Amendment to Manifesto -

This is a change of pace from my usual daily updates…

I just got up the nerve to re-read the “manifesto” that I wrote when I was first injured.  It’s one of the first blogs posted here if you don’t know what I’m talking about.  My dad has repeatedly used it to remind me of what I said and who I am “at the core”.  Dr. Sweet even suggested I go to the beginning of the blog when I am down and read it from start to finish to realize how far I’ve come.  I didn’t do that but I read that first long email I sent.  

Since being here I’ve learned and realized many new things.  I’ve mentioned Connor, on the 10th floor where brain injury patients stay and receive treatment.  His mom blogs about his days the same as I blog about mine.  He motivates and inspires many people and most importantly, gets people to refocus what’s truly important in their lives.  

I said in my original email which Erik posted in this blog that:

As long as both my brain and my heart are functioning well, I believe I can help God achieve His goals.

That is true for me, but it turns out people can even help Him achieve goals without fully-functioning brains or even hearts.  Motivation and inspiration can come in many forms, I’m realizing.  It’s everywhere, and everyone needs it.  Everyone.  That is another huge realization - that nobody is exempt from needing inspiration and motivation.  Nobody can go through all their life getting all their motivation from within.  Think about whatever you are trying to accomplish in life right now - did it come organically from your brain?  Or did you see something in the world that inspired  you?

This guy Nick Vujicic is already a huge inspiration to me and I barely know anything about him.  If you haven’t heard of him, he is hugely ambitious even though he was born without arms or legs.  Mr. Cella, the dad of one of Rebecca’s long-time friends, sent me his book.  A few flip-throughs and I’m already inspired!  Here’s his site: 

http://www.lifewithoutlimbs.org/

Anyway he’s the one that said everyone needs inspiration and motivation.  Everyone.  And he’s right.  That was one of maybe 10 sentences I read in the book.  Can’t wait to read the rest.  Oh yeah, and he surfs!

Chip