Life is no walk (or roll) in the park! This is one of many idioms that express how difficult life can be at times. Most people, at some point in their life, experience a life-changing event. For myself and for many of you, that traumatic experience is acquiring a permanent disability. For many others, it can be the death of a loved one, divorce, losing your job, war or natural disaster, just to name a few. These terrible things happen to people in all walks of life, it’s inevitable. It’s not the catastrophic event that defines you, it’s how you decide to move forward after the trauma that makes or breaks you. That may sound cliché, but it’s the darn truth!

Demolishing Barriers is a segment on the WWL-TV morning show in New Orleans, Great Day Louisiana, that features stories about individuals who inspire others, who may not be able to envision how to create a better future. By featuring people that not only survived difficulties but thrived, they are sharing stories of leading by example – and living life possible!

The host is Simone Bruni – who quite literally has demolished barriers. Her home, along with most of the city, was destroyed during Hurricane Katrina. Prior to Katrina, she worked in hospitality, but her job was taken away with the hurricane. Post-Katrina, despite not having any construction experience she decided to start a demolition business. She saw a need, and with her background in marketing, was able to build a successful business - Demo Diva Demolition – complete with signature hot pink equipment! Many people in New Orleans in 2005 needed to demolish their homes and start over again. Demo Diva Demolition targeted women customers in a male-dominated industry. Over the years, Simone Bruni has become a business icon in Louisiana and one of my heroes.

I had the humbling experience of being on a recent episode of Demolishing Barriers. You can watch it here. On it, I talked about my disability and the loss of my husband to drug addiction a few years ago. Like me, you may have had multiple tragedies in your life over the years. I don't even think that being paralyzed at age 19 was the most stressful event of my life! I have often felt that because I experienced significant trauma at an early age, I should be exempt from further catastrophes. But as you may well know, that is not the way things works. One thing I can say is that I feel like an expert at handling a crisis.  If that isn't a glass half full, I don't know what is! I hope you enjoy the interview.

Are you an expert at overcoming adversity? I would love to hear your stories. Please email me at LifePossibleKR@Numotion.com or contact me via my social media pages if you would like to share your story.
Now, go live your best life possible!