Stronger than before

Before getting on to tonight’s guest post, I want to acknowledge the miracle of safety.

After Tropical Storm Irene last year, New Hampshire and Vermont were  on edge waiting to see what would happen with Sandy.  We have been incredibly lucky this week that she struck only a glancing blow to northern NH and Vt.

Tonight as I sit in my apartment using my lights, internet, stove, refrigerator, and all the other luxuries, I recognize how incredibly blessed I am.

My prayers remain with those in New York, New Jersey, and other affected areas as they begin the recovery process.  Perhaps they will find, as tonight’s guest poster has, that they can come back stronger than before.

Jillian Bullock submitted this miracle about thriving after adversity:

Three and a half years ago I tore my rotator cuff due to training in mixed martial arts. My doctor said even after surgery and extensive rehab I will never be able to compete in boxing or martial arts or even do any serious training, not even push-ups. He told me considering my injury and my age, I’m 51, that I should hang up my gloves and take up Spin class or Zumba.

Over time I decided to listen to my heart and do what I thought was best for me. I started slow doing push-ups on my knees, lifting light weights, and walking. In the past three months, I have graduated to training again in mixed martial arts and boxing. Plus, I can lift more weight now than I could before my injury. Now, I’m training to get back in the ring to fight. I will only have this one fight in boxing, but it will be something I must do to prove to myself, and others, that through sheer determination, focus, discipline, and faith in self nothing is impossible.

Jillian, I hope you’ll keep us updated about how that fight goes!  🙂

Today’s miracle: Determination, discipline, focus and faith can open any door to a world of possibilities.

Jillian Bullock is a former reporter for the Wall Street Journal, an author, a fitness expert, and an award winning filmmaker. She is also the CEO of Jaguar Productions, Inc., a film and sports entertainment company and Jillian Bullock Enterprises, an empowerment, wellness and fitness company. You can find her online at www.jillianbullockenterprises.com and www.jaguarsportsentertainment.com.