The one lesson I’ve learned from life: Gloria Estefan says if fear creeps in - don't give it energy

  • Gloria Estefan, 62, found fame with the Miami Sound Machine in the 1980s 
  • She has learned to focus on what she wants to happen, rather than her fears 
  • Singer who lives in Florida, recalls channeling the energy after an accident 

By Daily Mail Reporter

Published: | Updated:

Gloria Estefan, 62, rose to fame with the Miami Sound Machine in the 1980s before pursuing a successful solo career. She lives in Florida with her husband of 42 years, Emilio Estefan. They have two adult children, Nayib, 39, and Emily, 25.

At the height of my career, 30 years ago now, I broke my back in a tour bus accident and was paralysed.

My fans came to my rescue: I could feel people’s prayers like a physical energy — millions were sending me good thoughts and connecting in a way I felt as a physical presence, like electricity.

I thought I would channel this into my spine. The feeling I had, the amazing power in this collective energy, combined with all the hard work I put in, led to my walking again. Doctors thought it was nothing short of miraculous.

Gloria Estefan, 62, (pictured) who lives in Florida, explains how she learned to focus on what she wants to happen, rather than what she fears will happen

Gloria Estefan, 62, (pictured) who lives in Florida, explains how she learned to focus on what she wants to happen, rather than what she fears will happen

When I came home from the hospital, I couldn’t even turn over in bed — Emilio had to help me. I started trying to rebuild my muscles by attempting to lift my legs an inch off the ground. Then, for three months, I exercised in the pool while wearing a floating vest.

I spent six to seven hours a day in therapy working on short-term goals, such as being able to walk to the door.

Six months later, when it became clear my body was slowly coming back, it became a mission for me to get back out on that stage. I wanted people to see that surviving hardships in life has a lot to do with how you deal with them and your attitude towards them.

That was a huge lesson for me. We’re incredibly powerful beings capable of changing the reality of our lives.

Now I use this for everything. Fear is a natural part of being a parent, for example. Before, I’d have given energy to that fear, but what I have learned to do is focus on what I want to happen rather than what I fear will happen. So when my daughter was at university in Boston, thousands of miles away from me, rather than worrying, I’d say: ‘She’s going to get home safe and sound.’

Sometimes we choose to believe a life script because it’s been handed to us by our circumstances — but we don’t have to believe it. We’re in control, and if there’s something in your life you don’t like, change it. Sometimes it’s difficult, but it’s never too late.

Gloria Estefan’s new album, Brazil305, is released on August 13 by Sony Music.

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