Another Success Story

Hello All.   I decided to post this inspiring story on this week’s blog.  I’m continuously amazed at the testimonials of courage and strength I’ve read while having “A Journey of Hope.”   It has taught me that we are all successes, in our own unique and individual way.  I hope you enjoy reading about this courageous man’s venture into the entrepreneurial world.

http://themighty.com/2015/08/hes-nonverbal-has-limited-mobility-and-he-runs-his-own-successful-business/

On a side note, I wanted you to know that I won’t post for the next few weeks.  I’m off for an end-of-summer adventure.  Enjoy these last few days of the season.  It’ll end before we know it!

Signing off for now.

A Local Story

Here’s a story near and dear to my heart…and guess what?  It’s local.  Kudos to this young man for reaching to the stars!

Have a good weekend, everyone.

http://cumberlink.com/news/local/communities/newville/trip-proves-cerebral-palsy-is-a-non-factor-for-newville/article_4fe6220c-9f93-11e4-ab38-5bdb49558f59.html

Continuing Happiness

“Happiness is not determined by what’s happening around you, but rather what’s happening inside you.  Most people depend on others to gain happiness, but the truth is, it always comes from within.”

I’ve seen this quote many times, but it never quite sunk it.  My journey this summer proves this.  There are many twists and turns in the road called life, but the happiness in your soul alone truly uplifts and carries you through the lowest valleys and celebrates the highest mountains.  I hope you had as much as a wonderful summer as I did.

Happy Labor Day!

Helen’s World

Hi All,

I came upon a video about Helen Keller that was very inspirational.  Although she’s been gone for many years, her words for me still speak volumes about life, loss and the will to perservere.  Forgive my short blog.  I’m coming up on final’s week, so time is precious commodity!  Thank you all for reading and I hope you enjoy the video.

Runner

Hi All,

Today, I found this YouTube video and wanted to share it.  I hope you are inspired by it like I am!

Have a great weekend, everyone!

The Purpose Driven Life

I know it may sound cheesy, but I saw the quote below on Facebook today and fell in love with it.  It spoke directly to me, not only as I embark on another semester at Messiah, but about life’s principles in general.  Coming upon this quote seemed auspicious at this juncture in my life as I anticipate what my final fall semester will entail.  I thank everyone for their support as they continue to follow my unending journey.

"You know you’re surrendered to God when you rely on God to work things out instead of trying to manipulate others, force your agenda, and control the situation. You let go and let God work. You don't have to always be 'in charge.' The Bible says, 'Surrender yourself to the Lord, and wait patiently for him,' Psalm 37:7a (GWT). Instead of trying harder, you trust more. You also know you’re surrendered when you don’t react to criticism and rush to defend yourself. Surrendered hearts show up best in relationships. You don’t edge others out, you don’t demand your rights, and you aren’t self-serving when you’re surrendered."

From The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren.

Miss Iowa

Today, I read such an inspiring news story that I felt compelled to share my thoughts with all of you.  It was about “Miss Iowa,” and how she does not let her disability define who she is.  I can definitely relate to this!  As someone who is differently abled, I know it’s very hard not to let my Cerebral Palsy define my thoughts and actions at times.  It dawned on me several years ago, though, if I dwelled on my disability, outwardly or inwardly, it would affect those who interacted with me, and I would become my Cerebral Palsy.  While I still fall into this pit at times, experience teaches me if I concentrate on life itself, it leads to a happier and healthier life.  So hats off to “Miss Iowa” because she is one of many who redefines what it means to live life with a disability!

Coming down the Home Stretch

Today, I took time to reflect on the fact I only have a week of school left of spring semester 2013.  That’s pretty amazing, if I do say so myself!  As each milestone passes on my remarkable journey, I sometimes stop to reflect on how far I’ve come in these last few years. This semester proved to be a rewarding, yet challenging experience.  Though I miss the life of academia, it’s always refreshing to be released from its duties.  Summer is just around the corner, and I’m ready to bask in its welcomed sun.  Let it begin! 

