Change Your Life by Changing Your Thoughts | How a Tragic Accident Taught Me to Rethink Life | by Lori Gradley | Inspiring Story #196

I vividly remember the trauma of that night many years ago.  I was a young adult at the time, my thoughts often shadowed by doubts and fears about my future. My boyfriend and I decided to go out for a drive.  It was a beautiful summer evening.  The sun had set, casting a glow that lifted the clouds of my negativity. But suddenly, our night turned into disaster with a brutal head-on collision.  

As sirens wailed, and chaos unfolded, I was rushed to hospital.  What followed were months of pain and despair as I lay bedridden and in traction. I remember waiting in the hospital room, my parents beside me.

The doctor walked in, “Due to the seriousness of your injuries," he began. "You’ll probably have a difficult time walking, let alone be able to dance, or be involved with sports.”

To receive that news was, in my mind, horrific. Basketball was my favourite sport and being on the school team meant everything to me.  I cried uncontrollably imagining the very worst for my future.

My parents took over.  “Thank you for your advice,” they said calmy, “Our daughter will be up and walking again soon.”   

With determination and the incredible support of my family and friends, I began the long and challenging road to healing.  I literally had to learn how to walk again. 

During long days sitting immobile, I started self reflecting and soul searching. I examined my life’s choices and where my life was heading.  I’d made a habit of worrying about future events that had not happened yet. My negative thoughts created mood swings, feelings of despair and depression. I suffered, anxiety attacks, headaches, and lack of self esteem. 

What began as a nightmare, gave me time and space time to learn about personal development and transformation.  With time, not only did I dance and play basketball again, I transformed my entire way of life. I learned to change the way I think.  I learned to replace despair with hope, reactivity with reflection.

Discovering My Life's Purpose

What’s even more amazing, that accident created a pivotal moment, helping me discover my life’s purpose.  Inspired by the positive changes I made to my life; I dedicated my life to helping others find the same fulfillment.

Thirty-five years later, after years of study and driven by a grand vision, I authored a wellness book and founded Splendid Inspiration, an international personal development company.  Sharing the lessons I’ve learned and helping others create lives filled with purpose and happiness has become my greatest joy.

And now today, as I reflect on the roads we all must travel.  I realise that every twist, every turn, and every setback is an opportunity for growth. If we are open to change, our journeys, no matter how daunting, can offer paths with new horizons and perspective on life.

What about you?  Have you ever faced a moment of crisis that unexpectedly steered you towards personal growth? What roads have you traveled, that led you to discover new horizons?