It was just another day until Katy Parker was crossing the road and got hit by a van only a metre away from reaching the pavement. Lying dazed on the ground but aware she had been badly injured, she was overwhelmed with a profound sense of gratitude. Gratitude that she was still alive, she could open her eyes and see the sky. Later in A&E, she was told it had been a very close call - a few inches further back and she could have been killed or paralysed. As it was, she was lucky to have got away with fractured vertebrae in her spine that would heal.
It was a life-changing event for Katy. A positive person before the accident, this outlook now felt intensified, her awareness heightened. She wanted to emanate gratitude every day and in everything she did. However, her experience was not without challenges. Not long after, it became clear she was suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and not only that, suppressed trauma from the past resurfaced.
Fortunately, Katy sought help to address her issues, a process which reunited her with her love of writing. Why not share her story with others to help them heal as well as herself? To let other PTSD sufferers know they are not alone? And so the Journey of Smiley blog was created. She has now added the "PTSD: My story project" where people can guest blog and share their experience.
It's an inspiring tale. And what is Katy's advice? End each day by thinking of one thing you're grateful for.
Find Katy: @journeyofsmiley, www.journeyofsmiley.com