Saturday, December 31, 2016

You Can Empower Yourself in 2017

I feel like I just got hit in the face with a 1-2 punch of profound messages that can inspire positive change for anyone needing or wanting such.

The first was a truly profound blog post written by someone in a physical condition like mine (i.e. a power wheelchair user due to an uncooperative body). The second was an unrelated video example that reinforced the first message.

Before I introduce them, my blog is titled empowering wheelchair users because I wanted to highlight how wheelchair users can "get (back) in the game of life!" with something simple like wheelchair bowling. In developing the IKAN Bowler®, we created a way for wheelchair users of all abilities to be in control of their bowling game, and therapeutic recreation experts have said something simple like that can empower the person to seek greater independence in his/her life. That is all still relevant and ongoing, but I feel compelled to also share these messages…

Jon Morrow is a young man with muscular dystrophy… and a self-made millionaire… from his wheelchair. To me, life is not about money, but I mention the "self-made millionaire from his wheelchair" part simply to get your attention and hopefully demonstrate that this guy has faced some enormous challenges, and conquered them to live the life he wants, the best one he can – isn't that the American dream and all anyone can ask?

Jon wrote a lengthy blog post titled "7 Life Lessons from a Guy Who Can't Move Anything but His Face" and although I do not consider myself in need of huge changes, Jon has me thinking a bit differently and considering potential options. There's a little bit of salty language in Jon's writing, but his messages ultimately are both poignant and profound, in my opinion, and he uses his life as a dramatic example in demonstrating such. Without further ado, here you go:

https://unstoppable.me/life-lessons/

As I pondered Jon's post, I somewhat mindlessly scanned my Facebook newsfeed and came across a video of a guy who, unknowingly, is also an example of what Jon was talking about, i.e. you can take your greatest problem or fear and use that to fuel positive change.

The gentleman in the video, Jared, used to weigh 510 pounds (no, not the Subway guy). It was impacting all areas of his life negatively. Year after year, he wondered if he would see the next. His doctor told him he was going to die. He chose to live, and made the changes necessary to do so. The video is short but powerful, and a Facebook account is not required in order to view it:

Direct link: https://www.facebook.com/DDPYOGA/videos/1200467636708657/

As 2016 concludes, and folks may or may not be pondering New Year's resolutions… or perhaps more importantly… real, significant changes that need to be made… I could not ignore these two powerful messages, and I wanted to share them just in case they can help someone.

For additional tools that might help you make change… my dad's story of how he was able to overcome cancer largely by doing what he learned at Hippocrates Health Institute might help other people with health ailments, or to simply be healthier (click HERE to download his story, but he recommends watching Forks over Knives and reading the corresponding book, as great starting points). Also, I know a guy who is legitimately recovering after more than two decades with ALS – Lou Gehrig's disease, and his recovery started by reading the book "Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself" by Dr. Joe Dispenza.

Having said that, I also believe such real change can (and arguably should) coincide with faith in both yourself and God. I personally like to do a daily Bible reading, and online reading plans make it easy to do so. You have your choice of which version you want to read (I like the New International Version) and option to read the entire Bible over the course of a year, or maybe just the New Testament if you are Christian and want to focus on that over the course of a year. The new year is the perfect time to start. Here is the website I use:

https://www.biblegateway.com/reading-plans/

Finally, I would be remiss if I did not extend the opportunity for anyone interested to ask me about becoming a Christian (it's a standing offer). Among other benefits, doing so can take the fear out of death and give you the gift of heaven, knowing that when our time on earth expires, something spectacular awaits. But that doesn't mean we cannot make 2017 and our lives as good as possible while we are given the opportunity to do so. Each day you wake, you have that opportunity.

May God bless everyone reading this and a blessed new year to all!

Bill

William A. Miller, BSBA, ME
C1-2 Quadriplegic with a 255 High Bowling Game
Co-founder of Manufacturing Genuine Thrills Inc. d/b/a MGT
Business website: http://www.ikanbowler.com
Personal website: http://www.lookmomnohands.net

No comments: