Bon Courage!

One of the things I have to keep reminding myself - but is well worth the effort! - is the importance of being me. Of digging deep and finding the courage to celebrate what is particular about me, with all my faults and flaws. What is the point of wasting this precious life trying to be someone else?

Photo by David Cappaert, Michigan State University, (Bugwood.org), www.insectimages.org

We each have a unique make-up, beautifully formed from our DNA to our most influential relationships, and from all our life experiences in-between. I firmly believe we are here to explore that to the full, not to try to conform to any imposed norm.

I draw courage and inspiration from those who meet much greater challenges than me, and yet seem to approach life as a joyous adventure. When someone with physical or mental challenges above the average is filled with gratitude at being alive, at having this fabulous opportunity, it is both humbling and motivational.

I'd like to share some of my favourites here:

Peggy O'Neill

Peggy O'Neill - the tiny speaker who empowers you to walk tall! Peggy is 3'8", vibrant, amazing.
http://yopeggy.com/index.php?page=bio&family=meetpeggy

"Get back up" - Nick Vujicic. Born with no limbs, now inspiring others never to give up. What a guiding light.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MslbhDZoniY
http://www.lifewithoutlimbs.org/

Robert Pio Hajjar, a man who does not let his Down syndrome hold him back. He founded IDEAL-WAY.ca to help all of us see ability rather than disability in others.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROWbyKVLYr8&feature=player_embedded
http://www.ideal-way.ca/Ideal/Default.aspx

Jill Bolte Taylor "got a research opportunity few brain scientists would wish for: She had a massive stroke, and watched as her brain functions -- motion, speech, self-awareness -- shut down one by one. An astonishing story." Now she shares her story with everyone.
http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/jill_bolte_taylor_s_powerful_stroke_of_insight.html
http://drjilltaylor.com/

Dr Jill Bolte Taylor (photo Kip May)

There is a wonderful book, by Art Berg, called "The Impossible Just Takes a Little Longer". He says: "Dreams are never destroyed by circumstances. They are born in the heart and the mind and only there can they ever die. For while the difficult takes time, the impossible just takes a little longer."
http://www.artberg.com/

He also says: "Your vision for yourself is what you know you need to make your life significant."

I'm thinking: just by being you, your life is significant. You don't have to do something that hits the headlines. But the more 'you' that you allow yourself to be, the happier and more fulfilled you're going to feel.

So, are you ready to jump into this joyous adventure, being you?

If we all jump at once, we'll make a mighty big splash in Space-Time. Fantastic!