“The power to rise above lies not in the wreckage of what was, but in the choices we make to shape what will be. I have found peace and satisfaction in the company of devastation by committing to repainting life, not looking back…looking only straight ahead.” (Dian, pg. 63).

I have been reading the powerful, new memoir by Laquita Dian, “Rise Together,” that shares her vivid and honest story of a caregiver to her son facing a life-altering spinal cord injury.

Her son, Aaron Baker, wrote his awesome book, the “Rebellious Recovery,” that details his experience going from motocross champion, to quadriplegic, and rising above the challenges to do so many inspiring things because he “gets to do it.” Check out Adventure for Recovery if you want to see his latest adventure!

I love “Rise Together” as it is written from a perspective to assist everyone through challenging times. It is a book of not just hope, but of substance to take the necessary steps to take care of yourself and those around you.

Laquita speaks to her method of SPIRIT – Stand, Possibility, Initiate, Reason, Intention, and Transform. I found myself making adjustments in my own personal challenges and being called to reach out and help lift others up as well.

We know in this life we will have struggles and unexpected things will happen to us. I’m encouraged by her spirit to know it can also be a “blank canvas that beckons our brush to illustrate a new future.” (Dian, pg. 64)