You are a miracle

Do you feel like a “miracle”? Interesting questions, isn’t it? It is also the title of our first class in the Reaching Higher 4 Youth program – “You ARE a Miracle.” Let’s explore what we mean by that.

In Reaching Higher, we believe that everyone is meant to live a life of passion, confidence and purpose – truly living and not merely surviving. We also know that many obstacles can get in our way and make us feel unworthy, or less than others, and certainly not at all like a miracle.  However, this fundamental principle, that ALL PEOPLE deserve a life filled with joy and purpose, and that every person has value beyond measure, is the foundation for all the following lessons.

It can be hard to feel like you are a miracle when your parents are fighting, your family is experiencing money problems, you are failing your classes, you are getting bullied or put down by those around you, when you don’t like what you see when you look in the mirror. It doesn’t feel like you are a miracle. It doesn’t feel like you have value. It may feel like no one cares.  However, we teach that even when you do not feel like a miracle, the TRUTH is you are a miracle, you are valuable, you are worthy, and that your life has meaning and purpose even when the hard things coming your way make it so hard to believe. We teach that it is an immutable truth that cannot be changed by your circumstances in life.

When my parents were getting divorced, I did NOT feel like a miracle. When I was teased for being overweight in junior high, I did NOT feel like a miracle. When my own marriage was going through a difficult time because of my anger, I did NOT feel like a miracle. However, when I began teaching Reaching Higher, I remembered how it felt when I was very young. When we are two or three years old and we do feel like a miracle, when we feel like we can do anything we set our minds to and everything seems possible. If I didn’t like the way things were going, I could do something about it, because I was worth it. I could change. I could live a life of purpose and joy and live my life like I WAS a miracle. WOW! That realization changes your life forever.

Why is this idea so important? Why is it the foundation for our Reaching Higher 4 Youth program? Because, once you believe that your life is worth living, that you are meant for great things, that you truly are unique and precious and a miracle –  NOW you can begin to set goals for yourself, you can work hard to overcome barriers, you can take risks and move forward despite momentary failures KNOWING that it is worth it because you deserve a full, enriching, happy life. And so does everyone around you. It is this shift in mindset that makes all the other work possible.

Are you a miracle? The simple truth is a resounding yes! You ARE a miracle – and don’t you ever forget it!