the other woman in the foreground sad at the happy couple behind her

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Living in the Place Called Gratitude

3. Gratitude can reveal a silver lining

In the midst of Murray's tragedy the BMXers have come upon a silver lining. As sad as the biking community is about Stephen's misfortune they are glad they have been given a chance to make some good derive from such sorrow. The high-octane Brit with true grit has united the BMX world. He has become a beacon of light for a sport that's in need of improvements and upgrades. His accident has put a face on the problems at hand and galvanized all those who participate to advance the sport for everyone. Murray knows they are looking to him to break all the rules and lead the way. It will give him a sense of drive and purpose. Even though he'll have the encouragement and support of his mates—beside him, behind him, all around him—he will still have to walk this walk—baby steps and all—alone. "He's tough as nails," says fellow pro Corey Bohan. No doubt, he's up for the challenge. Examine the parts of your life where you, too, can uncover that shiny lining. Make the most of the hand you are dealt.

4. Gratitude and giving

There is pure power in giving. There is power in reaching outside oneself to help others. Giving takes on various forms. It can be in the form of time or talent or service or money. When you live in a place of gratitude, giving is something that should become a given. Yes, I know this is a fitness magazine, but it's so much more than that. Yes, I know bodybuilders don't relate on too many levels to those on Murray's planet. Then again, maybe they should. If you look closer there are more parallels than you might think. The bottom line is we are all part of the family of humanity and what you give out you get back—many times over. For those of you who feel so inclined, Murray and his family can use all the assistance they can get. Go to stephenmurrayfamilyfund.com. Maybe the fitness industry can show they care in some small respect.

With so many hills left to climb, it is just the beginning on the long road back for Murray. But back to what is the question that won't be answered for some time. Odds are probable that Murray will never compete again. He may never ride a bike or for that matter ever totally find his way out of the confines of the wheelchair to stand or walk or dance on his own. While the future of Murray is up in the air, one thing is absolute. This extreme athlete has found a place of gratitude that will carry him far down the path towards healing. His body might be broken at the moment, it might appear hopeless, it might appear grim, but don't count him out. The mind, powered by the spirit, can make the body respond, and when medical science states, "No way," Murray shouts, "Way!" Stephen Murray says, "Yes" to life. He has taken charge of this situation and is in the process of slowly but courageously turning the corner. Around the bend it's rotating in his favor because he lives in a place called gratitude where the field is full of positive thoughts and positive energies and positive stimuli—a perfect setting for the power of healing to work its magic. Murray has a lot riding on the outcome. I, for one, put my money on him.

Wishing you and yours a Happy, Healthy, Prosperous New Year filled with Love and Peace and, especially, Gratitude