The Moment That Changes Everything — and How We React

Lewis Moody recently revealed that he has been diagnosed with MND, a progressive neurological condition for which there is currently no cure. (ESPN.com) He admitted the news was “a huge shock” for him and his family. Yet even in disclosing this, he spoke not only of fear and uncertainty but also of hope, presence, of faith in his body’s capacity, and of gratitude. 

His words reflect a conscious choice: to not prematurely surrender to fear. They demonstrate how presence — the ability to attend to what is — becomes a powerful tool in facing what might come.

From Moody’s example, we can draw a few core lessons about presence and mindset during hardship:

Lessons on Presence & Positive Mindset

1. Grounding Yourself in the Now

When tragedy or crisis appears, the mind often catapults us into worst-case future scenarios. Moody counters this by focusing on what he knows now — his current symptoms are minor, he still has capacities, he is surrounded by family and support. He resists “looking the future in the face” before he is ready. 

In everyday life: you don’t always have to “deal with everything” at once. Focus on what’s immediately before you, manage the next decision, the next moment. Presence means slowing the mind from racing ahead.

2. Accepting Discomfort Without Losing Yourself

Moody acknowledges his fear, shock, and emotional weight. He doesn’t pretend the diagnosis is easy. But he simultaneously holds space for gratitude, for family, for identity beyond disease. That tension — acknowledging the painful and the positive — is itself a mature presence.

When we feel anxious, sad, uncertain, it’s helpful to acknowledge and accept those feelings. That doesn’t mean surrendering to them. Recognize them as part of your experience without being consumed by them.

3. Reframing Identity Beyond Circumstance

Before this diagnosis, Moody was defined by his athletic excellence, leadership, and toughness. Now, with uncertainty ahead, those parts remain, but they don’t solely define him. He speaks of continuing his philanthropic work, of embracing life, of leaning on the rugby community. 

We can learn: our identity is bigger than a setback, an illness, a career loss. Cultivate multiple dimensions of purpose and meaning so that when one is threatened, others can anchor you.

4. Choosing Gratitude and Connection

Moody repeatedly mentions the strength of love, support, and community — family, teammates, fans. “Having that sort of love and acknowledgment that people are there is all that matters.” He also expresses gratitude for the life he’s had, the experiences, the privilege of calling his passion his career. (ESPN.com)

In adversity, it’s common to feel isolated. But connecting, graciously receiving care, expressing thanks — these are acts of presence and defiance against despair.

5. Balancing Hope and Realism

Moody doesn’t sugarcoat the diagnosis. He knows where it may lead. But he also holds hope — hope for ongoing capacity, meaningful days, and purpose. “I’m still capable of doing anything and everything. And hopefully that will continue for as long as possible.” 

This is not naïve optimism; it's a pragmatic, flexible hope. In your own life: cling to hope, but allow it to flex and reshape as circumstances change.

A Model of Courage for All of Us

Lewis Moody’s public approach to this deeply personal challenge offers more than heroism on a rugby pitch. It offers a model for how to endure uncertainty with dignity, presence, and inner resilience. For anyone facing life’s tests — in health, in loss, in disappointment — his mindset can teach us:

• To live more deeply in the present even when the future is hazy

• To accept vulnerability without losing our sense of agency

• To root our identity in more than outcomes

• To lean into love and community

• To walk the fine line between realism and hope

In our own lives, we rarely face diagnoses so stark. But we all face moments that knock us off balance: job loss, relationships ending, transitions, failure. In those moments, the question is not whether we will suffer but how we will be while we suffer.

Lewis Moody, even in announcing his diagnosis, is choosing to be present, courageous, and open. That is a powerful lesson.

Thank you for reading.

We’re honored to support your commitment to a more intentional, balanced workplace.

Share this with a leader you admire — and remind them: wellness isn't a perk. It's a strategy.