What was your experience?

Question

Self-made millionaire turned welfare mom; from an Olympic gold medalist to a paraplegic; from a well-respected philosopher to a mentally handicapped dependent--these are just a few examples of outcomes that can greatly humble the most well-rounded and successful individuals known to man. Have there been any experiences in your life that have activated your humble nature? For me, it was losing both of my kidneys to renal failure and gaining the label as a disabled person. What about you? Did the experience affect you in a more negative or positive way?

Serious and mature answers are both desired and appreciated. Thank you.

FYI: To answer one of my own questions, I refuse to allow my condition to control me. I have just learned to accept it and work a little harder towards my goals.

Answer 1

I have had several life changing, if not humbling, experiences that have shaped and molded me into the strong woman I am today. My ex boyfriend tried to kill me...long story short, I had to stab him in the chest with my car keys to stop him from taking my life. I got out of there and never looked back. It took me a long time to regain trust in people, not men alone. 10 years later, I am happily married to the most trustworthy person I know. The second most life changing experience for me happened 7 years ago...my dad had "routine" neck surgery which went wrong, completely paralyzing him on his entire right side; also causing him to have a stroke, which has effected his mental health as well as physical. My big strong daddy, my hero, went from jogging to work every morning, to being confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life. (Not that life can't be lived out of a wheelchair - it's just harder to start over at 65!) Lastly, the most life changing event for me happened 4 years ago - my aunt and uncle were murdered by their son. At the time, I was planning my wedding, and talking to my aunt several times a week. Then in the middle of the night I got the call that caused my life to change...I feel as if I haven't "gotten back to normal" since then. This one horrific event has permanently changed the lives of everyone in my family...leaving children without parents, parents without children, sisters without a sister, nieces without an aunt...and on a bad day, life without hope.
I have learned to not take life for granted...to LIVE, to take chances, to LOVE, to hope, and when the occasion calls for it, CRY.
Wow. I don't know that I even answered your question, but it felt good to get that off my chest!

Answer 2

I got off lucky compared to the cases you're describing. I was diagnosed with Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis in Nov 2005. I went through a period of depression after I suffered an attack (relapse) that caused me to go temporarily blind in my left eye.

The jury is still out on whether this experience has affected me positively or negatively. I am more at peace with myself than I was 3 months ago and it seems like maybe I am regaining my desire to live and experience new things.

I'm not sure I would say I have become more humble but I do seem to be more accepting of other people and more loving than I was.

This was an interesting question.

Answer 3

My wife and I are both disabled and it has affected our lives greatly. My wife was a very successful business woman and loved her career. Losing her health and the ability to take care for herself was devastating at first. I, too am disabled from a car accident and losing your health and physical well being are rough. We both try to make the most of our lives and be thankful for what we do have. While we no longer have our careers, we have each other to hang onto and to support each other. That has been one of the biggest blessings of my life.

Answer 4

yes on about the activation of humble nature,and a very big NO''about my experience that may affect me but in some say it might a Problem for me i accept for what am i no more no less

Answer 5

I broke my neck 21 years ago and lost everything I owned , even my wife but I became a new and better person for it in the long run

Answer 6

for me, it's growing up in poverty and can hardly eat three times a day. but the it kept me positive in a way for the faith i have can move mountains. finished college despite of hardships and even though not practicing my course, still life had been good and i can say that in my country, i can be considered a multi millionaire but who cares about money when i have God's love in me. you are not alone. stay positive and take care of yourself.

Answer 7

be raped at a young age and having friends that you thought were friend calling you a slut becuz i was going to become a model but made my dreams fade. For the longest time i hated my body and men. didn't have a bf unit i was 18, got hurt my childs boilogical father and left with a child. though, as she came into my life, and i do not regret her one bit, she is my everything and she makes me love me for having her and how you love a child at first sight, who fills your heart. with her she gives me good luck with a nice place to raise her, a good loving step father/fience' who loves her as his own. i have become strong with my life and i know that i can't be hurt any more. maybe oneday i can fulfill my dreams....who knows huh?

Answer 8

God bless you you are a winner I pray that you get a kidney

Answer 9

I've actually yet to have one of these experiences. But my day will come, I am sure. You go girl, way to not let it ruin you! :]

Answer 10

I lost a child.