The ‘Twists and the Turns’...

'Karen and Jay share thoughts on how life rarely progresses in a straight line – and how we need to be adaptable, innovative and optimistic if we are to experience the best that life has to offer.'

As we make plans for the future, we often set goals – sometimes even making resolutions. And, for whatever reason, it seems that we are ‘wired’ to extrapolate. Assuming that the future will be an extension of the past. Or if there is something we are resolving to change, we project that we will progress towards our goal in an even, step by step manner. However, the problem is that in truth, life rarely, if ever works that way. Life is a complex journey full of twists and turns, often deviating from our predictions and expectations. While we tend to envisage our paths based on past experiences and current situations, the reality is that significant events can arise unexpectedly, altering our trajectories in profound ways. These dislocations challenge us to re-evaluate our plans and perceptions. The essence of life lies not in the linear progression of events but in our adaptability to the changes that come our way. By embracing these unexpected developments with a positive mindset, we can transform challenges into opportunities for growth and fulfillment. Many successful individuals illustrate this concept through their life stories. One notable example is Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple Inc. Jobs’ life was marked by unpredictability and setbacks. After being ousted from the very company he helped establish, he faced a crisis that could have led him to feel defeated. Instead, he sought out new ventures and embraced his passion for design and innovation, eventually returning to Apple to revolutionize technology with products like the iPhone and iPad. Jobs often spoke about the importance of following one’s intuition and adapting to unforeseen events. His story underscores the notion that setbacks can lead to extraordinary advancements and should be embraced as essential parts of the journey. Another great example is J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series. Before achieving worldwide fame, Rowling faced significant hardships, including unemployment, depression, and living in poverty as a single mother. Instead of allowing her circumstances to dictate her future, she channeled her struggles into creativity, ultimately crafting a story that would resonate with millions. Rowling's journey exemplifies the idea that life tends to diverge from our expectations; embracing her challenges fueled her success rather than deterred her from her goals. Ultimately, the unpredictable nature of life can lead to profound personal growth and fulfillment. While it may be tempting to cling to plans and expectations, recognizing that life rarely unfolds in a straight line can liberate us from feelings of victimhood and imbalance. Instead of lamenting our circumstances when they do not align with our predictions, we can choose to approach these challenges with a sense of adventure, seeking the positive within them. Like Rowling, Jobs, and Winfrey, we can transform our obstacles into opportunities, embracing life’s rich tapestry as an exciting adventure that contributes to our growth and happiness. Through this approach, we not only enhance our personal journeys but also inspire those around us to adopt a similar mindset, turning life’s inevitable challenges into sources of joy and creativity.

This week we are delighted to highlight a Granite Stater - Jeremy Woodward - whose passion and optimism has allowed him to take unexpected life circumstances – significant health conditions – and turn them into an opportunity for change and growth. In several ways, Jeremy Woodward is a ‘one percenter.’ Despite being born with a congestive heart defect, which affects about one percent of the population, he still grew up active in sports. At twenty-two years old, he had his first open heart surgery and about 7 years later, his condition worsened, necessitating his second major open heart surgery. For most people, that would be the end of their story. They would take things easy the rest of their life and hope to stay out of the hospital. For ‘Ironheart Jeremy,’ however, this was just the beginning of his journey. Three years later, almost to the day, he completed his first Ironman competition. That put him in another one percent of the population, and certainly less than one percent of those who start an Ironman do so with a congestive heart condition. You can hear his whole story on his TEDx Talk called ‘How Heart Failure Saved My Life.’ Please feel free to check it out:

Since completing his first marathon, he has nowfinished the Boston Marathon 6 times, running on Tedy’s Team, created by NFL legend Tedy Bruschi, who himself has run the marathon twice. Today, Jeremy is a UESCA Triathlon and Running Coach. Even more, he is also a 6th degree Black Belt, Personal Trainer, Husband and Father of three. Altogether, he has run in more than 250 races. He has been featured on major media outlets and even raised several hundred thousand dollars for various charities. And has developed a fascinating business based on the combination of his life/health experiences [link removed]. And, just a few weeks ago, he brought the Harlem Wizards back to Concord for a high school event. For all these reasons, we say, ‘thank you,’ ‘Ironheart Jeremy,’ for your inspiring life story. Yes, life does not happen in a straight line. So, let’s celebrate this fact of life and capitalize on the opportunity it provides for change and growth! Onwards and upwards!

Quote of the Week

“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can control your attitude toward them." -Maya Angelou

Click on the link below to open the message in a browser:
[link removed]

You've received this email because you are a subscriber of this site.
[link removed]

If you feel you received it by mistake or wish to unsubscribe, please click here.
[link removed]