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By John O'Leary. This was originally posted on JohnOLearyInspires.com. When John O'Leary was 9 years old, he suffered burns over 100% of his body and was expected to die. He is now an inspirational speaker and bestselling author, teaching more than 50,000 people around the world each year how to live inspired. John's first book, ON FIRE: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life was published March 15, 2016. John is a contributing writer for Huff Post and Parade.com. John is a proud husband and father of four and resides in St. Louis, MO. Order John’s book today anywhere books are sold
“John, everything is going to work out fine.” With these words, my sweet dad was trying to encourage me and cheer me up. It wasn’t working, though. After being burned as a little boy and spending five months in a hospital, I was finally about to go home. From my wheelchair, still connected to a heart monitor, with a feeding tube snaking up through my nose, body wrapped in bandages covering either open sores or fresh scars, it sure didn’t feel like everything would work out fine. Unbelievingly, I looked back at my dad and responded: That’s easy for you to say. You’ve got Mom, a family, a job, and a home. Dad, I may never have those things. And for many years, some of them difficult, I was proven right. Although passionate, precocious, and courageous as a little guy, there were many moments in my life dominated by fear. I was anxious about how people would respond to my injuries, saddened by all I could not do, and angry at the potential life robbed from me. And I was definitely afraid, perhaps even certain, I’d never have anyone to share that life with anyway. During those years, I was completely preoccupied with what I wanted for my life, what I needed from a relationship, what someone else could do for me. My focus was entirely on me. This emphasis on self, by the way, is one strongly encouraged by the society in which we live today. We’re challenged by self-help gurus to focus singularly on our personal lives and our individual versions of happiness. Our celebrities share the freedom they’ve found in letting go of expectations from others and choosing themselves first. Celebrations of self-care are everywhere on social media. Many spiritual teachers and new age preachers share how to find personal peace and individual success. Paradoxically, it’s in letting go of our self-centered desires we find serenity. It’s in faithfully keeping our hearts open to serving others – even sometimes having them broken by those we love – that the meaning, joy and real peace we seek is gradually revealed. This realization began for me in my early 20s. After years of rejection, self-pity and self-doubt, I stopped trying to convince others I was lovable and just started loving others as they were. I let go of my fear of being alone, and embraced the gift of time by myself. I let go of operating from a place of self-centered fear and began leading and living from a place of unconditional love. No strings attached. No expectations. No agenda hidden or validation sought. In other words: I loved. On this Valentine’s Day, whether you are going on a hot date with your special someone, heading out with dear friends, or longingly waiting for the phone to ring, be reminded of the overwhelming demands true love requires and the profound blessing it delivers in return. Ultimately, the way we discover the love we seek is to let go of our needs, remain absolutely vulnerable in the face of fear, say yes to serving others, allow our hearts to be broken repeatedly and strive diligently to make our lives about something far bigger than ourselves. This reality may not trend on social media, it may not sell Valentine’s Day cards, chocolates or lingerie, but it will ensure authentic peace for this day, the thrill of hope for tomorrow and a life of sincere significance. It turns out Dad was right. Everything is going to work out fine. Today and always, I want to remind you of that same truth in your life. This is your day. Live Inspired. Planning your next event? Get in touch with us at the Capitol City Speakers Bureau today to schedule your ideal speaker and make your event a success!
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By John O'Leary. This was originally posted on JohnOLearyInspires.com. When John O'Leary was 9 years old, he suffered burns over 100% of his body and was expected to die. He is now an inspirational speaker and bestselling author, teaching more than 50,000 people around the world each year how to live inspired. John's first book, ON FIRE: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life was published March 15, 2016. John is a contributing writer for Huff Post and Parade.com. John is a proud husband and father of four and resides in St. Louis, MO. Order John’s book today anywhere books are sold.
