What's Your Terrible Thing That Turned Into A Huge Gift?

[Daryn Kagan]

I have a great story today about Robin Smalley. The former TV producer found out that the worst year of her life turned out to be a huge gift. Has the same thing happened to you? Something that you would have never picked to have happened to you, in fact turned out to be a great thing? Please share.

[Erin]

For me, I will say my first marriage. It was a dysfunctional abusive marriage, I was far too young, had 2 kids before I was 19, didn't have a job, and didn't have the self-esteem to get one, or to get OUT, for several years.

Eventually I did get a job and get out, and as cliche as it sounds, those years were a huge gift to me. I learned so much... but most importantly I learned that I am capable of taking care of myself, of taking care of my children, and of teaching my sons to value themselves enough that they wouldn't have the emotional need to abuse a woman.

My oldest son just got married recently. He's too young, no job - her too. They're struggling to figure out how married life out there in the real world works, and it has slapped them right on the rear. But at least I know without a doubt that his wife won't ever suffer at his hand.

Thank you abusive ex-husband, for that.

[Daryn Kagan]

You are a never-ending fountain of amazing stories and wisdom!
Thank you for you!

[Mary McManus]

I never would have chosen to experience post polio syndrome. For ten years I struggled with worsening fatigue, muscle pain and weakness which progressed into difficulties swallowing and shallow breathing. But I discovered the gift of poetry in my soul, have found an incredible path to healing, met so many incredible healing angels along the way and now can be a blessing to inspire others through the courage, faith, determination and passion I discovered out of my own challenge of post polio syndrome. I would never have met the incredible people I have come to know, would not know the experience of having my heart sing despite being in a brace, a cane and at times a wheelchair and I certainly would never have run the Boston Marathon and learned about myself in this profound way. I have also discovered the joy of fund raising and giving back in a way which does not deplete me mind, body and spirit through reconnecting with God within me and all around me.