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choices, Don Koen, Handicapped, Handicapped Fishing, Inspiring Stories, Island Traveler Weekly Image of Life Inspiration, Overcoming Life's Obstacles, positive attitude, When the World Outside my window goes insane
When I was young, the clock radio nudged me from slumber each morning. A Memphis, Tennessee station usually played the top 20 countdown, which trumped my other choice of a raucous alarm to start each day. I will never forget once when the radio clicked into the wake-up mode, but instead of music, I was blasted with a loud greeting from the DJ, “GET OUT OF THAT BED! Think of how many people would like to get out of bed and can’t!”
Poof! That worked for me, and I have carried that nugget of advice with me and kept it close to my heart. Whenever I ponder snoozing for half an hour more, I remember that moment and am suddenly prepped to embrace my day.
Other eventful moments have influenced my attitudes about life; long ago during a busy day with endless phone calls, I asked my father if he’d like for me to snip the phone line. He replied, “Imagine how empty your life would be if no one called or came by.” Whenever my life seems too crowded, I try to respect that advice and remember to be grateful for the many people who love and support me.
My nephew, Don Koen, made an equally-sobering remark once, when he asked, “Aunt Lisa, who taught you how to be so positive?”
I was visiting Don in his home in Little Rock, Arkansas as we waited on a kettle of soup to warm. I shrugged and replied, “No one. It’s not a choice. I wake up happy almost every day of my life.”
Very slowly he shook his head,“I disagree with you. We make choices every day of our life.” Continue reading
