I have been preoccupied all day with things that are out of my control. While I am trying to stay calm, nothing I do seems to ease my mind or lift my spirits. The entire afternoon I have been quiet and reserved, spending my time reading or staring at the lit eucalyptus candle on my desk. I have withdrawn from the outside world.

Retreating inward is a coping mechanism of mine that helps me regain strength and find my way through whatever problem I face. Life is full of challenges and heartaches. We cannot escape them, yet we do have the power and ability to rise above and believe all will be well.

Tonight I am striving to do that. I am putting my intentions and faith toward a positive outcome. No matter what may be, I know everything will be okay. I will survive … no, I am going to make sure I thrive.

I share this with you not for sympathy, but rather to let those of you who may be feeling the same know that you are not alone. Hang in there. Continue to believe.

“I trust that everything happens for a reason, even when we’re not wise enough to see it.”

 –Oprah Winfrey

Believing in Miracles,

Nicole Hemmenway

            Author of “No, It Is NOT In My Head: The Journey of a Chronic Pain Survivor from Wheelchair to Marathon”