While many of us associate retirement with lazy mornings, afternoons on the golf course, and evenings playing bridge, a gentleman I met several years ago took a different path. Instead of slowing down upon his retirement, Pat Hyndman embarked on a second career and became an executive coach. Pat and I met when I spoke at a monthly gathering of business owners he coached. Several of his friends had prepared me that Pat’s health was failing. Almost a year of struggling with stage four cancer had taken its toll. Knowing this, I did not expect to encounter such vitality and passion from a man who was receiving regular chemo treatments and who on that day, was turning ninety-eight. Yes, ninety-stinking-eight! But when Pat saw me enter the room, he stopped speaking midsentence, put his pad of paper down, and said in a loud, welcoming voice, “Everyone, our guest John O’Leary has arrived from St. Louis. Let’s welcome him!” He walked over, looked me in the eyes with a big smile, shook my hand firmly, and thanked me for making the trip. During my three-hour session with the group, while every executive took notes and engaged in the presentation, no one was as dialed in as Pat. He soaked up every word and vigorously took notes. After the session, we celebrated Pat’s ninety-eighth birthday. As we sang “Happy Birthday,” he looked as joyful as a kid, wearing a playful smile and using his hands to spiritedly conduct our singing. After he blew out the candles on the cake, Pat went around the room and celebrated each person in attendance. One by one, he thanked all twenty-five business owners by name, complimented something he respected about them, and shared specifically why he was grateful they were a part of his life. And although I’d met him just four hours earlier, he included me in this celebration. Pat thanked me for waking up early, catching the flight from St. Louis, leaving behind my wife and kids, and joining the group that day. He made each person feel as if the entire party was for us, rather than him. At the end of the evening, as Pat was putting on his coat to go home for the night, I asked what fueled him each day. What allowed him to keep going to work with such energy and enthusiasm, keep fighting through chemo, keep showing up for life? “You know, John,” he said with a smile, “life is a gift. And I treasure each day I’m given. I’ve discovered that a person begins aging only when they stop learning and stop loving. “Plus,” he added, “I made a promise to my wife, Bonnie, seventy-three years ago to stay by her side. I intend to keep that promise.” He winked at me, gave me a hug, and then headed out the door, saying, “I better get home soon or she’ll think I’m running around on her!” Less than two months after that conversation, Pat went home for the final time. But not before keeping his promise to Bonnie, and being by her side when she passed away three weeks before him. For nearly a century, Pat Hyndman showed us how we could live our lives with childlike awe. He knew that life was a gift, that every person matters, and that each day was packed with limitless possibilities. My friends, today, let’s also seek to reveal these truths through how we live our lives. This is your day. Live Inspired. Planning your next event? Get in touch with us at the Capitol City Speakers Bureau today to schedule your ideal speaker and make your event a success! By John O'Leary. This was originally posted on JohnOLearyInspires.com. When John O'Leary was 9 years old, he suffered burns over 100% of his body and was expected to die. He is now an inspirational speaker and bestselling author, teaching more than 50,000 people around the world each year how to live inspired. John's first book, ON FIRE: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life was published March 15, 2016. John is a contributing writer for Huff Post and Parade.com. John is a proud husband and father of four and resides in St. Louis, MO. Order John’s book today anywhere books are sold.
