Because my life is crazy (fun but crazy), I usually don't start writing my blog until about 10pm. That's after the phones have (nearly) stopped, the doors on my business have closed, dinner's been had and I've done some reading. Sometimes I sit down at my computer and the only thing floating around my tired little brain is a request from my body for sleep. Deadlines can stifle that creative flow. Tiredness can too. And so can stress.
Today is not such a day. Today I had an appointment with one of the most inspirational people I've ever met. And I've met plenty. Today inspiration walked through my door and I instantly knew what I would write about tonight.
Before Christmas I received a phone call from a woman who saw me on 9AM (a TV show I do some stuff on). She explained to me that she has significant health issues (the understatement of the century) and that nobody was prepared to help her with an exercise program because she was too high-risk.
She sounded interesting and we made a time (today) when we would meet.
In a thousand words (or less) I can't do justice to Lee's story but in brief, I have never met a person who has gone through so much emotional, psychological and physical pain for such an extended period of time and who has come out the other side with an attitude which is almost impossible to comprehend.
Her life and her life-experiences are so dramatic, so extreme and so profound that I sat listening to her with tears in my eyes (and we all know what an Alpha-Male I am!). I have encouraged her to write a book to share her story. Apart from the fact that she has had six different types of cancer and been told numerous times she has three months to live, she has also had chronic back pain for years, had one of her children die and has experienced more abuse and personal trauma through a range of almost unbelievable situations and circumstances than ten people should ever have to endure in a lifetime.
It's amazing how some people can teach you a lot about yourself and your life without even talking about you or knowing anything (specific) about you.
This is what Lee taught me without even knowing it:
1. Attitude is a choice.... always.
2. We all make things harder than they need to be.
3. Human beings are incredibly capable, resilient and strong when they have to be.
4. We major on minors.... a lot.
5. When we have to survive, we'll find a way. When we have no choice, we just get it done... we don't think, rationalise, complain or procrastinate because we don't have the time. We just do.
6. Being told you have three months to live is a quick way to discover what your real values and priorities are.... (pity some people have to get sick before they start putting things into perspective).
7. Sometimes it's good to laugh, even when there's no reason to do so. Sometimes it's good not to complain, even when there is a reason to do so.
8. Sometimes, the only person you can rely on is you.
9. 'Experts' don't always know. Sometimes the human spirit is more relevant than 'test results'.
10. If you have the best attitude in the worst situation, you have a chance. If you have the worst attitude in the best situation, you're doomed.
I've gotta say, I have one of the coolest jobs on earth; every morning I get up and I'm excited about what the day will bring. I love what I do and over the years I have met some incredibly successful, gifted and talented people. I have worked with Olympians, celebrities, business moguls and professional sporting clubs... but I've never met anyone who has inspired me so profoundly or who has taught me so much, in so little time, without even knowing it. Lee came to me for insight and direction but I was the student. There's some irony.
When I first met her I couldn't but help comment on a significant tattoo on her upper arm and some pink streaks through her blonde hair; not what I expected from the frail(!) articulate, cancer patient I had spoken with on the phone.
"What's with the tattoo and the rock star hair", I asked. "I got the tattoo last year." "I told everyone, I might be dying but I don't want to look like I am." "I didn't have a picture of all of my kids together (remembering that one had passed away), so I got Shorty (the tattoo guy) to put them all on my arm so they're always with me."
"Works for me, Lee."
About the Author
Craig Harper (B.Ex.Sci.) is an Australian motivational speaker, qualified exercise scientist, author, columnist, radio presenter, and owner of one of the largest personal training centres in the world.
He can be heard weekly on Australian Radio SEN 1116 and GOLD FM and appears on Australian television on Network Ten's 9AM.
Australian Motivational Speaker - Craig Harper
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