Inspiring Take

While completing a project for one of my classes, I found this cool video and I wanted to share with you.  Have a wonderful weekend!

In Motion

“Be not afraid of growing slowly; be afraid only of standing still.”  ~Chinese Proverb

Welcome to a new month!  Although it’s been a hectic week, it has been a good one.  As I flipped my calendar today, the above adage popped out and it certainly spoke to me at this time in the semester, but, more importantly, at this time of my life.  Overwhelmed with challenging courses and having a lack of energy, I sometimes have the inclination to shut off my mind, fearing the worst to come.  Fear has the ability to do that to everyone, to make immobile, but if it is pushed aside, something beautiful grows out of it.  This week proved to me if I keep going, something good always appears from my efforts.  The tortoise won the race, you know.  We all should keep that in mind, don’t you think?  :)

Have a good weekend, all! 

Education

I happened on this quote by accident, but I thought it a fitting one to be today’s subject because it is my first week back on Messiah College’s campus after a long break.

“Education is the movement from darkness to light.”  Allan Bloom

After considering how the insight above pertains to my life \ story, it is true that my pursuit of a college education brought me from darkness to light in so many ways; more ways that I can count.  Receiving an education gives me the tools to break into my own light, plus, the wherewithall, I hope, to help others move into their individual light.  An envigorating idea to ponder as I embark on still another leg of my journey and insentive for me to reach for the highest stars in the sky!

Thank you so much for tuning in!  Have a good week!

Living Life without Limits

Tonight, I would like to thank all of those who subscribe to the UCP’s Central PA Life without Limits Newsletter.  This magazine is always a source of inspiration, and a reminder to me anyone can achieve their goals if they believe in themselves.  I always think of this after reading stories similar to mine.  So, I was honored to have my book review published in this month’s newsletter.  While in the rat race of college life, I sometimes forget its purpose and its intended outcome in the grand scheme of things.  It is a wonderful thing to see my name in print and that I affect the lives of so many individuals in a positive light.  That gives me determination, not to just move ahead in my studies, but to thrive on them.  Thank you, UCP!

Believe

Today, I saw an article that reminded me a person’s potential is never known until it is tested and how powerful believing in yourself can be.  Dr. Sheehan was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at a young age and doctors gave little or no hope she would be a success.  Contrary to their belief, she completed an undergraduate degree in psychology, (with honors), then received her doctorate in the same field.  Reading this article only made me want to strive harder in my life and make a difference to those dearest to my heart, like Dr. Sheehan.  As my internship with United Cerebral Palsy ends, I hope believing in myself caused an impact in someone’s life, (more than one, with a bit of luck) while I had fun along the way.  It’s been a great ride this summer!

Beach Trip

Sometimes, we need to remember the gifts that are bestowed upon us every single day.  Last week was a reminder to me although untoward events occur; there is always a positive aspect to every situation and to treasure those gifts.

I absolutely love the beach, but we haven’t gone as much this summer as we have in the past.  The opportunity arose for me to go with my friend, Alta, and two of her Mennonite buddies.  As the day approached, my heart swelled.  I was ready to burst by the time the day arrived.  The van was packed and loaded, and after saying goodbye to Mom, Alta and I were on our way.  Halfway through our trip, we heard a loud boom…we discovered one of the tires went flat!  We sat and waited for two hours, and we were on our way again, minus the flat tire…Crisis averted.  Hooray!

After spending three fun-filled days at the beach, it was time to go home.  I was a little sad to go, but ready to see my Mom.  The old adage applied; it’s good to be away, but even better to go home!  As Alta and I made our way to Pennsylvania, I noticed an odd smell coming from the van.  The smell became stronger, and Alta managed to pull into a garage.  After waiting two hours, my Mom finally made it to to Delaware and rescued us.  Needless to say, Alta and I were both ready to spit nails!

Looking back on our trip, though, I realized as much as we had our trials, we were also blessed: Blessed that we had a wonderful time while at the beach.  I swear I never laughed so hard in my life!  The time at the beach signified to me that whatever obstacles come into our path, there is always a way to overcome them, even if that means a little sweat and dirt along the way!