Many people send out Christmas cards this time of year. These cards typically feature pictures of smiling kids, happy couples, cute dogs, new homes. Many cards include images of beautiful Christmas trees, Santa leaving gifts, Snoopy driving sleighs, or nativity scenes. But several years ago, it was a seemingly bland card, with a seemingly odd message, that most deeply moved me. On a plain blue card weren’t pictures, images, families or snowflakes, but four words: “Do Not Be Afraid.” Seemed like a strange message for the holiday season. Why lead with a message of fear around the holidays? Why not send pictures of puppy dogs and snow flakes and Santa and kids looking just perfect? Kind of a dark message, right?! Then I remembered the first words Mary heard from the angel: Do Not Be Afraid. And the first words heard by Joseph in a dream. Do Not Be Afraid. And the first words a bunch of shepherds heard while tending to their flocks. Do Not Be Afraid. Then I thought of the woman who had sent this card. She was recently widowed, struggling with intense grief, dealing with loneliness, facing uncertainty. And I understood the grand simplicity and profound truth of her card. My friends, we all carry so many concerns into this Christmas week. Some wrestle with the agony of a lost loved one and their first Christmas with an empty chair around the table. Others endure the weight of too many pulls on their time, too many places to be, too many things to get done. Some feel trapped in an unhealthy relationship; some ache to be in a relationship. We all carry insecurities and anxieties into this week and into the final days of 2021. And then we are reminded of a fundamental truth too frequently overlooked this time of year. Do not be afraid. It was a message delivered 2,000 years ago that transformed the lives of those who heard and heeded them. Perhaps there’s value in hearing and heeding them in our lives today. This is your day. Do not be afraid. And Live Inspired. Planning your next event? Get in touch with us at the Capitol City Speakers Bureau today to schedule your ideal speaker and make your event a success! By John O'Leary. This was originally posted on JohnOLearyInspires.com. When John O'Leary was 9 years old, he suffered burns over 100% of his body and was expected to die. He is now an inspirational speaker and bestselling author, teaching more than 50,000 people around the world each year how to live inspired. John's first book, ON FIRE: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life was published March 15, 2016. John is a contributing writer for Huff Post and Parade.com. John is a proud husband and father of four and resides in St. Louis, MO. Order John’s book today anywhere books are sold.
Entering into this advent season we look forward to the joy of the holidays, the gift of Christmas and the promise of a New Year by sharing a reminder of the power of joyful awaiting. Enjoy this short excerpt from my book IN AWE. * * * * * Getting kids to bed can be an exhausting, time-consuming venture. In our house, the journey begins with getting them into—and then out of—a bathtub. From there, the assembly line includes drying them off and getting them to pull on their pajamas, brush their teeth, and comb their hair. There’s a quick straightening of their room, laying out their clothes for the morning, and picking a book to read. Once in bed, we read a book, or sometimes I tell them a funny story, and then we pray together. While I was tucking Henry into bed recently, he attempted to stall the inevitable. After having already read “just one more story” several times, I leaned over, kissed his forehead, stood up, turned off the light, and made my way out of the room. Just a few steps down the hallway, I heard his voice call out, “Dad?” I ignored it, hoping he would fall asleep. Don’t judge. I had three more kids to get to bed and a desire to spend some uninterrupted time with my wife! “Dad?” he called again, even more emphatically. The pull of guilt and an excuse to spend another moment with my little guy sent me back. “What is it, buddy?” He looked up at me. “Dad, how many days until my birthday?” His birthday is December 7. This conversation was taking place the week after Christmas. I wanted to respond, Henry, way too freaking many days to count! Now go to sleep. But instead, I moved further into his room, sat on his bed again, brushed back his hair, and responded, “Great question.” I assumed he’d be pretty disappointed when I added, “Your birthday is about 340 days away.” He looked away for a moment. I could see his little mind doing the math, working it out, thinking it through. He then looked back at me and said, “Awesome. Tomorrow can we make a countdown calendar to get ready for it?” His birthday is more than eleven months away, and this kid wants to get ready for it? My friend, this is the power of joyful awaiting. Kids can’t wait for the next big thing. They are always looking forward to the next holiday, the next weekend, the next vacation, the next sleepover. And it’s not just the big stuff they enthusiastically await. It is why they can sit cross-legged watching through the glass on the oven door as the chocolate chip cookie dough transforms into cookies. It’s why they wear their swimming trunks to bed when they know they are headed to the pool with a friend in the morning. It’s why, when learning their birthday is 340 days away, they respond with fervor and joy, preparing for the countdown. Children intrinsically know how sweet it is to thoroughly anticipate something. But you don’t need to be a kid to experience it. Have you ever watched the face of a groom as his bride walks down the aisle? Or witnessed someone hold their grandchild for the first time? Have you seen the smile of an Olympian perched on top of a platform preparing to receive her gold medal? Have you ever been present the moment a unit of soldiers is released from their ranks to finally rejoin their families after a fifteen-month deployment? The delight that emanates from joyful awaiting is a beautiful part of life. * * * * * My friends, this has been another difficult year in so many regards for so many people. And yet, as we move into the final month of it, we advance into a season of profound anticipation. This season, don’t just make lists of things you need to get ready for the house or buy for others, but consider what it is you are celebrating in the first place and how best to prepare yourself to be ready when it arrives. Joyful awaiting doesn’t ensure what we are going through will be easy. It just provides the conviction that the reward and the wait will be worth the struggle. This is your day. Live Inspired. Planning your next event? Get in touch with us at the Capitol City Speakers Bureau today to schedule your ideal speaker and make your event a success! By John O'Leary. This was originally posted on JohnOLearyInspires.com. When John O'Leary was 9 years old, he suffered burns over 100% of his body and was expected to die. He is now an inspirational speaker and bestselling author, teaching more than 50,000 people around the world each year how to live inspired. John's first book, ON FIRE: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life was published March 15, 2016. John is a contributing writer for Huff Post and Parade.com. John is a proud husband and father of four and resides in St. Louis, MO. Order John’s book today anywhere books are sold.
