You would never know just by looking at Kendra Clark, of Scottsdale, how much she has experienced and endured of life’s challenges until she speaks about prevailing through life-changing circumstances.
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It is possible to not merely survive but thrive --- and not despite of our challenges, but because of them. Remember that there is no strength where there is no struggle. And, true grit is developed by a road less traveled, a road that has offered each one of us to choose how we might respond to challenges.
– Kendra Clark, Scottsdale resident
You would never know just by looking at Kendra Clark, of Scottsdale, how much she has experienced and endured of life’s challenges until she speaks about prevailing through life-changing circumstances.
From her hardships, she offers to share her perspective on “thriving amidst adversity.”
Describing a journey demonstrating her resilience and an “attitude of gratitude not despite my hardships, but because of them,” Ms. Clark, 54, called her narrative uplifting and inspirational.
“It is possible to not merely survive but thrive --- and not despite of our challenges, but because of them. Remember that there is no strength where there is no struggle. And, true grit is developed by a road less traveled, a road that has offered each one of us to choose how we might respond to challenges,” Ms. Clark stated.
“The choice is up to us. This strengthens my resolve and attitude of gratitude in realizing that tough times don’t last but tough people do. This allows me to be of better service to those who may need me as I understand and can experience sympathy because I have walked their walk.”
She recounts internal and physical pain that happened to her during the past 10 years, including sudden losses of her parents, divorcing from a husband after more than 20 years, losing a best friend to betrayal and another one to cancer, recently losing her special needs brother who she was a caretaker for, undergoing spinal surgery, knee replacement, and getting furloughed from her job during the pandemic.
Ms. Clark detailed how she learned in June that she had a large brain mass in the right frontal/parietal lobe and had surgery to remove the brain tumor.
“I know this sounds bleak but almost losing my life to a brain tumor reminded me of the fragility of life and the importance of spending my time wisely to benefit others. Living with this mortality mindset has kept my priorities in check. No longer do I waste my time with frivolous endeavors. I do what I want to do and how I want to do it. Plain and simple,” she said.
The mother and grandmom, who has since remarried, instilled the desire for service and resilience in her children as well.
She noted how proud she is that her oldest son is a fighter pilot for the U.S. Navy and another son is a senior at WP Carey School of Business at Arizona State University; her one daughter is a nurse and the youngest daughter is a junior at Northern Arizona University.
The neurosurgical physician assistant, who earned a master’s degree from the University of Utah School of Medicine, said despite challenges, she remains optimistic, grounded and ready to serve those who feel defeated from life.
“We can define our perspective and we have the power to choose our (re)action. I like to make a list of the blessings of the trial. No experience is wasted. Using discipline with our thoughts and cultivating an optimistic mindset is a priceless habit all of us can foster.
The choice is ours. Catch yourself if you default to victim mentality and as you do, pick yourself up and get busy. Life is messy and these challenges are ours to own and to use for the betterment of ourselves and others,” added the Grayhawk resident originally from southern California.
Stressing the importance of enhancing personal growth, well-being, she shared more about herself, understanding pain and challenges, which she noted as inevitable while “suffering is optional.”
Below, Ms. Clark answered some questions to offer readers insight into her positive attitude:
• What I like most about living here:
The weather is magnificent. The sunsets are breathtaking. I love the 365 days a year of sun. I love the athletic culture, the hiking, cycling and mountain biking, progressive job market, low crime rate, the selection of fine dining. Retail shops and the variety of world class events is always entertaining.
• Activities/clubs/organizations involved in:
I am an active member of The JW Marriott Country Club. I am a member of Tri Scottsdale and I love discovering new cycling routes. I am a special needs advocate and work closely with Special Olympics, Stanford Medicine Abilities Coalition, Highlands Church Special Needs Ministry and Starz AZ Special Needs Center as a storyteller.
• Favorite charity/volunteer activity and why it deserves support from others:
My favorite charity is the Special Olympics. I have been actively engaged in promoting awareness of disability inclusion and awareness. I support the campaign called “Spread the word to end the word” which asks people to pledge to stop saying the R-word as a starting point toward creating a unified and more accepting attitude for all members of our community.
• What one thing would you like to see changed in Scottsdale?
I fully support the preservation of natural habitat; however, one change I might propose is to redefine NAOS standards--- natural area open space --- an easement on the deed of the property and no grading, filling, excavation, etc is permitted. If we buy an acre of land, we should have no building restrictions on the property purchased.
• In what way can you offer “hope and optimism during times of trials”?
Understanding that we have the power to choose our responses to any and all circumstances. Accepting the fact that setbacks are temporary setbacks rather than personalizing as permanent obstructions. Allowing ourselves to adopt a positive outlook allows us to adopt an action mindset that enables us to act and not react. Always be aware of fear and doubt and never let it define your course.
Fear paralyzes action. Action coupled with hope is the antithesis of fear and with this comes peace and confidence. The only constant thing in life is change and accepting that we all need to accept and invite a new normal will allow change to be labeled as a blessing instead of a curse. Ask yourself what can I control and what should I surrender? Many of what we experience is out of our control and I learned long ago that when I argue with reality, I always lose.
Starting my media career in 1994, rumor had it that newspapers would not exist much longer. Years later, the newspaper is still around and so is my passion for storytelling and capturing life’s moments for the community.
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