The Power of Positive Thought – Pt. 1

I was pleased to have two positive Posts greet me when I arrived at work today.   The first from Insurance Industry friend, Michelle Poirier, and the second from my life-long friend, Keith Anderson.  Both reminded me of the power of positive thought and prompted me to write this Post in thanks! 

They also provide an interesting backdrop and stepping-off point for a Post I have been contemplating for the last few months, which I will cover in more detail in Part 2 next week.  As Chinese philosopher and sage, Lao Tzu reminds us -  “A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step” - this is that step.

Be Thankful!

In her Post, Michelle poignantly reminded us: “Starting each day by thinking of all the things you have to be thankful for is one way to put your mind on the right track.  Also, remember that your future depends largely on the thoughts you think today.” Wise counsel indeed!

Keith Anderson, LLB, LLM

Keith’s Post was a reminder that today (October 10th) is Mental Health Day. Keith’s story is one of ‘light at the end of the tunnel’.   Brilliant, driven, and dedicated to helping his clients, he was the Founding and Managing Partner of a very successful Law Firm in our home town of Sydney, Cape Breton when a debilitating darkness crept over him. 

In his own words: "I was diagnosed with severe depression on March 7, 2003. On March 11, 2003, I lost my career. Later that day I had, what I call, a mental breakdown. In the span of 5 days, I lost my health and career. Not my best week.”

The key to Keith’s remarkable recovery, likes others, was the power of positive thought: “As I lay in bed for several months, and then pretty much confined to the house for a couple of years, I had time to reflect. My first realization was that being diagnosed with depression was a good thing. It saved me from suicide.  With a mental illness, I thought that if I could get healthy as with most illnesses, I may have a second chance at a more full and exciting life.”

Now Keith has found his voice again and is writing, speaking and helping others once more!  He is an inspiration to many, including myself.  I highly recommend anyone interested in learning more about Keith, his journey back to health; or, his unique ability to help motivate you or your clients, to visit his newly launched Web Site – it is worth the visit! 

Doug Smith - Hockey Legend, Author and International Speaker

Another amazing story of recovery, this time from serious physical trauma, is that of famed hockey legend Doug Smith. I had the good fortune to connect with Doug on LinkedIn in July.   As a result of that positive experience, I recently finished reading his inspiring book – The Trauma Code – it is a must read for anyone wanting to understand and better themselves.

But don’t just take my word for it.   Jack Canfield, author of Chicken Soup for the Soul writes: "Doug's books are a must read for those studying personal development, recovery and performance. It is rare that personal achievement and the science to back it up are demonstrated in the same book. Doug Smith has done it!"

Doug Smith has lived one of the most awe-inspiring stories of overcoming adversity and debilitating injuries, including quadriplegia.  So remarkable is his story of recovery, hope and the power of positive thinking that my next Post will focus in detail on his path from hockey star to 'disabled', to being back on top of his game - albeit this time - as businessman, author, and  motivational speaker!

Doug was a prodigy in hockey, golf, lacrosse, and tennis.  He could have played professionally in any of these sports!  He chose hockey.  His rise to fame began as a first round draft pick for Los Angeles Kings.  From there, he went on to play for the Buffalo Sabres, Edmonton Oilers, Vancouver Canucks and Pittsburgh Penguins.

Doug says that his time with the Buffalo Sabers holds his fondest memories of the sport, where he felt like a rock star: “There was a constant line-up that existed in front of you telling you that you were something special,” he observes. “It never ended.”

The highlight for him came in 1986, during his third game with the Sabers, in which he pitted against Stanley Cup champions, Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier and the Edmonton Oilers.

“I scored the game-winning goal at the 18:29 mark of the third period,” says Doug.  After that, it was like an explosion went off. “I was doing music videos, TV commercials, I was doing everything you can imagine as a professional athlete. You know the movie Jerry Maguire? All of a sudden, I was that guy.”

In a Blink!

His life changed in a blink of an eye not once, but twice, from severe trauma and injuries that would have left anyone else ‘out of the game” – not Doug!  In Pt.2, we will travel with him on his road to recovery from the two accidents, the last being the most devastating - yet he overcame, because of the support of his family, positive thought, hard work and indomitable spirit!

Doug’s story should be known to all Canadians for the lessons it teaches us.  In his own words, that best sum up the agony and the ecstasy of his inspiring journey:  “I was told I would be paralyzed for life. Now I teach others to look beyond the seemingly inevitable.” 

Photo of Doug being air lifted after shattering his neck and left paralyzed for life!

… stay tuned for Pt.2 and the lessons that Doug can teach us all!

PS: The last word today goes to Keith and his gift of music on this Mental Health Day, 2015.  As he says in his Post: 

“Part of my recovery from the darkness of depression was my enjoyment of music.  Many songs and videos, and in time, live concerts, showed that I could actually have a special moment and smile again. Here`s a Van Morrison song... Moondance” – Keith Anderson LL.B, LL.M

PPS: Here is another Van Morrison song, along with two others that help remind us the power of music and positive thought – Happy Mental Health Day and Happy Thanksgiving!  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLCYH36ahpE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1bFr2SWP1I

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2VCwBzGdPM