You ever hear a powerful story that may not be relative to anything you’ve been through, but inspires you to the point that you’re led share it with others?

Sharing stories of triumph and success are key motivators that many people use to inspire, motivate and encourage people every day. There are books, web sites and organizations forged for this sole purpose. Whether I read, see or hear about someone who has overcome a seemingly devastating feat, I can’t help but share with everyone who will listen.

A few months ago, I came across a story of a model and female bodybuilder who survived a near-fatal accident in December of 2009. I wasglad that she survived what could have been a tragic accident, but her road to recovery was even more inspiring.

After the 2009 accident, Val Skeete was left unconscious for 40 days. During her coma, she developed ICU Psychosis which is not uncommon for an ICU patient and lasted 2 and a half days. ICU Psychosis is a state of delirium and Val cried for 5 hours one day, confused and scared about where she was.

Upon gaining consciousness again, she couldn’t speak or walk and had no use of the left side of her body. When she sat up for the first time, she slept for the rest of the day, because it took so much out of her. Val believed her bodybuilding background made it more difficult for her mentally, because she couldn’t just get up and do push ups like she normally would. On the other hand, she thinks it aided in her recovery a bit. Val felt that if it were not for her physical fitness background, she would not be where she is.

Like many people, Val has been blessed to continue her journey in pursuit of her dreams. Her drive is still present and even more intensified. Stories like this act as catalysts for me to preserver through any situation I am going through. I have to really think about the circumstances of my situation and consider the struggles that determined and strong people overcome every day.

To encourage people who are going through tough times, Val says, “I would think and hope that they would learn that the only person stopping from what you want to accomplish is you. It’s terrible that something like this needs to happen to make some one appreciate things, but I’d hope that people would appreciate more things by reading my story.”

I know Val’s strength and courage has really inspired me to attain my goals no matter what and adopting the same mentality, can be of great benefit to you as well.

To see some of Val’s work, click here.

Photo’s by Sally Wilmot