“If you give me your phone, I’ll be happy.” Looking up at me with his blonde hair swooping across his forehead and his blue eyes radiating light, my youngest son Henry shared the above quote with me. In an attempt to bribe me into giving him my phone, he assumed his personal happiness was my primary goal for him. He was wrong. I’m actually not into being happy. And most certainly it’s not the ultimate goal I have for my kids. Happy is fine. But happiness is dependent upon things going our way. Happiness is playing on dad’s phone, or getting more ice cream, or staying up late. All of these things provide the spark of happiness and can be lots of fun. And all are extremely fleeting. The phone runs out of batteries. The ice cream melts. The body needs rest. Indeed, what we should strive for is not happiness, but an enduring state of joy. Joy is a condition that isn’t dependent on things going our way. It’s not reliant on getting what we want. Joy is the ability to be lit up each day despite the challenges, despite the setbacks, despite the struggle. And it’s a choice. So how can we achieve a state of joy? The most joy-filled people I know have four things in common:
And no, more ice cream won’t satisfy. Staying up later won’t really make you happy, either. The key to real happiness, true contentment, and a continual state of joy has nothing to do with getting more. It’s the moment-by-moment choice to be grateful for what we have, selfless in what we do, connected with why we’re here, and focused on becoming the best version of ourselves. This is your day. Live Inspired. Planning your next event? Get in touch with us at the Capitol City Speakers Bureau today to schedule your ideal speaker and make your event a success! By John O'Leary. This was originally posted on JohnOLearyInspires.com. When John O'Leary was 9 years old, he suffered burns over 100% of his body and was expected to die. He is now an inspirational speaker and bestselling author, teaching more than 50,000 people around the world each year how to live inspired. John's first book, ON FIRE: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life was published March 15, 2016. John is a contributing writer for Huff Post and Parade.com. John is a proud husband and father of four and resides in St. Louis, MO. Order John’s book today anywhere books are sold.
