Starting Fresh
Life is a daring adventure, or nothing at all. – Helen Keller
Several months ago, I wrote about embarking upon an unexpected life journey – that I was faced with the rare, usually fatal Paraneoplastic Syndrome. I wrote that I was challenged – as a disabled person. However, I knew that I was more than a diagnosis. I am a person who has chosen to live life to the fullest in spite of my hardships.
Since then, my new life has started up and taken off. It’s like beginning a whole new chapter. As time has passed, I have taken a look at my old ways of living and discovered that I had become accustomed to doing things in certain way because it was easier and secure – rather than stimulating and inspirational. I believe I was becoming too comfortable, and I didn’t even realize that my life had become somewhat stagnant and sluggish.
Now with my disability, I have had an opportunity to take stock, to do an assessment of what my life is all about, to begin to understand where I have blocked out opportunities because of concerns or fears of the unknown. I started asking myself questions: What was really valuable to me? What were my weaknesses and losses as well as my strengths and passions? Was I open to experiencing a new life? Was I willing to unlock my heart and mind to see fresh ways of serving and living?
By looking at new possibilities amazing doors have been unlocked for me. Now I’ve made some exciting and significant changes in my life. Over the last months I have written, been interviewed, spoken, and preached (usually virtually) around the country about what it means to be disabled, how disabled people are poorly treated, how they should be regarded, and how a person can prepare for the possibility of being disabled. I include here some links to several articles and talks that I have given should you want to see them. Of course, I would enjoy hearing your comments. Thank you.
YouTube link: preaching at Madison Avenue Baptist Church, NYC
Despair Interrupted by Hope – Madison Avenue Baptist Church (mabcnyc.org)
Article in University of Maryland Newsletter
YouTube link to interview at Unitarian Universalist Church, Washington, DC
Link to Article I wrote for Ford Foundation Newsletter
http://www.laffsociety.org/docs/LAFF_WINTER-2021-members.pdf
Article I wrote in Nebraska Wesleyan magazine. Click on blue “View Issue” button, go to page 6.
https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/alumni/archways-magazine
Yes, unexpected events can be a time to start anew, to discover fresh vitality and energy in our being.
* Have you thought about your life and how you want to live it in the future?
* Are you ready to crack open your heart and mind in order to live your life fully and abundantly?
Giver of new life, help us to start afresh. Make us open to life-giving words. Crack open our hearts and wrap us up in new skins. May we be ready to honor new learnings. Amen.
Joy Carol
www.joycarol.com
Joy, I saw your article in the NWU magazine and enjoyed reading it.
We are doing well and looking forward to brighter tomorrows. I’m hoping Vanessa and I can go to Lincoln later this year since this is the 50th year since I graduated. Since I lived at home which was probably a good thing economically, and maybe a better thing as far as my studies were concerned, (although I did have to stay up all night several times to cram for an exam…and it was only by the grace of God, and my dad’s memory that I passed German class). In fact, I have to say the lines from Amazing Grace explain my life… “twas grace that brought me safe thus far and grace will see me home”
Your Texas Cuz,
Woody
You are an AMAZING lady! I am so proud of you helping others through your voice!