Recovery and healing from trauma takes time. First, be aware that cutting the ambilicle chord that connects you to your pain, your past, your hurt and your shame or guilt is necessary. Then you have to decide you want to be free and change. You will experience new pain as you purge. Persevere. Believe in the light at the end of the tunnel. I saw it when all was dark and lost. I found it. So will you.

Over the years, people often asked, what was the “secret” to how I delivered myself from my past and achieved my goals. The answer is neither simple nor easy. Sorry for the bad, realistic and honest news.

The principals of triumph over adversity are the same principals of any success. The formula is not based on a singular defining decision, action, or magic pill, but rather a series of decisions followed by on-going repetitive action, all of which are intentionally designed and implemented to move us in the anticipated direction. Those decisions and actions must be fueled by hope, desire, determination, imagination and belief. An element of luck along the way helps, of course.

It’s been said that luck is when preparation meets opportunity. Persistently taking action prepares us for the potholes on the road to achievement, taking us where the dream transforms into a hard earned reality. Beyond what happens to us, it is attitude that determines whether or not we arrive at our envisioned destination. We are empowered to choose. The choices are not always easy. It’s up to you. You’ve got this.