My New Happy: Just Keep Going

Monday, February 2, 2015

Just Keep Going


From time to time, everybody feels sorry for themselves.  Sometimes it's for a big reason, like the loss of a job or being sick or hurt.  Sometimes it's for something much less significant, like your football team losing the Super Bowl in the final seconds.

Honestly, I'm already over it.  I still love the Seahawks and can't wait to see what they do next year.  Moving on.

This weekend I came across an article about a little boy who could feel sorry for himself every single day, with good reason.  But he doesn't.  As a matter of fact, his attitude is just the opposite.  "What I do is, I'm thankful for my setbacks, and those have become my blessings. I'm not afraid of anything," says twelve year old Hamoody Smith.


Given what he's been through and survived, it's easy to see why fear has lost its power over him.  When Hamoody was two years old, his Shiite family was ambushed in a Sunni neighborhood in Baghdad.  Several family members were killed, and Hamoody was shot in the face.  He lost one eye and was blinded in the other.

With the help of his uncle, he was sent to the United States where he was adopted by a local family.  He has already had twenty operations and more are probably in his future.  Despite the best efforts of doctors, they were unable to restore his sight.

But Hamoody doesn't let any of that get him down.  He's smart and intuitive. He has no doubt about his abilities and isn't self-conscious about his appearance. He refuses to acknowledge his limitations.  "You just keep going.  That's my mindset.  Just keep going."

What a remarkable young man.  I have a feeling that we will hear great things about him in the future.  But for now, when I start to feel sorry for myself, I will think of Hamoody Smith.  And just keep going.

28 comments:

  1. I'm with you Lana... when I start feeling sorry for myself... I remind myself there are people all over the world dealing with tragedies and with a fantastic attitude... They inspire me ♡

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  2. Great post! I watched my very first football game yesterday and kinda enjoyed it, despite not knowing what the heck was going on. It was fun cheering for your team!

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    1. I'm glad you liked it! Sorry my team wasn't victorious...

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  3. What a great reminder, Lana! It's easy to see only our situations, but it's amazing how perspective can change when we see someone fighting and living and loving in spite of much harder circumstances. Thanks for sharing this! Also, I was sorry to see the Seahawks lost last night. I thought of you!

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  4. What a terrific reminder of what strength really looks like! What an amazing young man!

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  5. All of my petty irritations of the day have just gone away without a whimper. Remarkable!

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    1. I felt the same way when I first read his story.

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  6. I sooooooo needed this today, Lana. Actually, I need this reminder my entire life. What a brave soul he is! Thank you so much for sharing this positive message. This is a perspective we all need to adopt xoxo

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  7. What a remarkable story. Really makes you rethink when you complain about the little things in your life.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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  8. Wow, you really put things in perspective. Thank you!

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  9. I love: "just keep going" it's a really good reminder to all of us - and might stop us getting bogged down in life's little quagmires.

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    1. Just keep going is so simple, but a great reminder!

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  10. That strong young man made me smile through my tears.

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  11. Thanks for sharing this - what a remarkable story. It makes me realize the things I whine about are trivial. It is beyond me how anyone could be that evil to hurt a two-year old that way.

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    1. I agree Susan - the cruelty of some people is hearbreaking.

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  12. As Dory says in Finding Nemo, just keep swimming. And going, of course. I think of that a lot.

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    1. One of my favorite animated characters of all time!

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  13. I read this yesterday and needed it then. I was totally having a pity party. Thanks for posting this...I was encouraged!

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  14. I am WAAAY behind on my blog reading but so glad to catch up and to come across this post. Bless this sweet angel's heart. He has had enough sorrow for a lifetime but instead of feeling sorry for himself, he shows us how to dust ourselves off and keep on keepin' on. Thank you for sharing his story.

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