The turning point in life

Some experiences divide life and career into a BEFORE and AFTER. I was amazed to learn how some people have survived their fateful destiny and would like to share with you, how they successfully conquered the fateful moments.

Let me share one example: The person is involved in a massive road accident. Two days after the accident, he wakes up – and looks into the horrified eyes of this wife. He had lost his right leg and right arm. Doctors gave him a 30% chance of survival. And even if he were to survive, the medical prognosis was that he would remain dependent on care for the rest of his life.

If you meet him today (many years after the accident), he offers his left hand in greeting; the sleeve of his blazer hangs loosely over the right shoulder. Only a slight limp, as he walks, is a hint of the prosthetic leg. The accident not only radically changed his life but also his perspective on his work. He is still active as an entrepreneur; he has founded two charitable foundations, one of which supports people with disabilities. He says: “My second life is the better one; the accident had to happen to show me what really matters.”

A life-threatening accident, a serious illness, or the death of someone close – these are kinds of blows of fate that can turn one’s personal and professional life upside down overnight. And they can fundamentally reshape a person. A crisis or traumatic event affects men and women not only as fathers and mothers but also as colleagues, supervisors, or entrepreneurs.

“Unpredictable and uncontrollable events trigger stress in all of us,” says Professor Thomas Rigotti, who heads a research group on resilience. “We respond to such strokes of fate with grief, anger, frustration, or disappointment. But some people find meaning in life afterwards,” he explained.

When dealing with a crisis, once the initial shock passes, everyone reacts differently. Some withdraw, resign themselves, or obsess over the question: “Why me?”

Others, however, can take the deepest lows as a challenge and opportunity. The personal system reorders itself. People can learn from crisis, draw energy, and emerge as stronger individuals.

But how can someone accept a life that suddenly turns 180 degrees – and make the best of the new reality? How can doubts and fears be overcome, and a stroke of fate be transformed into something positive?

People often shy away from embracing crises and major upheavals. The fear of the unknown is too great, the desire for security too strong. But how can people move from fear to trust?

These people need friends or colleagues to assist them. Here are views how people can help:

How to Help People in Crisis

1. Listen Without Judging - Emotional support is crucial during moments of crisis. It's not about interpreting or downplaying the other person's experience, but about being there for them.

2. No Pity - People affected by crisis need empathy and understanding—not pity. Otherwise, there's a risk of pushing them further into a victim role and damaging their self-worth. People in crisis need to feel that others see their strengths and believe in them.

3. Look for Solutions Together - If you want to support someone in crisis, hold back on giving advice or offering ready-made solutions. Instead, help them search for solutions. Questions can help explore new options together:

* What do you need?

* How can I help you specifically?

* What has helped you move forward in similar situations?

4. Point to External Help - Social organizations, psychological support services, and peer networks can provide assistance during a crisis as well as information about additional financial or government support.

In conclusion, be one of the friends or colleagues of people who have been badly hit by crises. I would be interested to receive your views on The Turning Point of Life; contact me at [email protected]