Happiness

In life, we all face challenges, but some experiences transform us in profound ways. Dr. Allen Lycka’s journey began when his wife noticed something unusual in his step—his foot was “flapping.” Although he felt healthy otherwise, her observation pushed him to seek medical help. This small sign set off a chain of events that would eventually lead him to an ALS diagnosis, which brought unimaginable despair. Going through all the stages of grief—anger, denial, bargaining, and ultimately acceptance—Dr. Lycka even considered ending his own life. But his wife’s support gave him the strength to keep moving forward. He decided to face his diagnosis head-on.

In the early 2000s, the internet was still young, but it became a lifeline for Dr. Lycka. Through it, he connected with others facing similar conditions and found Dr. David Martin in Colorado, a specialist in chronic Lyme disease. David’s own journey provided hope; he, too, had been misdiagnosed with ALS but had recovered after a more accurate diagnosis. For Dr. Lycka, David’s story was the spark that turned his perspective around, giving him the courage to search for answers and a path to healing.

Dr. Lycka often shares the story of Tom Sullivan, a blind golfer who didn’t let his limitations hold him back. Tom’s resilience reminds us that success isn’t about what’s easy but about overcoming obstacles with determination. This story reinforces Dr. Lycka’s belief in the power of positivity, a trait that turned his diagnosis from a dead-end to a new beginning. He emphasizes that, as human beings, our value is not measured by our achievements or productivity. “You are a human being, not a human doing,” he reminds us, a lesson in focusing on who we are rather than just what we do.

In his journey, Dr. Lycka has come to cherish the importance of pausing. Taking breaks, he says, isn’t just nice—it’s essential. He recalls his own tea breaks and even tells a lighthearted story of three elderly brothers whose forgetfulness about their tea underscores the need for rest. Similarly, forgiveness has been crucial in his philosophy. Holding onto anger, he explains, is like drinking poison and expecting someone else to suffer. Citing Nelson Mandela’s example, Dr. Lycka shows that forgiveness brings freedom, allowing us to move forward unburdened.

One of Dr. Lycka’s core principles is encapsulated in the acronym “Laugh”—Live, Appreciate, Understand, Give, Humor, and Eyes. Each part of this formula is about seeing life with a fuller, more joyful lens. Living fully means cherishing moments; appreciating is about gratitude; understanding comes from empathy; giving is about generosity; humor brings lightness; and using our “eyes” means seeing both the bright and difficult sides of life.

The ultimate message? Live with purpose and joy, connect with others meaningfully, and find laughter in every day. By embracing this approach, we can all create lives filled with hope, strength, and fulfillment, no matter what challenges come our way.