Five Keys to Unlocking The Gift in the Wound: The deeper the wound, the greater the gift

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.

Mark Dayton is an author, mentor, business executive and entrepreneur. He combines a passion for understanding the keys of human healing and wholeness with a knack for clear, engaging communication to provide narrative and mentoring that helps countless individuals move forward in life. Inspiration for this book is drawn from his multi-year journey from deep depression and near-suicide to wholeness and joy, and highlights his firm belief in the power of the mentor-mentee relationship at all levels. His career includes executive positions with companies from Fortune 100 to startups, and spans multiple industries and technologies. He is also involved in founding and guiding suicide prevention humanitarian organizations and education. Co-author of the book The Phase 3 Fulcrum and numerous articles and guides, Mark resides in Salt Lake City where he enjoys frequent mountain retreats for biking, skiing and writing inspiration.