When we are in the middle of a life crisis, it is difficult to see how the experience could be of any benefit at all. Often times we are so immersed in the pain of a traumatic life event that we can’t see past it.

However, it is often within our biggest life challenges that we surprisingly uncover our greatest treasures and inner gifts.

Think back for a moment about a challenging experience from your past. Not only did you live through it, but also in some way you probably even learned something along the way. Looking back at it now, it’s easy to see how that experience has shaped you in some fashion, and most likely in a way that has made you stronger, wiser and perhaps even more compassionate.

Finding the silver lining within a painful life experience is not always an easy perspective to take. However it is a worthy one when we take the time to find it.

In my own life I had no idea that my greatest life obstacle would actually be the catalyst for the greatest growth and joy in my life.

Having first hand experience of a chemical brain injury that affected my state of personal health was a harrowing experience to say the least. There were times when I felt discouraged, lost and defeated. I had exhausted both mainstream and alternative health care systems when searching for an effective treatment and time and time again I came up empty handed.

But somehow the sense of urgency to survive lit a fire within me to forge my own path and find a way to recover. My life was on the line and I was not going to accept a life of pain, isolation and limitation as normal.

In fact, the pain and suffering I was experiencing led me to become immersed in brain research. I discovered how chemical injury can cause disorganized circuits within the limbic system of the brain that contribute to many chronic and mysterious illnesses. I discovered that over-activated threat mechanisms in the brain can be at the root of many illnesses like chemical sensitivities, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia and electric hypersensivity syndrome. And moreover, I discovered a way to normalize the threat mechanisms in the brain and return to a healthy state.

Another immense gift that I received was how to live my life with greater environmental awareness.

When I was suffering, I made a promise to God that when and if I found a way to recover that I would share it with the world. My personal experience with illness coupled with my past skillset as a counsellor, teacher, group facilitator, speaker and writer came together in a unique way. This allowed me to effectively communicate my personal experience and teach other people how to recover as well. I could not have imagined during the height of my suffering that some day I would be helping people worldwide reclaim their lives. Yet today, that is my reality.

We may not understand why certain events happen in our lives and often we cannot fathom how we will get over the obstacles that are presented to us. Yet somehow, with a little help, we see a ray of hope and access the champion within.

(Photo: Flickr user - liao)

If you would like to take charge of your health and become a champion of your own life, please join us in Victoria, BC on Jan 25 - 27. Seating is limited. Please email info@dnrsystem.com to start your registration process.