Winner of the Life Change Programme in Chiang Mai!
After many heartwarming and wonderful stories about peoples various journeys of transformation, we have chosen our winner – Liz from South Africa. She has thoroughly embraced her Ben & Bear original eco fashion bags that she bought, has spread the eco message by sending them as gifts, and has an inspiring tale to tell. We thank her for her support and also her lovely story – a great act of courage to share it. Thank you to all those who have bought Ben & Bear eco bags and sent us your stories, we appreciate your support and for helping us get our message out there, along with the many others doing the same. Liz have a great time in Chiang Mai!! We would also like to thank our two sponsors of this amazing prize – The Life Change People , and the Puripunn Baby Grand Boutique Hotel in Chiang Mai
Please read Liz’s story below:
How does one begin to write something of such magnitude and influence in ones life? How do I put words to paper and share something so intimate yet so profound? Isn’t life about transformation and change on a daily basis, not one day equates to another. Each day we grow and develop and make choices that ultimately influence us in some way for tomorrow. However, I am first to admit that there are significant moments in our lives that impact us and change our course of direction. I will share one of those moments with you.
Easter, approximately 14 years ago, I was at home with no fiancé and my fiancés friend/roommate in the other room, both of us enjoying dreamland when I was rudely awoken by a man shaking me awake, only to look up into three very aggressive and angry faces. The leader pointed a screwdriver at me and proceeded to say “be quite or I will kill you”. It is amazing what thoughts go through your mind and what bargains you strike with God whether you believe in Him or not. I was no different. Being a person who prided herself on being good at Karate I was planning all the things I would do should ABC or D happen. Being a young female they obviously thought that I was some helpless young girl and tied my feet up with tracksuit pants and my hands in front of me.
Before I continue let me share a little of myself at this stage in my life. I was a very self conscious and extremely shy girl. I termed myself weak in so many aspects of my life, to numerous now to mention, and thought myself a failure to society.
During this whole event a strange thing came over me. A strength and sense of knowing came forth, out of nowhere and I knew that I would be just fine. My memory started bringing up useful information, such as the article I once read on rapists and how they are turned on by fear. My first step was therefore, not to antagonize any of them, and not to show fear. Rapists are turned on by fear, or so the article read.
The one big concern I did have was for our friend in the next room for I had heard him shout “HEY” and then there was silence. I have an active imagination and will not go into any detail as to what I thought they were doing to him. During the course of the robbery one of the men came and sat next to me on the bed, I just recall the way he reeked of alcohol. At that particular moment he decided to share with me the information that my “friend is ok”. The relief that I felt was of paramount proportions. At least I knew that he was alive, and I was truly grateful.
At one stage through the robbery they came into my bedroom all three of them. The one lifted the duvet up over my head and my nightie went flying with it. Cold fish, cold fish is what I kept chanting in my head, all the while with this innate knowing that I would be fine. It is amazing how that instinct for self preservation and survival takes over. As miracles would have it they turned and walked out. Several more things took place over a course of about one and a half hours, but none which lend more significance to the story. After further binding me with telephone cords, taking my engagement ring off my finger and locking me in my room they finally left. I managed to untie myself climb out my window go for help to get my friend/roommate out of the other room.
Looking back on that night people would, and do still say, how? what? and why?. When my response was one of a positive nature they could and cannot still understand. I look back on that night and see someone who I had never noticed before; a strong, beautiful loving and forgiving girl. I hold no resentment or animosity towards them or the people they represent. All I can do is to say thank you. It took a monumentous event for me to begin noticing the person I am.
In closing the reason I wanted to share this particular story is so that I can say to whoever is reading this, never ever take yourself for granted and what you think you are or represent. We are not the sum total of the events in our lives but so much more. Embrace who you are and allow yourself to blossom, find that “strength” in you. Don’t wait for something of such a drastic level to wake you up to the untouched pool of Grace and beauty that is you.
With this I send my love and “strength” to all of you so that you may take it for yourself and pass it to others. Hug yourself and love yourself and watch yourself grow.
With much love to all
Liz
Leave a Reply