Our challenges can become our greatest gifts.

Our challenges can be our greatest gifts.

Tue, 14 Sep 2021 00:00:00 GMT

If I could go back to the time of my birth and eliminate my cerebral palsy, I would not do it! I love myself just the way I am. JustTheWayYouAre.com

My parents have always been unsure of the cause of the brain injury that led to my cerebral palsy, but mom had long suspected that it occurred shortly before birth. She went into labor with me which required dad to drive during an early February snowstorm to get to the hospital. On the way, lightening the moment, he was worried that mom would give birth to a gas bubble. (He was not too far from the truth!)

Still in labor upon arrival at the hospital, mom asked her doctors for an epidural injection so she would not feel any pain during my birth. She remarked years later that she did feel pain, always believing that the epidural needle did not go through her, but it somehow went through me.

If that happened, I did not feel any pain during my actual birth! If given the chance, I would not change anything.

I have devoted 39 years of my life to educating others about adversity, perseverance, and resilience. It’s our own challenges that are among our greatest gifts in life. I was given the *gift* of cerebral palsy and a hearing loss to be the voice for those who have difficulty speaking for themselves and who need to also embrace this way of thinking.

Our lives are fantastic dreams! I would be honored to inspire your colleagues and children to be the best.

Emulating kindness, respect, and forgiveness.

Fri, 10 Sep 2021 00:00:00 GMT

The triumph of the human spirit.

As I was leaving the school, one of my students came up to me in the hallway and generously gave me her artwork that she drew on a Post-it Note. The artwork shows a girl (her) releasing three balloons.

Inside each of the balloons were her words: hate, anger, aggression.

She was exuberant and wanted me to have this as a thank-you! Her ear-to-ear smile illustrates the lasting impact of respect, kindness, and forgiveness, consistent themes included in all of my programs. Love is among the most powerful gifts we can give -- and receive -- in life. A concept so important for our kids to understand and emulate.

Please click here for other heartfelt testimonials following my programs and conference keynotes.

Love is the song destined to dry the tears of all nations.

Tue, 07 Sep 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Strive to do the best with the day you have. Exactly how you change the world.

This phrase was published and copyrighted by my late grandfather in 1942. Opens my new blog perfectly!

A positive experience happened to me recently at my local Panera. I was not expecting to touch the heart and soul of two strangers that day.

Let me set the scene. Mother and daughter are sitting at the next table having lunch, with no other customers around us nearby. I noticed the teenage daughter in tears and the mother visibly upset for reasons unknown. Hesitating, when the mother went to pick up the lunch, I asked the teen if there was anything I could do to help her feel better. She was reluctant to share anything. So when the mom returned and my lunch still wasn't ready, my mind raced as I knew I had to think of something in common between us.

I gently asked the teen if she was familiar with Rachel Platten's "Fight Song" which gives the listener a measure of confidence and inner strength. She said she adored the song and I was delighted to have then found this common bond! I promised to let my cousin Rachel know that one of her millions of adoring fans inspired me and gave both of us the confidence we needed to foster an expression of love and empathy towards those who needed it the most. I felt Rachel's love at that moment too!

Love is the universal song destined to dry the tears of all nations.

I began to share with the teen and her mom some of my own insights about love and forgiveness along with some stories about reacting to our challenges in life that determines our attitude. The mom recognized me as a member of her gym. I responded that I am not going to have the body of Arnold Schwarzenegger, but I was at least able to get out of a wheelchair (after 7 years) and learned to walk. It's our perspective that enables us to be the best we can be! They were listening with intense interest and agreement and I noticed the daughter was feeling much better, laughing between her dried-up tears. Before they left Panera, as I was still eating, the mom and daughter both came over to shake my hand and thank me as they left the cafe with unexpected smiles on their faces.

Sometimes we are the angels in assisting others who are having a sad day and are in need of some optimism and laughter. That's what we should do as a society, collectively uplifting all of us together. You just never know the profound rippling effects your kindness can have on someone's day, week, and life. Sharing our stories in a time of emotional need can work miracles to make our world a happier place! I am humbled that the mom and teen unexpectedly came into my life when they did.

I didn't even get their names, but I hope to see them again soon!