Two. After months in the hospital, I finally went home. That first evening, although seated in a wheelchair, in intense pain, with fingers recently amputated, feeling sad about my hands and scared about my future, my mom wanted me to eat by myself. With a plate of food in front of me, I spent two hours dropping the fork, complaining to Mom, crying it wasn’t fair, and arguing it would never work. Two hours of failing. Three. The struggle to simply eat paled in comparison to the fear that I’d never find someone to see past my scars. Having never dated, and more than halfway through college, I met Beth. Over the next several years of courting her, telling her how I felt, risking rejection, and then experiencing it, I frequently felt alone. In other words, it was three long years of failing. 13. After years of reflecting on my life story, pondering how those life lessons might elevate others, journaling key ideas, condensing it into a readable manuscript and sending it to 13 publishing companies, I excitedly waited for the letters to come back expressing their desire to help spread a message of living inspired. In a marketplace of divisiveness, every publishing company seemed to agree on one thing: an unknown author, with no following, was not the kind of project they were interested in publishing. Each of those letters served as 13 reminders of failure. These are but a few of innumerable failures in my life. I’ve failed in my health, in relationships, in finances, and in business. I’ve failed with words I chose to speak, silence I chose to keep, actions I chose to take, and regrets that still remain. And I’m not alone. My friends, we all live with evidence of our mistakes, missteps and brokenness. So how should we respond when it seems that a project, a passion, a desire we have seems impossible? Well, recently I visited with one of the greatest failures I’ve ever met. Perhaps his story reminds us of what is possible in ours. This gentleman failed in relationships, struggled professionally, endured a bankruptcy, wrestled with self-worth, felt totally isolated from others and occasionally wondered if life was worth living. There was one powerful desire that kept Mark Victor Hansen moving forward in life: he was absolutely certain the world would benefit from his message. Mark spent years researching, organizing content, coalescing stories and writing his book. He then took his life’s work, submitted his manuscript and marketing plan to a single large publishing company in New York and waited for their response. They rejected it. He refined it, elevated the manuscript and submitted to another publishing company. They rejected it. He then sent it onto another dozen publishing companies. Some he sent with special packaging and others he hand-delivered to executives within these companies. Regardless the publishing company or how Mark delivered them, all 12 rejected it. Undeterred, he sent his story to 144 different publishing companies. All 144 rejected him. 144! Until one day, one person, saw not only the resoluteness of Mark’s passion, but the potential within his story. This one publisher took a risk and agreed to print the book. In 1993 a few thousand copies of Mark’s book were printed. The book did well enough that another few thousand were printed. And then a few more thousand. By the end of the first full year, more than one million copies of the book sold. CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL went on to become one of the best-selling books of all-time. It was translated into 43 languages, offered in more than 100 countries and ultimately sold more than 500 million copies internationally. 500,000,000. My friends, you’ve just read several numbers this article. Two hours. Three years. 13 letters of admonishment. 144 rejection letters. 500,000,000 copies sold. By far, however, the most important number to embrace is one. One mother believed in her little boy’s ability to feed himself and live a meaningful life. Even if it required a couple difficult hours of failing before taking that first bite. One beautiful woman saw through a man’s scars and brokenness. Beth took my hand, spoke the words “I do” and 18 years later continues to prove it each day in the manner in which she loves me and lives her life. Even if it required three years of failing while waiting for her. One young man who struggled in school, did poorly in English, grappled with self-worth ultimately released the #1 national bestseller, ON FIRE. Even if it was first rejected by 13 publishers. And one small publishing company, saw within a future author’s passion, a book that might elevate the lives of those who read it. Even if it took 144 rejections, 500,000,000 readers suggest it was worth the wait! One. As we race through this day, and read about tragedies overseas, challenges in our nation, difficulties in our region, and feel discouragement that there is little we can do to influence positive change, be reminded that your one life is a sacred gift. While big numbers might grab headlines, the most important number recognizes that what you do matters, that the words you speak influence, that the dreams you cast impact the path you take, and that while your road forward may be difficult, your best is yet to come. Let’s act as if what we do makes a difference. Let’s remember that indeed it does. And today, let’s choose to not just read about it, but to act like it. This is your day. Live Inspired. Planning your next event? Get in touch with us at the Capitol City Speakers Bureau today to schedule your ideal speaker and make your event a success! By John O'Leary. This was originally posted on JohnOLearyInspires.com. When John O'Leary was 9 years old, he suffered burns over 100% of his body and was expected to die. He is now an inspirational speaker and bestselling author, teaching more than 50,000 people around the world each year how to live inspired. John's first book, ON FIRE: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life was published March 15, 2016. John is a contributing writer for Huff Post and Parade.com. John is a proud husband and father of four and resides in St. Louis, MO. Order John’s book today anywhere books are sold.
