During my last birthday I was dealing with returning back to work following a rotator cuff surgery. It was scary and I felt forced to return to work while my arm was still healing. I was at work for only a few weeks when I had an accident on Space Mountain. It changed my life.

I was unable to return to work at that time and didn’t know how long the healing process would take. I am still very much on that journey. A few weeks ago, I had an eight hour brain test. It showed that I have Mild Cognitive Disorder. I will find out more about it as time progresses. It is scary to be in the realm of the unknown. However, knowing more about how my brain was changed from that accident will change my life for the better.

My birthday is in a few days and I don’t know what that year will bring. I am assured that whatever comes my way God will be walking with me through it. Last year was way different than I expected and yet I can still see the joy that became my strength. Even while in the emergency room, I remember thinking about how thankful I was that my best friend’s daughter wasn’t there to witness the accident. She had been my sidekick the entire day. Her family left Magic Kingdom moments before this life changing event happened. I also recall my husband making me laugh because we found a picture of the Grinch that looked just like him. It even had similar facial hair, glasses, and incredible blue eyes. I still look at that picture with laughter.

Although the year looked way different than I expected, there was love and joy that surrounded me throughout that hard time. I found incredible friendships and new things to bring me happiness. What kind of journey are you on? Is it making you bitter or can you see the joy in the hardship. Your view on life can take you on either path. For me, I am and will continue to choose joy and happiness. Which path will you choose?