Many of us, though for the most part physically whole, have occasionally lost track of the things that really matter: positiveness, love, acceptance of our lot in life, faith in ourselves and our abilities, believing we've been put here for a reason, and so on. It's easy to take things for granted in the day-to-day.
Have you heard something like this before? "No matter how bad things get, you always have it better, much better, than someone, so be grateful."
Imagine having no arms to stretch in the morning, to help you scratch that itch, to allow you to wrap your arms around your loved ones. Imagine having no legs to kick pebbles down the street, to walk or run, to bicycle or skateboard, or get you from point A to point B. Then imagine both at once, which is what Nick Vujicic (Vooy-cheech) has faced his whole life. Without any warning whatsoever, Nick was born with no arms or legs. As luck would have it, his mom was a nurse, and his father, a pastor.
Of course they were worried what sort of life he'd be able to lead. Would he ever be able to enjoy himself? Would he go to school, have friends, or ever get married?
But an amazing thing happened. He saw past his limbs and his body to something more important and enduring: his spirit and his attitude.
Meet Nick, an inspiration to us all, no matter how good or bad we have it.
Growing up
It's not easy for anyone. I don't know about you, but it seems to me that kids can be pretty brutal to one another. Bullying, name calling, self-esteem issues, and trying to fit in are normal for most kids. But imagine Nick in the same situation, with no limbs to defend himself, and no good reason he could tell the kids as to why he was different. He didn't know.
Nick suffered from low self-esteem and depression, and wondered why he was so different from all the other kids. Even as a young kid, he had thoughts of suicide. Most of us can only imagine the pain, crying himself to bed at night, and the internal monologue wondering "why me?"
Most people believe in "something" to get them through hard times, be it themselves, their family, or an outside force. Nick's family was religious and he credits his faith in God, and belief in a higher purpose, for helping him overcome his depression and self-esteem issues.
After accepting himself and his role in the world, he went on to earn a double Bachelor's degree in Accounting and Financial Planning in Australia (where he's from.) From that moment forward, he's been living his dream to help others accept themselves and their roles in life. Everyone, he thinks, is here for a purpose.
Motivational speaking
After graduating from Griffith University, Nick began fulfilling his dream to help others.By age 19, he was already out in the world giving motivational talks to everyone who would listen. Nick truly believes that each of us is here for a positive reason, and each of us must endure hardships in order to learn about ourselves and why we're here. Finding God changed his outlook on himself and his place in life.
We must all find a reason to live, to get better, and to give back to the world.
There is a reason why hurdles are placed in our way, adding to our struggles, and Nick believes that our attitude and our faith in a higher purpose, or meaning, are key in our ability to overcome whatever gets in our way.
“I found the purpose of my existence, and also the purpose of my circumstance. There’s a purpose for why you’re in the fire.” -- Nick Vujicic
Giving back
Nick has been traveling the world giving motivational speeches to millions of people, and restoring hope to many who had lost it a long time ago.
He's spoken to students, teachers, parents, kids and teens with missing limbs, church congregations, kids, entrepreneurs, and business men and women.
His story is, perhaps, his greatest purpose in life. Spreading his faith in himself and others, and his love and passion for life, makes us realize how much we take for granted, and how much we have to offer the world. Each of us is here for a reason, and each of us has something to give.
“If God can use a man without arms and legs to be His hands and feet, then He will certainly use any willing heart!”
Nick started Life Without Limbs, a non-profit organization, in addition to an inspirational program called Attitude Is Altitude: "Attitude is everything and self-perception determines direction." He has been on many TV programs, including "60 Minutes," and starred in a popular short film, "The Butterfly Circus," which has won five awards.
He continues touring around the world inspiring everyone he can. After all, almost anything is possible with the right attitude.
Engaged/married
When he was a kid, nobody knew if Nick would be able to enjoy his life, have friends, or get married. Everyone, including his parents, was worried that his experience of life would beat him down and destroy him. Often, that would be the case. But after reading more, we know that "attitude is altitude."
Nick not only faced his fears, but realized that through our attitude, we can overcome our problems and realize our true potential. Nick recently posted this to his Facebook page: “The greatest blessing I’ve ever received after life, salvation, and a relationship with God: introducing Nick and Kanae engaged!!!” Wishing Nick and Kanae the very best!Nick and Kanae married in 2012 and currently have four kids (Dejan Levi, Olivia Mei, Kiyoshi James, and Ellie Laurel.) They're still happily married and are spreading the message of love wherever they go. Letter Pile
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