I used to be a huge procrastinator. Not just a motto, but a way of life, I believed “Why do today what can be accomplished tomorrow?” Working as a hospital chaplain in my 20s, however, woke me up to be far more intentional in savoring the profound gift of each day as well as celebrating the wonder of simply being alive. John O’Leary shares what it is like to be a hospital chaplain. One experience especially stands out. It was late in the evening, and I was on call. A patient was brought into the hospital after suffering a heart attack. The frantic pace of the staff gave every indication the situation was dire. As the patient’s family arrived, I ushered them into a private room near the Emergency Department. The role of the chaplain in these situations is to sit with the family, serve as a conduit to the staff, and offer any emotional, physical or spiritual support to alleviate the agonizing tension of waiting. For family, the unknown and sense of total helplessness is the hardest part of the waiting. On this evening, in spite of the best efforts of our medical staff, there was nothing they could do to revive the gentleman. After exhaustive work, a doctor came into the packed room, explained what had happened, and shared with the family that their loved one had passed away. Shouts of anger and heartache filled the room: “I can’t believe he’s gone!” “Couldn’t you have done more?!” “I thought we’d have so much more time together.” “It’s too soon.” “He was healthy and vibrant.” “He wasn’t ready to go.” “No! This is just not right. This isn’t fair.” Even though I didn’t personally know the patient or his family, in their cries of despair, I ached with them. The life lesson John O’Leary learned while serving as a hospital chaplain. What I remembered most about that evening, though, was not the heartbreak or the grief. Tragically, as a chaplain at a world-class trauma center, it is common to be with families when they learn of a loved one’s death. It’s always heartbreaking. And frequency doesn’t make it easier. No, the reason I remember that evening, that family, and their grief so vividly is because, for the first time, I saw that regardless of age or circumstance, the loss of a loved one is always shocking. The man who died that evening was 86 years old. Although he’d lived close to a century, no one expected him to pass away, no one imagined he’d get sick, no one fathomed he would not be there tomorrow. Few of us ponder honestly the profound fragility and beauty of life at any age. Several thousand years ago the author of Psalms reminded us: “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” The goal of life isn’t to number the days to keep score, but in order to live them passionately, faithfully, intentionally, and lovingly. Since that evening spent with a wonderful family mourning the painful passing of their patriarch, I’ve tried to focus on numbering my days. This attention reminds me daily what matters and what doesn’t. It informs what I say yes to and what I say no to. It reminds me that the time with my parents is fleeting, my role as a parent to little ones is ephemeral and the time with my wife a sacred gift. Counting your days will make you live more intentionally. My friends, knowing that tomorrow isn’t promised should not scare us. Instead, it should give us conviction to be far more intentional in living vibrantly now. Today, choose to number your days. Rejoice in what you have and those gathered around you. And in the midst of the anxiety, difficulty and unknowns of this day, remain confident that this day remains a gift and even better days are yet to come. This is your day. Live Inspired. Planning your next event? Get in touch with us at the Capitol City Speakers Bureau today to schedule your ideal speaker and make your event a success! By John O'Leary. This was originally posted on JohnOLearyInspires.com. When John O'Leary was 9 years old, he suffered burns over 100% of his body and was expected to die. He is now an inspirational speaker and bestselling author, teaching more than 50,000 people around the world each year how to live inspired. John's first book, ON FIRE: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life was published March 15, 2016. John is a contributing writer for Huff Post and Parade.com. John is a proud husband and father of four and resides in St. Louis, MO. Order John’s book today anywhere books are sold.
