Surviving and Thriving with Grce

It is a sad time in Columbus, OH as we mou the loss of a very special person who has survived and thrived with an abundance of grace during the last 11 years. Stefanie Spielman lost her battle with cancer yesterday and many people are suffering from broken hearts today. She has touched so many people through her inspiring and graceful presence and purpose in fighting cancer. People, like myself, who did not personally know Stefanie have been inspired, touched, and elevated by her grace over the years. I only had the opportunity to be in her presence at events a few times and once in passing one early morning on the track as we both started the day with some exercise. We exchanged hellos and continued on with our workouts but her presence, warmth, and grace certainly came across in that moment with her smile. I know this world is a better place and the battle against cancer has been energized by Stefanie's commitment to live life to the fullest and truly make a difference in this world. If any of us can live to display a fraction of the grace that she did, we all would have a profound impact on this world and the people around us. I offer the following four suggestions for surviving and thriving with grace as a tribute to Stefanie Spielman:

1. Find a role model and learn to be better at the things they seem to do so naturally. We all too often select our role models solely because of their prowess in an area of our interest (wealth, success, beauty, etc...). But, we need to have role models for grace as well! Stefanie was and is a great role model.
2. Have a cause greater than oneself. Stefanie displayed graced from the start in her 11 year battle against cancer. She immediately found a cause greater than herself and served it in living her life to the fullest.
3. Intentionally act with compassion and grace toward your cause and your family every day. There are many stories being shared in media about the thousands of compassionate and graceful acts that Stephanie displayed in the last 11 years. There are also many other stories of compassion and grace being shared about Stefanie's husband, Chris Spielman, and children during those 11 years. We would all do well to find one small but significant act of compassion and grace to add to our day.
4. Build a chain of days in your life that you act with compassion and grace. Set your sights on having more days filled with compassion and grace. Commit to and act on an opportunity to display compassion and grace. Then, set your sights on the next opportunity to act with compassion and grace. Hold yourself accountable for acting with compassion and grace each day. If you fail, forgive yourself, and start building a new chain of compassionate and graceful days when the sun rises on your next day.

We should all aspire to live life with more grace and purpose every day, no matter our circumstances or challenges. Stefanie Spielman was a very special person and her impact on this world should not end just because her fight against cancer has ended. Her life provides inspiration for us in living with greater grace and purpose. I wish you grace and purpose as you look to create a thriving life in this world! © Copyright 2009 Jon L. Iveson, Ph.D