This site is for people who want something.
This site is for achievers.
Everyone who is involved in creating something new will face challenges
along the road.
Some relish adversity. Others don't.
Either way, I've worked with many people
in different fields and try always to provide a stimulating approach
to finding
creative solutions
to the challenges you face.
When you’re born with a physical disability, as I was, life becomes
different. It doesn’t necessarily become worse, but it definitely
becomes different. And if your physical disability prevents you from
walking or from using your hands very well, as it does in my case,
then you have to rethink the world. You have to look at things differently.
You learn:
•
that it’s up to you
•
that difficulties can be a disguise for possibilities
•
that your self-image is all-important
If you also have to rely on personal assistance from others most
of the day every day, then you quickly learn that you need to face
these
challenges with a creative attitude. Creativity becomes an important
part of your daily living.
It would almost be a crime not to share the life wisdom that you’ve
gained this way. I guess that’s why I started working as a mentor.
But that’s not the only reason. I believe that the following
three circumstances also played their part:
•
My love for books
•
My curiosity about people
•
My focus on results
My interest in reading came pretty early. When my
friends ran off to play football, I pulled out a good book. I learned
early
in my life that you have a choice. You either focus on what you can
do, or on what you can’t do. You either concentrate on what works,
or on what doesn’t work. You either spend time regretting that
you can’t play football, or try to find another activity to capture
your interest.
Each and every one of us is faced with the same kind of choice on
a daily basis. Life is hedged in by limitations. No matter what
decisions we make, each option is associated with certain sacrifices—sacrifices
that we accept when we choose one specific course of action over another.
So in every situation in which we find ourselves, there are parts
we can control and parts we cannot control, and the choice is ours.
Where
you focus your energies is always up to you.
In my case, my interest in reading arose from a great thirst for
knowledge. I wanted to know how things work and relate to each
other. I believe
that such a thirst for facts is a prerequisite for becoming a good
mentor. Mentoring is one way of imparting knowledge, and of course
it’s important for a mentor to possess certain kinds of knowledge
and wisdom, while also being prepared to continue learning and growing.
My curiosity about people also started early in life.
When you have the kind of physical disability that I have, you’re
sitting down most of the time. You can’t be running around and
yelling like the other kids. Instead, you might have to listen to what
the grownups talk about. You’re forced to reflect on their troubles
and joys.
It didn’t take long either for people to start plopping down
next to me and confiding in me. The sitting itself was significant
in some way. It seems that talking with someone who’s already
sitting gives a sense of security. It creates a feeling of confidence
and calm.
This is actually what we often look for in a mentor or other types
of conversation partners. We might be looking for refuge from the
hustle and bustle of daily life. We need to get away for awhile
so we can
gather our thoughts and return with renewed strength and energy.
But this assumes that you’re able to find someone interested
in listening to what you have to say. I found out early on that I had
a genuine interest in hearing people tell their stories and about where
they’re going in life.
Results are what make a difference in this world.
If you want to affect any kind of change, then you have to put your
desires
into action. You can’t just think your way to change.
There are people who come to this world determined to change it.
They want to make it a better place. Perhaps they become activists
with
Green Peace or join another such organization.
After awhile, they might discover that you can’t change the world
just by protesting about what is bad. They might come to realize that
a more effective way of having an influence is to focus on the good
that’s already there.
I guess I’m one of these people. I’ve discovered that focusing
on the good in people really can make a difference—encouragement
can really lead to renewal—especially on a personal level when
we are true to ourselves and practice what we preach. In my mentoring,
my goal therefore is to try to show that it is possible:
•
to take greater responsibility for your own life
•
to overcome difficulties
•
to create the life you most desire
