As we celebrate our publication’s 20th year in print, one of the things I have loved the most are those moments when someone we are writing about peels back the curtain to reveal their inner thoughts and motivation as they recount their life experience.
I’m always thrilled and fascinated by the stories of creativity and strength amid vulnerability and adversity.
Last month’s article about fashion designer Marilyn Cobban, owner of Blue Sky Clothing, was one of those stories that touched me deeply, as I know it did many of you.
It takes a special kind of courage to build a successful business. It takes even greater courage to reveal the personal struggles and challenges faced along the way.
Even more admirable are those who take the hard lessons they have learned and use them to encourage and uplift others.
Life sometimes deals us a crappy hand. It’s what we do with it that determines the depth of character we develop.
This past month dealt me one of those crappy hands.
In the space of just weeks, I was faced with not just one personal crisis, but three.
The road ahead will be filled with uncertainty and challenges, the likes of which I have never faced before.
At times like these, I draw strength from the stories of those who have persevered through adversity, unwilling to give up.
Sometimes, when our own courage fails us, we need to reach out and draw upon the courage of others for inspiration.
I’m proud that INSPIRED Magazine has been a place where many of those stories of courage have been shared.
These brave people stand as beacons to me right now, giving me hope amid despair and an element of comfort, knowing that others have walked difficult paths and found their way through pain, grief, chaos and adversity.
They say the Chinese character for “crisis” is the same as for “opportunity.”
I trust that out of the multiple crises I’m facing, opportunities of equal magnitude will arise. And that I’ll uncover the strength and wisdom needed to prevail.
Maybe one day, like Marilyn, I’ll have the chance to tell my story for the benefit of others. My hope is that it, too, will be one of courage, persistence and ultimate success.
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