While traveling for work through the UK years ago, I was introduced to the story of a man who is absolute proof that one person can change the world. Here’s his story. In 1938 Nicholas Winton was a 28-year stockbroker living in London. He planned to trade the gloomy rain of England for the glorious mountains of Switzerland for a holiday ski trip. A phone call from a friend changed his plans. And his life. Martin Blake told him to forget the skis and come instead to Prague. They had something far more important to do. With Europe tipping toward total war, the men anticipated the plight of Jewish children in Czechoslovakia. A shining example of how one person can change the world came at the dawn of the Holocaust, when a man skipped vacation to personally save 100s of children. Winton, working tirelessly, created a plan to send Jewish children in Czechoslovakia whose families feared potential Nazi occupation to England. Winton secured documentation, gathered resources, purchased train tickets and recruited families that would greet and raise the children in England. Before the Nazis made traveling out of the country impossible, Winton filled seven trainloads of children transported safely to freedom. He saved these children’s lives. And yet, he never told anyone what he did. Not even his wife. Five decades later, in 1988, his wife stumbled upon an old ledger with names in it. She asked Nicholas what it was, and he explained what he did in 1938 and 1939. He just wished he had done more. After news of this story broke in a local paper, Winton was asked to share his story with the BBC. With cameras rolling and a live audience, the host was clearly moved by Winton’s actions and humility. As the interview concluded, he asked one final question, “Is anyone in the audience a child that Nicholas personally saved from certain death?” A woman stood, wiping her eyes. And then a man stood. Then another. Next, a group. Until the entire audience was standing. Winton stopped looking around at the audience, put his head down, and wept. You can change the world, starting with yours. My friends, while others turned their backs, felt indifference or were simply paralyzed with fear, Winton took accountability, accepted risks and rescued children. In all, he directly saved 669 lives through his bravery and selfless actions. Some of the children gave him a ring to show their gratitude. It is inscribed with six simple words from the Talmud: “Save one life. Save the world.” So, can we actually save, change or fundamentally improve the world? Well, it may not be trainloads of children we save. We may not end up on BBC for our valor. We may never be Knighted by Queen Elizabeth or receive the highest honor from the Czech Republic. But undoubtably, small acts of kindness, done in love, can have mighty ripple effects. We’ve all experienced that healing power in our own lives. In a marketplace that often feels divided, isolated, and hopeless, we’re called to be that example to others in their lives. This is your day. Live Inspired. Planning your next event? Get in touch with us at the Capitol City Speakers Bureau today to schedule your ideal speaker and make your event a success! By John O'Leary. This was originally posted on JohnOLearyInspires.com. When John O'Leary was 9 years old, he suffered burns over 100% of his body and was expected to die. He is now an inspirational speaker and bestselling author, teaching more than 50,000 people around the world each year how to live inspired. John's first book, ON FIRE: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life was published March 15, 2016. John is a contributing writer for Huff Post and Parade.com. John is a proud husband and father of four and resides in St. Louis, MO. Order John’s book today anywhere books are sold.
Determination. Resilience. Willpower. Vision. Courage. These are some of the characteristics required to overcome adversity, take the next right step forward and thrive in life. Yet, beneath those brawny traits exists a singular, common denominator, liberating us to overcome personal adversity, unite with others, and become far better versions of ourselves: Love. Love transforms brokenness into unity, despair into hope, and deficiency into perfection. Love allows us to rise above our challenges – and it empowers us to help others rise above theirs, too. Few understand this truth better than the Hughes family and their son, Patrick Henry. Born without eyes, and with arms and legs that would never fully function, Patrick Henry Hughes entered this world with far more challenges than most. Although Patrick Henry was destined to spend his life in darkness with significant adversity, his family refused to let him be defined by the things he could not do. Instead, they chose to celebrate the many gifts he possessed, rejoice in the life that was perfectly his and stoke his greatest passion: Music. This father exemplifies the one thing you need to overcome adversity. Even from his earliest days, Patrick Henry exuded a deep love of music. He took to piano early and by age two was taking song requests from friends and family! As he grew, Patrick Henry expanded his skill and began to play the trumpet. By high school, he was so gifted that he was invited to be part of the University of Louisville marching band! But how could a trumpet player who is wheelchair-bound and blind possibly join a marching band? Patrick Henry had a father who loved him well. Patrick John challenged his son to continually grow personally and to never make excuses. When presented with the opportunity to join the band, he encouraged his son to go for it and did everything imaginable to support that effort. He worked the night shift in order to go to class with Patrick and went to class with him to helped take notes. Patrick John took his son to daily marching band practice, learned all the steps and pushed his son’s wheelchair so that his son could march with the rest of the band. In other words: Patrick John loved his son. It turns out love allows each of us to discover strength we never knew we possessed, the ability to impact in a way we never knew we could, and the potential to change the world one life at a time. The one thing you need to overcome adversity and how to ensure you find it. My friends, as we march into summer, let’s focus less on the challenges we face. Let’s focus more on celebrating what the opportunities we possess, those marching with us and the remarkable chance to be part of this orchestra of life. And belated Happy Father’s Day to all the dads and father figures who have stood behind us and pushed us forward. They remind us that life is far less about which instruments we were given and far more about choosing to create beautiful music with the ones we’ve received. This is your day. Live Inspired. Planning your next event? Get in touch with us at the Capitol City Speakers Bureau today to schedule your ideal speaker and make your event a success! By John O'Leary. This was originally posted on JohnOLearyInspires.com. When John O'Leary was 9 years old, he suffered burns over 100% of his body and was expected to die. He is now an inspirational speaker and bestselling author, teaching more than 50,000 people around the world each year how to live inspired. John's first book, ON FIRE: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life was published March 15, 2016. John is a contributing writer for Huff Post and Parade.com. John is a proud husband and father of four and resides in St. Louis, MO. Order John’s book today anywhere books are sold.
