#changeispossible

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Butterflies remind us that change is always possible, no matter when it begins. 🦋

Yesterday I wrote that change is possible though I also said it wouldn’t be easy. I said it would be hard and today I want to talk about why change is hard. We all have daily routines – work, school, family, etc. These are the parts of our lives that we need to do every day in order to survive. And human brains like routine, especially neurodivergent ones because routines from stable neural…

CHANGE YOUR LIFE TODAY Have you ever heard a story that left you breathless, something so incredible that it seemed impossible, yet it was true? Well, get ready because I’m about to share three unbelievable stories of women who defied the odds, broke through barriers, and did things that seemed impossible. These are real stories—stories of strength, courage, and the power of belief. Prepare yourself because these stories will leave you stunned and inspire you to believe that anything is possible for you, too.

Story One: Let me start with the story of Harriet Tubman. Imagine living in a time when slavery was the norm, where freedom was a dream for many, and the fear of being caught or killed was a daily reality. Harriet Tubman was born into slavery, but she didn’t just accept her fate. In 1849, she escaped from her captors, but she didn’t stop there. Harriet returned to the South 13 times to rescue her family and countless others via the Underground Railroad. She risked her life over and over again to free others, all while eluding the dangerous slave catchers. Harriet Tubman didn’t just fight for her own freedom—she fought for the freedom of others, showing that courage can lead to transformation not just in our own lives, but in the lives of others.

Story Two: Next is the incredible story of Malala Yousafzai. Malala was just a 15-year-old girl living in Pakistan, passionate about education, when the Taliban took control of her town. They banned girls from going to school, and for many, it felt like an insurmountable obstacle. But Malala refused to be silenced. She continued to fight for girls' education through her blog and public speeches. In 2012, she was shot in the head by a Taliban gunman. Yet, Malala didn’t give up. She survived and continued her advocacy for education, becoming the youngest-ever Nobel Peace Prize laureate at the age of 17. Her resilience teaches us that no matter how young we are, we can make an impact on the world, and no matter how big the challenge, we can rise above it.

Story Three: Finally, I want to share the story of Bethany Hamilton, a professional surfer whose story is nothing short of remarkable. At the age of 13, while surfing off the coast of Hawaii, Bethany was attacked by a shark that took her left arm. Most people would have given up, but not Bethany. Despite the physical and emotional trauma, she returned to surfing just one month later, determined to continue doing what she loved. She went on to become a world-renowned surfer and never let the tragedy define her. Her strength and tenacity show us that we can overcome even the most traumatic events if we have the will to keep going.

These stories are a testament to the strength that lies within us all. They remind us that nothing is impossible if you have the courage to believe in yourself and take the first step toward your dreams. Don’t ever forget—you have the power to change your life and the world.

Courage is often misunderstood as the absence of fear, but in reality, it is the ability to act despite fear. Fear is a natural, primal emotion that protects us from danger, but it can also hold us back from reaching our fullest potential. True courage doesn’t come from the absence of fear; rather, it emerges when we face our fears head-on, refusing to let them dictate our choices or actions. The stories of remarkable women throughout history demonstrate how courage is not about being fearless, but about moving forward even when fear is present.

Take the story of Harriet Tubman, for example. She lived in an era where slavery was widespread, and the risks of attempting to escape were incredibly high. When Harriet first escaped slavery, she didn’t just stop there—she returned to the South multiple times to rescue others. Imagine the fear she must have felt each time she crossed back into hostile territory, knowing that one wrong move could mean her life. Yet, despite the constant fear of being caught, Harriet’s courage led her to do the impossible: she saved hundreds of lives through the Underground Railroad. Her fear didn’t paralyze her; instead, it fueled her determination to act, to do whatever it took to free those who were still trapped. Harriet’s courage wasn’t about being free of fear—it was about taking action in spite of it.

Similarly, Malala Yousafzai stood in the face of tremendous fear when she spoke out for girls' education in Pakistan under the oppressive rule of the Taliban. She knew the risks—she had seen the violence, heard the threats, and witnessed the brutal consequences of defying the regime. Yet, Malala’s courage didn’t come from a lack of fear; it came from her belief that the right to education was a cause worth fighting for, no matter the cost. Even after being shot for her activism, she didn’t back down. Malala chose to speak up again, and her voice became a beacon of hope for millions of girls around the world. Her bravery wasn’t about living without fear; it was about continuing her mission in the face of the most terrifying odds.

Then, there’s Bethany Hamilton, the surfer who lost her arm in a shark attack at the age of 13. The trauma of the attack, both physical and emotional, was overwhelming. She had every reason to walk away from the sport she loved, but Bethany’s courage came not from the absence of fear but from her relentless desire to continue surfing. She chose to get back into the water, to push past the terror that threatened to hold her back, and to prove that nothing could steal her passion for the sport. Her story is one of strength in the face of fear, of refusing to let fear control her life or limit her dreams.

These women remind us that fear is not something to be ashamed of. It is a natural part of being human, and it can be a powerful force for growth and determination. What sets these women apart is not that they were fearless, but that they didn’t let their fear stop them from pursuing their goals. They chose to act despite it, and in doing so, they achieved greatness.

Resilience is the strength we find within ourselves when life presents us with challenges, obstacles, and setbacks. It’s the quality that helps us bounce back from adversity, push through pain, and rise stronger than before. Resilience doesn’t mean avoiding difficulties or staying untouched by life’s hardships. Instead, it’s about how we respond when life knocks us down. It’s about refusing to let failure define us and instead using every setback as an opportunity to rise, learn, and grow. It’s not the fall that determines our future, but how we get up and keep moving forward.

