While I was chatting to a friend, that I don’t see often, he went straight to the point and asked. “I can remember you also have a heart issue?”

I briefly told my story but not in detail, because I knew that there was some “heart questions ” coming on.

Heart stories are very interesting. One reason is that it gives people that chance to talk their hearts out. Meaning that someone wants to listen to what’s on your heart, inside your heart, and in some ways, chocking your heart. The emotional spiritual heart.

Sometimes you must deal with your physical heart. If the doctor says that’s what’s wrong with your heart, you live with it, it’s difficult to change. But what about your spirit and soul. If we say someone has a strong and courageous heart. Are we talking about their spirit and soul?

One of the reasons surgeons were hesitant, long ago, to operate on the heart or transplant the heart is because of this heart-soul-spirit connection.

So my friend explained that he had an issue with one of his heart valves’ and the doctor said that he would not be able to cycle as hard and competitive as he used to. Also that surgery to repair or replace that valve was not out of the question. It was a SHOCK!

He was training for a race, what now? How do you grab hold of HOPE? And then he went and watched YouTube videos of heart surgery! WHAT?

Here are some ways to grab hold of hope.

      1. You are still breathing

It means you are still in with a chance! Do not underestimate the fact that you are still living, breathing, walking, talking, thinking. Thinking too far ahead and anticipating everything that could go wrong is like dressing for rain that’s forecast for tomorrow -what’s the use of that?

We’re not talking about planning for what may come, but rather not accepting tomorrow, next year’s problems now. Dealing with those future problems must be like paying big bills -only when they are really truly due.

       2. Some people are worse off

Ever heard of Nick Vujicic?

He was born without arms or legs in 1982. His early days were difficult according to his website.  It was not just the physical stuff to deal with but also the depression and loneliness. He questioned why he was different, what was the purpose of life, did he have a future?

By now he has traveled to 69 countries, is married with 4 children, best selling author, has a Bachelor’s degree, has given speeches to millions of people and get this……..He swims! One of his quotes “If God can use a man without arms and legs to be His hands and feet, then He will certainly use any willing heart!”

So he asks. What’s your excuse?

And what about Bethany Hamilton, the surfer girl who still went on with her life after a shark bit off her left arm. What about our excuses? There is always someone worse off than you, but still making a difference.

3. Medical Breakthroughs

It happens all the time!

I live in heart transplant territory.

Physically and spiritually. Physically it was first done by Professor Chris Barnard in  December 1967 at Groote Schuur in South Africa. Spiritually by God, mentioned in Ezekiel 36:26

“It always seems impossible until it is done” – Nelson Mandela.

Just to mention some of the breakthroughs:

Smart-Phone monitor that can give an ECG and then possibly predict from the ECG if the patient has too much or little potassium in their blood. Possibly inform your doctor about your ECG and what to do.

Surgical Slug Superglue that is strong, non-toxic, flexible and able to stick to wet surfaces.

Deep brain stimulation for stroke patients to help them regain more motor function and improve brain plasticity.

Anti-inflammatory cardiac care that could reduce heart attack or stroke by 15%. Not to mention voice analysis that can detect if you have heart disease! And contact lenses that help to find out what’s wrong with you – WHAT!

Still developing some of these breakthroughs, but there is HOPE!

     4. You can control your attitude

Who controls your attitude?

Think about it……….       Program, Manage, Create, Build and work on your attitude!

Be aware of your attitude. Smile (it releases endorphins) Be grateful, start with anything!

I have eaten today, I have internet, I can see, I can hear, I have fingers, I’ve overcome many setbacks and obstacles during my life!, I’m breathing. Take a moment now, and take a deep long breath. You feel it? It has a relaxing effect.

Is attitude not in essence FOCUS. The old story of the half full but also half empty glass. It depends what you FOCUS on!

     5. Put up monuments

The Eiffel tower was constructed to commemorate the centennial of the French Revolution and to demonstrate France’s industrial prowess to the world.

Why not “create” some things in your own life to commemorate all the struggles that you came through? Something to give you hope!!

What is a monument?

“a statue, building, or other structure erected to commemorate a notable person or event.”

So I’m not talking about building a statue, or you can if you have a big enough garden, but rather creating something on paper. Creating some small “statues” on paper. Something to remind you that you have gone through some things AND SURVIVED!

Build your own small VICTORYVAULT, put all your victories in a diary or on a list somewhere. Go back to them when you need hope!

Leave a comment. Why?…. because you can!

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