At just 17 years old, Stevie Beale was paralyzed from the waist down in a tragic car crash that killed the car's driver -- and Beale's best friend -- Charlie.
“[After the accident] I thought I was doomed to my parents' house, to never have a boyfriend or never get married,” Beale told Today.com. “I thought I was going to sit at home and rot away.”
But after the accident, the Toledo, Ohio bride vowed to walk down the aisle on her wedding day, no matter what. And this weekend, the 24 year old did just that.
With the help of a walker, Beale ambled down the aisle, a huge smile on her face, toward her groom, Jared VanAusdale.
VanAusdale told Today.com, "I was trying not to bawl like a baby in front of 300 people. Seeing her on the walker, reaching that goal that she swore she was going to hit, is something I will never forget."
In 2010, Rachelle Friedman Chapman was dubbed the "Paralyzed Bride" after a freak accident at her bachelorette party paralyzed her from the chest down. Chapman was unable to walk down the aisle at her 2011 wedding -- her father pushed her in a wheelchair -- but she spoke out in 2013 about life post-accident and offered some inspiring insights into her life, noting that she is still able to have children and would like to do so. "The spinal cord controls muscles so everything else is in working order. Once we get financially straight we are going to have one."
The most surefire way to make a big change more difficult for yourself is to fight it. Although having a hard time letting go is a natural reaction, a desire live in the past will only cause more pain and prolong the adjustment period. Instead of dwelling on what you're leaving behind -- high school, a two-year relationship, a unified family -- focus on getting through the change right now and creating a positive future. In order to do that successful, you must first accept the reality that your life will no longer be the same.
Find Time For Reflection
Whether it's journaling, meditation, taking long walks on your own, or talking to a therapist or other trusted adult, periods of change are when it's most important to stop and assess how you're feeling about everything. Self-reflection can help you identify your main sources of challenge and worry, and to see other sides of the situation. Taking time for reflection will also help you to act mindfully and with intention as you take your next steps.
Take It One Day At A Time
When you start feeling overwhelmed about all the changes that are taking place, remember to take things one step and one day at a time. Set small, attainable goals for the future and try not to get wrapped up in speculations or anxieties about where your future is headed. Learning to live in the now -- not in your nostalgia for the past or worry about the future -- will make any challenges seem more manageable. If it helps, create a timeline and write down your goals and plans, both long-term or short-term.
Find A Mentor
Talking to an older friend or relative who's successfully made the transition to college life, moved to a new city or country, or gotten through their parents' divorce can make a huge difference in helping you feel equipped to handle the change. Take the time to meet for coffee, lunch or a long-distance Skype date to hear their story and ask for advice on conquering your own big change.
Learn To Be An Optimist
Overcoming negative thoughts patterns and cultivating a positive outlook will shift your mindset so that you learn to see opportunities for growth where previously there were only roadblocks. Every cloud has a silver lining and every big change has something beneficial to bring to your life. Click here for our guide to ditching the negativity and getting optimistic.
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