In a world filled with many individuals concerned primarily with taking care of themselves, the courage of the Ukrainian people to fight for their home, their neighbors and their freedom has been humbling and inspiring to observe. To be reminded of the beauty of showing up for others- even when our commitment to doing so is tested beyond imagination- look no further than Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska. For the first 15 years of marriage, through both good times and the unavoidable struggles all couples endure, she supported her husband Volodymyr. She encouraged him when he chose an unlikely career in comedy after law school. She supported him when he imagined traveling throughout the country providing live performances. She even backed him when he considered producing and acting in a television show portraying an ordinary teacher, sick of the country’s corruption, abruptly thrust into the role of President for an entire country. But when her husband suggested stepping away from entertainment and actually running for political office, Olena was at first adamantly against it. She wanted nothing to do with the attention certain to arise from her husband running for office. Raising two children, she didn’t want the pressure of her husband’s campaigning to negatively affect their childhood. And as unlikely as it might be, if he actually won the election, how might the role of First Family change their lives? After numerous discussions together and soul searching personally, she agreed to support him, yet again. Against overwhelming odds, on April 21, 2019, Volodymyr Zelensky, a charismatic former comedian driven to end corruption, received 73% of the votes and became president of Ukraine. And his wife, who never clamored for the bright lights, found herself thrust directly into them. Originally disliking the prospects of this new role, Olena soon recognized the opportunity to make a difference by fully embracing it. She passionately advocated for women’s rights around her nation. She fervently worked to elevate nutrition programs within all schools to ensure the health and wellness of their young people. And she remained committed to showing up for the boy she first fell in love with in college as he led an entire nation. Less than two weeks ago, that nation of Ukraine was viciously attacked, and the resilience of a relationship was again tested. As Russian tanks positioned themselves on the border to Ukraine, the Zelenskys repeatedly rejected opportunities to leave the country. When those tanks invaded and began shelling the capital city, again they refused to leave. As the veracity of the attack escalated, Olena explained why she wasn’t leaving the country: “I will not have panic. I will be calm and confident. My children are looking at me. I will be next to them. And next to my husband. And with you.” Their devoted love of one another kept them together. Their unwavering love for their nation and for freedom united a world against an unjust attack. By showing up for each other, they’ve shown us all what true bravery and devotion really is. For Olena and Volodymyr, the stakes couldn’t be higher right now. But that’s not the only time being supportive of others’ matters. Showing up for a friend going through something difficult, a child learning a lesson the hard way or a spouse whose decisions may directly impact your own allow not just an opportunity to provide strength and confidence to others, but to also allow us to become better versions of ourselves. Today, be reminded of the strength and resiliency borne from showing up for someone we love. Doing so may not keep injustices from occurring, difficulties from happening or bombs from dropping, but it will remind us in the midst of conflict that we are not alone, there remains reason for hope and the best is yet to come. This is your day. Live Inspired. Planning your next event? Get in touch with us at the Capitol City Speakers Bureau today to schedule your ideal speaker and make your event a success! |
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