Olivia: Could you find freedom while forced to dance for the Angel of Death? Welcome to When It Happened. I'm your host, Olivia, exploring the moments that define a life. Olivia: Today, we delve into Dr. Edith Eva Eger's powerful memoir, "The Choice." Before becoming a renowned psychologist, Edie was a gifted teenage ballerina in Hungary, dreaming of the Olympics. But WWII shattered her world, thrusting her into the hell of Auschwitz, where her parents were murdered upon arrival. Her book explores trauma, healing, and the profound truth that even in unimaginable horror, we retain the power to choose our response. It's in Auschwitz, facing one of history's monsters, that Edie confronts a chilling command leading to her defining moment. Olivia: The infamous Dr. Josef Mengele singles out Edie. "Little dancer," he commands, "Dance for me." Terror grips her. But then, remembering her ballet master's words, she makes a choice. Closing her eyes, she doesn't see the cold barracks floor or the monster before her. In her mind, she hears Tchaikovsky and dances Juliet at the Budapest Opera House. She escapes into an inner world of beauty and memory, transforming this horrific command into a moment of profound internal freedom, briefly transcending her physical prison. Mengele even tossed her a piece of bread for her performance. Olivia: This terrifying performance is "The Choice" in action. Externally, Edie was powerless, a prisoner forced to entertain evil. Internally, she chose freedom. She accessed her deepest resources – memory, imagination, spirit – refusing to let Mengele conquer her mind. This wasn't just about survival; it was about preserving her soul. It embodies her core message, echoed throughout her life and work helping others: the worst prison is often the one in our own minds, and we hold the key to unlock it, even if survival isn't guaranteed. Olivia: What can we learn from Edie’s dance? First, even when circumstances feel crushing, our inner response remains our choice. Second, cultivate your inner world – your memories, values, imagination – as a sanctuary no one can breach. Find strength there. That’s the heart of Dr. Eger's "The Choice." This is Olivia with When It Happened. Until next time, remember the power within your choice.