On December 30, 2005, I awoke to a deafening noise, explosions and thick smoke. It was the result of a rampant fire raging through our home. For an instant, it brought me back to the war zone of my youth. You see, I am a Holocaust survivor. The feeling was one of panic. I felt like a trapped animal, looking to escape in order to survive. Very quickly my breathing became shallow and my heart was pounding. Suddenly, I was jolted back to present, and I realized we had to get out. I woke my husband and said, “Hurry. There’s no time. We have to get out of here.”
Barefoot and half naked, we stumbled toward the front door where our neighbors, also awakened by the terrible sounds, smell and sight of our home being consumed by fire, tried to comfort us. As reported by people with near-death experiences, I watched all my things succumb to the fierce force and devastation of the fire. But very quickly, I realized I was safe. The survivor in me kicked in. It was not me who was burning. (They were just things).I was safe. The Nazis did not get me then, and the fire did not get me back in 2005. Now 10 years later, I realize I was meant to survive again. I am so very grateful for the gift of life that keeps on giving!
It’s all about, fate, destiny or bashert (the Yiddish word I like to use). When challenged by physical, emotional or economic disasters, let your survival instinct take over. This is a natural and human need for and drive for self-preservation. Use your knowledge, training, mental abilities and focus on the desired outcome. Visualize the future you want. Embrace what’s good, what’s possible and the blessings you have. In that way, you can cross the threshold of fear, negativity, anxiety, depression and move on to a fresh start fresh.