going to our TOV Center Facebook Page and “Like It” -- click here. Please tell others about the TOV Center and share my blogs.
Rabbi
Jeffrey Leynor
