Over the years, I have heard many testimonies from folks who either believed they would die from a  disease or their hearts were broken by those they loved and trusted. The commonality in all was the element of surprise: None expected their lives would be turned upside down. When many survived or overcame the adversities they proclaimed, quite vociferously, they would make every effort to make the most of their second chance at life.

As we go about trying to live life the best we know how, it sometimes takes an egregious event to happen before we realize what’s important in our lives. Consider the following if you've been given a second chance.

Live in the now

Life should be lived abundantly because that is what Jesus promised mankind, it is one of the reasons He lived and died for the sins of the world. An abundant life means all your needs, as well as some of your desires, are met. Many, however, fall short of the abundant life, not because they don’t want it, but because they don’t know how to release the issues of yesterdays. As much as possible, live in the moment. No matter how proficient you may be, you cannot return to yesterday, or even the last hour. Therefore, if you have difficulty releasing the problems of yesterday, consult a trusted friend or professional to help you learn how to dump the toxicity.

Be thankful

There can be no greater connection than the one you share with your Creator. To that end, take some time each day to give thanks for all  He has provided you. It should help you realize that no matter what difficulties you are experiencing, there is always someone who would love to be in your shoes. I have discovered the more grateful folks are, the more focused they become and are more likely to see  things outside of themselves, and their circumstances. There are unmet needs in most communities. Volunteer to help at a local school or ladle up food in a soup kitchen. Get out of your hermetic world, and learn to live an abundant and prodigious life. You'll know when you are living an abundant life because you will feel, or start to feel fulfilled, or a sense of self- actualization.

Forgive others (and yourself)

It is easy to articulate meaningless bromides of absolution, while the issues that took you to the edge still fester inside of you. Unload.  It is unlikely you will forgive someone a transgression, unless there is a person-to-person, mature discussion with the individual you believe wronged you. Once you have flushed out your concerns and allowed the offender to respond, you have the choice to either forgive and forget or part ways permanently.  It does no one any good to rehash past blames ad infinitum.
 
If you have been given a second chance to make some positive changes in your life, grasp it and let go of  past hurts or betrayals. Learn to live in the now with enthusiasm and delight. Relish the things that are happening to you, and around you. Each day, allow all five senses to come alive. Listen more attentively to the mixture of sounds around you, enjoy the stratified colors of sunrises or sunsets, and appreciate velvety lush rose petals. Savor your meals by identifying the mix of ingredients and take pleasure in the powdery scent of a fresh-bathed babe. By doing all this, and  more, you will learn to maximize the joys of your second chance.

Your world is only as large as you allow it to be, consequently, if you are lucky enough to get a another chance at life after some adversity, don’t waste it fretting about the ills of yesterday; learn either to forgive those who wronged you, or simply part ways. Sometimes, no matter how much you want to mend a situation, you will not be able to fix it; therefore, when you have done all you can do, move forward and don't look back. You can do it. Ultimately, endeavor to maximize your second chance and expand your world; strive at all times, no matter how far you must stretch, to see the good in others.