Coping to Thriving

Years ago I was asked to give a presentation in Chicago at a conference.  The title they requested was: "Coping with Vision Loss."   As I began my presentation and started to share 'tips' on coping with vision loss, an elderly woman stood up and said - I don't see why we need to just cope - why can't we thrive!  I absolutely loved her enthusiasm and determination.  I told her, I totally agree.  My presentation shifted to Thriving with Vision Loss.  A simple word change gave it a different energy!  Coping feels like getting by - making it.  Sometimes in life we are in a place of coping.  There are those temporary times.  However,  I recognized her wisdom in transitioning to thriving as soon as we can! Thriving is living! Thriving is flourishing, growing vigorously, progressing towards a goal despite or because of circumstances. 

Whenever I hear the word cope, my mind often goes back to that sweet moment where I was reminded to THRIVE!  

“Your living is determined not so much by what life brings to you as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by what happens to you as by the way your mind looks at what happens.”

― Khalil Gibran