What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger

I know that Kelly Clarkson's song "Stronger" isn't exactly new to hit the radio waves, yet I can't help but break into all kinds of dancing...in the car, in the kitchen, in my office (wherever I am) whenever I hear it.

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger
Stand a little taller
Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone
What doesn't kill you makes a fighter
Footsteps even lighter
Doesn't mean I'm over cause you're gone

I know the basis of this song is about breaking up with someone, but to me it speaks much deeper than that. To me it speaks to all the obstacles you tackle in your life, and the fact that going through them makes you. . .wait for it. . .stronger!

I am a very spiritual person. I know that without my faith I would not have been able to overcome many of my own obstacles in life. I have faced challenges, both relating to my physical disability and those that are your "typical" challenges that I thought, how in the world am I ever going to get through this? In those moments, the resolution (If you want to call it that), seems either so far away or COMPLETELY unattainable. Trust me, I've been there.

Then my personal reality check inevitably kicks in (and I tell you it ALWAYS does. . .it's like I know no other way.). Call me a complete optimist, but I cannot help but to at least try and see every situation as having a positive outcome. It may not come in the beginning, but I eventually find my way to it. My BFF always says to me that I seem to always come up with "the plan" to make even the most negative of situations have a silver lining.

Let's face it; I could sit here and look at my life and the challenges I face and be completely defeated. I could throw myself a pity party because sometimes things just aren't "easy" for me like they are for my able-bodied friends. "Poor, poor Jamie...NOT!" Whatever!

I know without a shadow of a doubt that I would not be the Jamie I am today; the optimistic, go after what I want, stubborn, won't take no for an answer, I Look Good Today girl that I am if I did not truly embrace my life and all that comes with it. 

I know there are so many reading this post that feel deflated because whatever you are facing right now seems too much to endure. I don't know what that burden might be for you, but believe me, I have been there too and I promise you that you can endure whatever test you are facing! The answers may not be clear today, but don't give up.

I can't promise that your situation will play out exactly how you want it to, but the next time you hear Kelly Clarkson's "Stronger" on the radio, do what I do. Crank the volume up, dance your butt off and remember, you will make it through this and be stronger for it!