For my entire life, I have looked into a mirror and focused on what I think my imperfections are. Over a year ago I had to have several oral operations, which have altered my features. Instead of being grateful that I no longer faced the same challenges, I still looked into the mirror and focused on my imperfections. A month ago, I walked into a glass wall and my nose was shattered. There was no apparent reason for me to have such an accident. By the grace of God a plastic surgeon was about to leave the hospital, but stayed back to take care of me. The doctor painfully put my nose back in place and I was able to go home that evening. I had no idea what I was going to look like after the splint and bandages were removed. But I could say that no matter what, I was going to be grateful just to breathe. This ordeal reminded me that the breath of life comes from the one who created me. That breath reminds me that what I look like is a whole lot less important than what I do with the ability to focus on the "breath of life.” I prefer to spend my life being the best that I can be, knowing that I am amazing just the way I am, and I choose to help others reach the same realization. I have created a workshop for adults as a result of this part of my own life’s journey, as well as one for children from elementary school level to high school. I've made an effort to turn a lemon into lemonade with the mindset of being amazing just the way I am.
Takeasha Gale Clinton