I recently had an email from a woman who spent seven years facing a very challenging situation. She has every right to declare herself victimized by the state, legal system, and the perpetrator of a crime against her.  Blame, shame and guilt however, regardless of the enormity of the crime, hold us back from living life fully, wildly and with abandon.  Healing can’t be rushed.  Kindness and compassion toward ourselves as we walk through our challenges promotes a sense of power. They become antidotes to the victimization blues.

I know that when I experienced 13 months of unrelenting tragedy, I felt as though I was the only one to have experienced that kind of loss.  Was I wrong!  Every one of us has our story, and every one of us has the wisdom to overcome the conditions of our life.

It’s stressful enough live through something traumatic. The real trauma, however, comes when we relive the situation over and over again.  Our mind can’t tell the difference between reality and remembrance. Our thoughts hold us prisoner and keep the original pain alive.  Changing our mind about the past opens the door for a new future.

Here’s food for thought.  What’s holding you back?  Do you blame your parents, gender, race, color, situation or circumstance? If so, consider doing something radically different!  Accept it all. Embrace your life as it is.  Turn your attention to positive focus and positive action.  Accept responsibility for your life.

If you’ve suffered greatly, you may need to invest in a coach, therapist or healer.  You’re worth it.  When you set your intention and focus your attention on what you need, the right people tend to show up and miracles of perfect timing occur. You don’t have to know how you’re going to move forward, you just have to be willing to allow the unknown to unfold.

What do you want NOW?  We play it safe when we play the victim.  Invest your energy in yourself.  The past does not have to predict your future. Our determination, intention, attention, and appropriate action are the keys to a brilliant life.  It may take time. Be patient with yourself.

Everything in our life mirrors a truth. When we have the courage to look in the mirror, we have taken a step toward a positive future.  We may have lived through hell. We don’t have to stay there.  As strange as it sounds, the more you love and accept yourself as you are, the greater the possibility you will find that brilliance is waiting for you on the other side.

As my grandmother used to say, “If it doesn’t kill you, it will make you stronger and wiser.”  Don’t let your past kill you. Let it make you stronger and wiser. Then go share your wisdom with others who are waiting for what you have to offer.  You may become their miracle.