theconnectionsnj.com SENIOR LIVING PAGE 27 PREMIERE INDEPENDENT LIVING l ASSISTED LIVING l MEMORY CARE At Mira Vie at Warren, you should expect to be treated like family. With individualized plans and purpose-built communities, our uniquely comprehensive professional support services are provided respecting our residents’ independence and integrity. BOOK YOUR VISIT TODAY! Contact Elyssa at DSM@miraviewarren.com 274 King George Road l Warren, NJ 07059 908.903.0911 l MiraVieSeniorLiving.com Have You Seen re we born with certain characteristics, or do we acquire them as we go through life and mature? Perhaps the answer is a bit of both. How many times have we heard that one is optimistic by nature, while others always go to the dark side? Surely, we know those who look at the glass as half full, while their counterparts see the glass as half empty. Some find a smile and eye contact comes easily as they walk into a room of strangers, while others look the other way, as if creating an escape plan. Of course, there is also a full spectrum of somewhere in between. The indomitable human spirit, in my mind, falls into the category of this question: are we born with it or can it be created in one’s soul as a result of challenges? I wonder if one’s spirit grows through dealing with adversity, or do we simply understand ourselves well enough to know we have the fortitude to handle whatever comes along? Historically, the indomitable human spirit refers to the sort of innate drive and determination that pushes us through whatever challenges we face. I reflect upon the many years when I was in the hospital regularly and saw the indomitable human spirit in all of its glory. The first time I noticed this invincible spirit was at one of my many hospital stays. I saw a woman walking with a pole in the lit corridors late at night. I was so curious, especially when I heard her nurse refer to the pole as her “boyfriend.” There were three or four bags of medications hanging and I was startled. Wasn’t she too sick to be walking in the halls of the hospital? Shouldn’t she be sleeping, even as I was wide awake at 1:00 a.m.? Soon, however, I realized how important it was to her spirit to be up and out of bed, regaining her strength, confidence, and ability to succeed and survive. She inspired me. The next morning, I called my husband, Bruce, and asked him to bring my running shoes and athletic socks. By the time I left the hospital, I had walked the halls countless times, through all hours, feeling capable of being strong enough to return to life. Perhaps, then, the indomitable spirit is an intrinsic sense. One that tells us we have the coping skills necessary to fight the battles in front of us using our deepest strength as a crusader would in a jousting session. I would like to believe that spirit propels us forward and is truly a force within each of us. I would like to believe that it is what makes the difference between surviving and thriving. SLICE OF LIFE The Indomitable Human Spirit By Ellyn Mantell The indomitable human spirit, in my mind, falls into the category of this question: are we born with it or can it be created in one’s soul as a result of challenges? Are we born with certain char
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzA2NDY0