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Writer's pictureShawnae Jebbia

Facing Adversity Head On

Updated: May 12, 2023

Living above it…day by day




Do we ever really recover from experiencing major adversity in our lives? Recovery can be a tricky word when it comes to the heart and soul. Or does every twist and turn in life shape us indefinitely to make us the person we continue to be evolve to be?


“I’d like to believe that everything I’ve been through, thick and thin, has given me a sense of awareness and appreciation that I wouldn’t be who I am if I hadn’t been on this very path. Do I wish things could have been different at times, well heck yeah…but that’s a different path."

No one wants to feel abandoned by their Mother, suffer malnutrition as a young child, witness physical and mental abuse between parents, come from a broken home multiple times throughout life, become hearing impaired, infertile, have a brain tumor that will compromise brain function, permanent hearing loss, and lose all facial expression on one side if untreated. Those are just a few things that could break down your self-esteem for a bit, as it did for me.


Did I throw in the towel?? Hmmm…not this gal!


Trust me, I’ve had my highs and lows, but giving up is just not an option for me. But I can tell you that I understand despair, and the feeling of helplessness to the brink of many tears over the years.



Gratitude


When something knocks us down, I always feel it necessary to see first hand someone with more difficult challenges than you have, to help build perspective. There is so much pain out there, famine, major adversity beyond our understanding, and sometimes seeing it in front of you shows you the truth of your own reality.


Gratitude is a word that all of us can embrace to truly feel how lucky we are. Hold a sick child’s hands, and see what is in their eyes. You might be surprised. Despite the obvious fear of the unknown, I have seen love, peace, and gratitude for life while in the face of darkness. All we need is to help others less fortunate, spread joy with charity, and love without judgement. Being grateful helps us live above it all…


Be Kind


Patient Advocacy is an adventure that begin by sharing my desire to provide hope and help, and it continues to allow me to act as a mentor and educator to others who need it most. One organization I have worked with since 2017 is Some 1 Like You L3C.





One of my favorite little warriors, Lily, shares my desire to help others along their complex medical journeys. You can read her book here!






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