Who Is Part of Your Personal Team?

Many people quote the famous line, “It’s not what happens to you, but what you do about it that matters.” I would add that this is true as long as you have the people around you who can help you point out what you cannot see or do for yourself.

As some of you may know and as others would be shocked to know, I had challenges learning to speak at an early age.  Because of my parents’ tenacity, we were ultimately able to diagnose the source of the problem (my hearing was blocked). Once the issue was corrected, I was taken (for speech therapy) to Easter Seals, a non-profit organization that helps individuals with special needs and their families to live better lives through developmental and therapeutic programs.

I’m sharing this story with you because I’ve come to realize that in life, it’s the total package that counts. You can accomplish a lot through your own efforts, but it’s the total team effort that ultimately makes the difference. When I look at my life, I am who I am and hopefully who I continue to become because of my parents, family, friends, and wonderful organizations like Easter Seals.

My situation when I was young could have been physically and mentally debilitating and could have had a serious, long-term negative impact on my life. However, having such amazing and gifted people around me helped inspire me and made me realize that anything was possible.  As many of you know, it is so ironic that I began this world having such trouble speaking but now make a living helping others to communicate.

Recently, I had the opportunity to go back and visit Easter Seals and see how they’ve grown to help so many people- it is truly inspiring. The organization has not remained stagnant, but has continued to grow and expand. So, here are the final questions I will leave with you today: What are you doing to continue to grow and expand, and do you have people around you that encourage and inspire you to never settle, and instead dream what is possible and go after it? The ultimate difference between you and your dreams is the personal team you have supporting you along the way. So, meet great people, have a winning team, and accomplish what you dream you can accomplish.

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