Suddenly Disabled - Can You Still Be Happy?

I received the following letter from an Option Institute program participant.

Tiahna was recently diagnosed with a "chronic, debilitating condition" that may prevent her from doing many things in life that she loves. For many, happiness would be the last emotion they'd feel faced with a situation like hers. However, having taken a number of Option Institute programs - including Optimal Self Trust and Inner Strength, and the whole Grand Summer Sequence - Tiahna was equipped with Option Process^® tools that prepared her for her illness.

When I read Tiahna's letter I was so inspired that I wanted to share it with you.

Please read on.

Hi Bears,

I had originally thought that I would be there with you next week for Wide Awake to celebrate life and my 50th birthday. Things don't always go the way we plan or would prefer.

I have spent the last two weeks in excruciating pain, being bounced from doctor to doctor in an attempt to find out what might be causing the extreme swelling and pain migrating from joint to joint in my body. At one point last week I was in a wheel chair and uncertain as to whether or not I would ever be able to walk again. I have finally been diagnosed with a chronic debilitating condition that I will most likely be dealing with for the rest of my life, and it may well deprive me of some of the activities I most enjoy in life - hiking, playing my guitar, gardening, etc.

As stimulus goes I would give it a ten, but here is the amazing thing. I am fine. I would certainly prefer not to have this stimulus, and I will absolutely keep working to change it, but even if this is to be my life from here on out, I know that I will be happy and content despite it all.

I know that because of you and The Option Institute. What an extraordinary gift that is!!! In the face of what many would consider a catastrophic event, I am calm and peaceful. I am 100% confident that I have the inner resources to meet whatever life brings me with ease and comfort. Wow!

Many of my "non-option" friends and family keep asking me if I am angry, or scared, or feel betrayed by life, etc. The honest answer is "no". Instead, I feel curious, determined and profoundly grateful for the many courses I have taken at The Option Institute that have prepared me to live my life, even this part of it, with joy and enthusiasm.

So once again I send you my love and the deepest gratitude for the gifts that you and all the other Option Institute staff have given me!

May as many blessings as you have given others return to you a thousand-fold.

Who would have ever thought nine years ago that I would finally make my way to the front seat of the roller coaster with arms up high waving in delight?

Truly it is a great ride!

With all my love,
Tiahna