My life was spiraling out of control. The day I found myself at an intersection waiting for a bus, I knew I’d hit rock bottom. It wasn’t even a bus stop. Rather than board, I intended to step in front of it and end all the misery in my life. “Everybody will be better off,” I told myself. Fortunately, one faint spark of hope kept me on the sidewalk that day.

Then I met Brad. Psychologist turned life coach, his direct, no-nonsense approach nearly drove me out of his office on the first visit. But wise and patient mentoring over time guided me in unlocking one of life’s greatest paradoxical truths: the gift in the wound. My world changed.

While gifts in wounds sounds straightforward, in actuality our greatest gifts of wisdom, insight, confidence, courage, compassion - to name just a few - are not merely hiding in our deepest wounds. They are locked up in plain sight. And we refuse to use the key. In fact, we believe it to be the enemy.

Come share the journey of discovering five keys to unlocking your most valuable personal gifts. The process can be initially painful and highly counter-intuitive - which is why so few people discover it. But those willing to fully engage build lives of wholeness, success and unspeakable joy.

The stories of other brave survivors and deeply wounded individuals I encountered along the way will inspire you to unlock the greatness within.

The five keys to unlocking the gift in the wound:

• Choose: Because you can. No justification or approval required.
• Victory over victim: Victimization is life. Victim is a choice.
• The pain portal: Pain embraced turns the lock to the gift in the wound.
• I love me: Forgiveness and gratitude include you - especially you.
• Effortless acceptance: Learning to obtain by surrender.