Motivation

A Moment That Changed It All

At a women’s event, I recently went to a few of the ladies were asked what was one defining moment that had a profound impact on them. I loved hearing everyone’s answers as they shared different intimate and powerful moments in their lives.

I couldn’t help but reflect back on my biggest aha moment I’ve had in my life. It happened a few years ago back in June of 2011. I was out-of-town for a business trip in San Jose, California. I was so excited to travel since I rarely ever went anywhere and it was my very first time on an airplane! I was 21. I was with my older sister and her boyfriend at the time in our hotel room when I received the call from my sister, Brenda, back home in Houston. She gave me the news that my father had suffered a heart attack earlier that day and that it wasn’t looking too good.

I literally dropped to my knees, started bawling, I was in shock. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. Just 2 days before I had seen him, said goodbye to him as he wished me a safe trip. Never did I think it would be the last time I would see him. We flew into Houston and when we arrived at the airport my sister’s boyfriend at the time broke the news that my dad had passed away. Turns out my sister back home had given him the message that my dad hadn’t made it even before we flew out of San Jose.

The passing of my father made me realize I didn’t want to live a life without meaning. That I wanted to be able to give back to the world in a positive way. I wanted to go after all of the goals I had in my mind. It made me realize I didn’t want to live a predictable life, to choose the path that made more sense but to choose the one that felt right in my soul.

At that time I was in a network marketing company where I had learned about the self-help industry. I was also attending the University of Houston where I was studying Retail and Merchandising. I finished my bachelor’s degree back in May of 2015 knowing that I most likely would not use it because I had discovered a new passion of mine. I loved the idea of being able to help others live more meaningful lives. And ever since then one desire that has been placed in my heart is to help others discover what kind of life they truly want to live.

I remember growing up, my dad would be watching the news and they would be covering a sad story, I could see the tears swell up in his eyes. I’d like to think that I gained my compassionate side from him. He loved being good to people and helping with anything he was able too.

I really do believe that everything that happens in our lives is there to teach us something. Whether it was a loss of a child, a divorce, a loss of a job, or in my case the death of a parent there is something you can learn if you dig deep. I honestly don’t know if I would be this passionate about life if my dad was still alive. I might have stayed in that same predictable path I thought was the right one to take. But his passing thought me to ask myself the question, If not now, then when? Not to waste time on unimportant things. To embrace who you are and to seek within for the answers. And to be so so grateful for the people in your life.

Thank you so much for reading/watching. Sometimes it’s so hard to talk about my dad’s passing without bursting into tears but I think the more I share and talk about it the easier it gets with time.

And now I ask you what is one moment in your life that had a profound impact on you? What or how did you change for the better after it? Please share in the comments down below! I would love to hear from you. <3

And as always,

Wishing you love, success, and a lifetime of bliss!

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11 Comments

  • Reply Coppelia

    Wow, Martha. Your daddy really inspired you and it’s easy to see what a wonderful man he must’ve been to raise an incredible woman like you! I think the most profound defining moment in my life happened as a high school freshman at my church youth retreat. I remember sharing with one of the leaders, Esteban, that I wasn’t sure what I believed. I had been raised as a Christian, but was having a lot of doubts about what was real. That weekend I remember coming out with a lot of answers and a stronger faith, because one person took the time to talk with me and encourage my questions, which has led to a love of “continuing education!” God’s word, the Bible, is one of those books that you can study forever and learn something new every day!

    January 25, 2017 at 5:06 pm
    • Reply admin

      Thank you so much for your thoughts Coppelia! That’s amazing! It’s amazing how we remember those deep conversations we have with people and how impactful they can be to us. Thank you for sharing your experience.

      January 28, 2017 at 1:05 pm
  • Reply Jennifer

    My turning point was my divorce, during and afterwards. I’ve never dealt with anything more difficult in my adult life. It showed me that I can pretty much take in anything life shoots my way. That I am way stronger than I thought I could be. And that no matter what happens, God rewards his faithful. It’s is very brave of you to open up about an experience that makes you vulnerable but it’s those moments that make us grow.

    January 24, 2017 at 9:23 am
    • Reply admin

      Thank you so much much for sharing Jennifer. <3 I'm sure during the process you learned things about yourself that maybe you never knew. I believe when you are vulnerable you allow others to be as well, it's a beautiful thing. 🙂

      January 25, 2017 at 2:49 pm
  • Reply Anel Lestage

    Wow, thank you for sharing something so personal. I can only imagine how that must have felt but sometimes it’s moments like those that bring the most enlightenment into our lives because they cause us to pause and think.

    January 23, 2017 at 10:23 pm
    • Reply admin

      So true Anel! It makes us reflect back on what really matters in life. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

      January 24, 2017 at 8:50 am
    • Reply Martha January 25, 2017 at 2:49 pm
  • Reply Angelica

    Martha, the truth is there are no appropriate words when it comes to losing a loved especially when it comes to losing a parent or a child. But you are right that those moments are defining and you are living with grace. You chose to live a life with Purpose making Your Precious Father proud. And whether you are aware of it or not, he’s your guiding light. Keep inspiring.

    January 23, 2017 at 7:15 pm
    • Reply admin

      Thank you so much Angelica for those words. 🙂 Thank you for all you do as well!

      January 24, 2017 at 8:49 am
  • Reply Jeff

    My moment of realization was when I left the beauty industry and went into the oil and gas industry. I had to go through tough times in order to realize what it was I really wanted to do and that’s when I finally realized that I wanted to help people and bring more awareness about fatherhood and self confidence.

    January 23, 2017 at 2:45 pm
    • Reply admin

      That’s amazing Jeff! I think it is so important to take time to reflect in order to get clarity.

      January 23, 2017 at 2:49 pm

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