It struck me the other day, that life brings its challenges, but it is how we attack those challenges that determines our life's outcome. Do we consider the loss of a previous ability to be the death of us, or do we continue to strive to recreate or reinvent ourselves? By this, I do not mean that we necessarily change who we are inside, but that we seek new avenues to enjoy what we love to do. I believe that attitude has a lot to do with our well being.
I will have to admit that I went through a period of deep depression when I lost a portion of my finger. At first, I thought I would never play the guitar again. But through determination that came from two sources--one was deep inside of me--that burning desire to express myself musically, and, the other, from outside of me. It was a strength that I believe came from God.
For some time, I was overwhelmed with defeat. But, it was through monotonous repetition and experimentation that I began to slowly see progress. The small increments of progress became rewards that pushed me onward. Today, I can play the guitar better that I did before my accident.
My hope is that anyone experiencing what seems like impossible odds will not accept defeat, but continue to move forward!
Accept the initial defeat as a challenge to continue to move forward. Relish progress, however small, as a call to greater heights!