What does life have planned for you?

by Darcy L. Keith

Overcoming life's challenges, whatever they may be, is not easy.  One never knows when a challenge may arise.  For me, I never thought that something I would experience as a result of a car crash would change my world forever.  I never thought that a single incident would force a twenty-two year-old college senior to start over as a small child in every aspect imaginable.  The mental, physical, and emotional injuries were indescribable.  But, when I was down in the quicksand of pain, anguish, and despair, I decided that I was going to climb to solid ground through fortitude, perseverance, and determination.

There are many common challenges which we all face in life at one time or another.  Some are expected while others are not.  They may include financial concerns, family issues, loss of a loved one, injury, illness, abuse, and the like.  Its how we cope with these challenges that helps determine the outcome and our attitude.  My five step plan will help you learn how to survive challenges...and come out on top!

My multi-media presentation includes a Power Point presentation, a video, other props, a demonstration and audience participation.  The speech can be tailored to the audience to whom it is being presented.

It's the obligation of the cured to help others.  My motivation to speak and assist others came from wanting to help other brain injury survivors and their families.  I then realized that the message of overcoming life's challenges applies to everyone at some point.  This is why I want to share my secrets of success and achieving the unimaginable in life.

Partial list of past speaking engagements include:

OSRAM Sylvania

Central Ohio Insurance Education Day Conference

Indiana Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators Spring Conference

Think First International Conference- San Francisco, CA (2006), New Orleans, LA (2005), and Chicago, IL (2002)

Brain Injury Association of Indiana State Conference

State Auto Insurance Company- Columbus, OH

Meridian Insurance Company- Indianapolis, IN

Columbus Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) Society - Columbus, OH

National Organization of Women in Business - Indianapolis, IN

Business Professional Exchange, Consultant's Special Interest Group - Indianapolis, IN

Kokomo Rotary Club, Kokomo, IN

Indiana Statehouse

Ball State University

Ohio State University

Delta Delta Delta sorority - Purdue University

Purdue University

Butler University

University of Indianapolis

Indiana University School of Nursing at IUPUI, Indianapolis, IN

Brownsburg High School

Carmel High School

Franklin Central High School

North Central High School

Southport High School

Ben Davis High School

Hamilton Southeastern Junior High School

East 91st Christian Church - Indianapolis, IN

Bible Baptist Church - Kokomo, IN

Cumberland Road Christian Church - Fishers, IN

First Baptist Church - Rushville, IN

Yeddo Baptist Church - Kingman, IN

Hamilton Hills Baptist Church - Fishers, IN

Lighthouse Tabernacle Church - Indianapolis, IN

Aglow - Christian women's organization - Carmel, IN

Several radio and television programs