The Problem Isn't The Issue ...

If you've ever heard me speak, you've heard me say, "The problem isn't the issue. The issue is how you deal with the problem." Well, I want to introduce you to a young man who is the living embodiment of that quote. His name is Nick Vujicic, and he is from Melbourne, Australia.

Nick is twenty-five and building a very successful speaking business. He travels the globe speaking to groups of all ages. One theme is his very strong Christian faith. From the looks of his schedule, he's really racking up the frequent flyer miles. You can check out more about him by going to one or both of his websites here:

Life Without Limbs

or

Attitude is Altitude

There's one more thing, he was born without arms or legs. A couple friends sent me a video of him recently, and when I went to play it today, it had been pulled off YouTube for some copyright infringement. No problem, I know how to Google! There are dozens of videos on Nick and I'd like to share this one with you. Enjoy, and be prepared to get inspired!



In this season of giving thanks, I hope Nick's story gives you pause to think about the reasons you have to be thankful.

Comments are always welcome.

Later,

Mike

Max Warburg Courage Curriculum

Max Warburg was another young Max who has left an amazing legecy for a child who died from leukemia at age eleven in 1991! The Max Warburg Courage Curriculum was developed by his parents, Stephanie and Jonathan Warburg, who worked with the Boston Public Schools, a team of doctoral students from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and educators from across the country. It is inspiring youngsters in sixth grade classrooms to be courageous in the face of the problems they face. You can learn more about them at their website by clicking here.

Also, learn how Max's courageous fight affected his classmates and everyone his short life touched in this 1992 video:



I also found this story very moving. It was written by his mother Stephanie and Charlotte Harris. You may read it by clicking here.

As always, feel free to comment.

Later,

Mike

Everybody Has A Talent

You've heard people say everyone has a certain gift or talent, right? Well, how would you like to be Stevie Starr? He has a special talent like none I have ever seen. I found out how he came upon his gift and how he nurtured it on his website. You can learn more about him by clicking here. Here he is in all his splendor. He is truly amazing, a real "One-of-a-kind" individual! Plus, he has a great Scottish accent!

Check out this video of Stevie Starr:



What do you think?

What is your special talent? Have you ever done anything to develop your uniqueness? If not, why? If you have, how is it working for you? I'm not suggesting you have or need a uniqueness as different as Stevie Starr, but imagine, he found his special talent at age four!

In contrast, I found my ability and fondness for public speaking when I was in the ninth grade and my speech teacher TOLD me I was going to emcee the annual variety show. She said I would tell some silly jokes, everyone would laugh at me and I would not want to get off the stage! And, she was right! Now, forty years later, it's not just my career, it's also my therapy. I can't imagine getting a real job! I absolutely love what I do. Can you say the same about your chosen career? I hope so.

I welcome your comments.

Later,

Mike

Imagine

If you are a regular reader of this blog, you know I'm a big fan of 60 Minutes. Tonight they ran an extraordinary piece on new, cutting-edge technology I would like to share. They showed how an individual can now sit in front of a computer, and think, and the computer can tell what the person is thinking!

The ramifications and possibilities, especially for people with disabilities are truly amazing! One of the reasons I'm so excited is the possibilities it creates for people with a spinal cord injury. I won't say anything else, just watch this piece:



Watch CBS Videos Online


As with all new discoveries, there are many levels of development until it gets to a workable project. Obviously, this idea is in the beginning stages of human experimentation. It will be exciting to watch as this technology develops.

I look forward to your comments.

Later,

Mike