What it means to THRIVE

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Posted: Sun Nov 09, 2008 10:39 pm

Therapists have identified seven stages of grief. This includes grief over almost any loss, whether of a loved one, of one’s health, a limb, one of the senses (like sight or hearing), or even one’s life savings.

The stages are shock, denial, bargaining, guilt, anger, depression, hope. They do not happen in any set order, and it is common to pass through several stages more than once. The final step, not listed above, is always the final step, and it is THRIVING. This cam come in months, or it may take years to reach that stage. Each person is different.

What is thriving? Thriving is when you use what you have gone through to help others who are going through the grief process.

A case in point of someone who suffered physical loss and is now thriving is Katy Sullivan. Katy is a bilateral above-knee amputee who holds records in paralympic running. She is also an actress and singer. Here is a video of Katy running

But Katy’s biggest accomplishment, in my eyes, is her newest work – organizing “peer visitors” to talk with and counsel those who are facing or have undergone amputations. This gives an amputee who has reached the “thrive” stage an opportunity to help new amputees face their loss with someone at their side to point out what they may encounter in the way of emotional distress, discrimination, ignorance, and curiosity. If I had had a peer visitor, I might have reached thriving stage a lot sooner than I did.

I had the privilege of meeting Katy yesterday, and I have signed up to be a peer visitor. Katy is a vibrant and joyous person, and just plain fun to talk to. She is indeed an inspiration, and I hope every person meets a Katy in their lifetime.

Many baiters are scam victims who have reached the thriving stage – which usually lasts the rest of your life Smile

. They have suffered loss, not only of money, but also of self-confidence and self-worth. Now they are educating, warning, and protecting others from the danger they went through.

Trophy Videos · Posted: Mon Nov 10, 2008 12:59 am

Titania, I saw a TV show about Katy awhile back. She has an amazing story to tell and is an inspirational woman. I'm happy that you have decided to become a peer visitor. You are a very giving person and I know you will be able to help many other people who struggle with a disability. I'm sure that the people you visit with will be glad that you entered their lives. Very Happy

Posted: Mon Nov 10, 2008 1:33 am

Thank you for sharing the videos, Titania. Giving of oneself is very rewarding. Very Happy

Posted: Mon Nov 10, 2008 1:38 am

That is amazing! Very Happy