Consider the story of Bethany Hamilton, the professional surfer who was attacked by a shark at the age of 13. Losing her left arm was a traumatic event, one that could have easily ended her surfing career and dreams. But instead of allowing the accident to define her, Bethany demonstrated remarkable resilience. She didn’t let the pain or fear keep her from doing what she loved. Within a month, she was back on the surfboard, determined to reclaim her passion. Despite facing countless challenges, both physical and emotional, she rose above them, ultimately becoming a world-renowned surfer. Her resilience didn’t just allow her to overcome her loss; it empowered her to achieve things that most people would have thought impossible.

Similarly, Malala Yousafzai faced adversity in a way that most of us can hardly imagine. After being shot by the Taliban for advocating for girls' education, many would have been silenced by fear or pain. But Malala’s resilience shone through. Instead of retreating in fear, she continued her activism even after surviving the attack, becoming a symbol of courage and determination for millions of people around the world. She showed us that resilience isn’t about avoiding suffering, but about using it as fuel to propel ourselves forward in the pursuit of our dreams and beliefs. Her story reminds us that when life knocks us down, it’s how we rise that truly matters.

Resilience is also seen in Harriet Tubman, who endured the unimaginable hardship of slavery. Her strength and resilience led her to escape from bondage, but she didn’t stop there—she risked her life multiple times to return to the South and free others through the Underground Railroad. She faced immense danger and personal sacrifice, yet she kept going, propelled by the desire to make a difference. Harriet Tubman didn’t let the hardship of her circumstances defeat her. Instead, she turned the pain of her past into a powerful force for freedom and justice.

These stories show us that resilience is not about the absence of struggle, but about our ability to rise from it. The circumstances we face may seem impossible, but with resilience, we can transform challenges into extraordinary achievements. It's not the magnitude of the fall that defines us; it’s the strength and perseverance with which we rise.

Your past does not define you, nor does it determine the path that lies ahead. While it is true that the experiences we go through shape us in many ways, they do not have the power to determine our future unless we allow them to. Every single day, we are given the opportunity to make choices that can change the course of our lives. The mistakes we’ve made, the pain we’ve endured, and the challenges we’ve faced do not have to dictate where we’re headed. What matters is the power we hold in the present moment to create a future filled with possibility, growth, and beauty.

There are countless stories of individuals who, despite facing unimaginable struggles, refused to let their past define their future. Oprah Winfrey, for example, experienced a childhood filled with poverty, abuse, and neglect. Her past was one of hardship and pain, yet she chose not to let that define her future. She rose above the challenges, using her past experiences as fuel to build one of the most influential media empires the world has ever seen. Oprah's life is a testament to the fact that no matter how difficult your past may be, you have the power to rewrite your story.

Similarly, J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series, faced personal and financial struggles before achieving success. At one point, she was a single mother living on welfare and struggling to make ends meet. She could have allowed her past to hold her back, to convince her that she wasn’t capable of achieving her dreams. But instead, she used her hardships as motivation, pouring her heart and soul into writing a book that would eventually change the literary world. Rowling’s story is proof that no matter how low you’ve fallen, you can always rise again and create something extraordinary.

Another inspiring example is Steve Jobs, whose journey with Apple wasn’t smooth or free from setbacks. He was fired from the very company he founded, a moment that could have marked the end of his career. Instead, Jobs used that moment to reflect, learn, and come back stronger. He didn’t let his past failure define him; instead, he used it as a stepping stone to create one of the most successful and innovative companies in the world. His story illustrates that your past mistakes or failures don’t have to be the end of your journey—they can be the very thing that propels you forward.

The key to changing your future lies in your willingness to take control of your life, regardless of what has happened before. Your past may have taught you lessons, but it does not determine your future. The power to create a beautiful life is in your hands, and it starts with the decision to let go of limiting beliefs, embrace your potential, and take action. The possibilities are endless when you choose to shape your own destiny.

Helping others is a powerful way to discover and strengthen your own capabilities. When you extend your hand to lift someone else, you not only improve their life but also uncover hidden reserves of strength within yourself. The act of giving, whether it’s through offering support, sharing knowledge, or working for a common cause, has the remarkable ability to transform both the giver and the receiver. By helping others, we break down the barriers of self-doubt and fear, empowering ourselves in ways that would otherwise be impossible.

The stories of incredible women who changed the world demonstrate how helping others can be a transformative force. Take Mother Teresa, for instance. Her entire life was dedicated to helping the poor and sick, particularly in Calcutta, India. Despite facing immense challenges, including poverty, prejudice, and the overwhelming needs of the people she served, Mother Teresa remained steadfast in her mission. She believed that every act of kindness, no matter how small, could make a difference. By helping others, she found a deeper sense of purpose and strength. The selflessness and love she poured into her work not only impacted the lives of countless individuals, but it also strengthened her own spirit, giving her the resilience to continue her work for decades.

Another inspiring example is Malala Yousafzai, whose advocacy for girls' education began at a young age. Malala’s life was altered forever when she was shot by the Taliban for standing up for her right to an education. Despite facing unimaginable challenges and threats, she chose to continue her mission, not just for herself, but for the millions of girls around the world who were denied the same opportunities. Malala’s courage and determination to help others, even in the face of fear, gave her the strength to become a global voice for change. Her dedication to helping others has led to the creation of the Malala Fund, which aims to provide girls worldwide with access to 12 years of free, quality education. Through her efforts, she has not only changed the lives of countless girls but also discovered the depth of her own resilience.

The work of Wangari Maathai, an environmental and political activist from Kenya, is another example of how helping others can reveal your inner strength. She founded the Green Belt Movement, which empowered women to fight deforestation and improve the quality of life in their communities. Wangari’s dedication to the environment and to the empowerment of women in her country was not only a gift to those around her, but also a powerful expression of her own strength. Her efforts earned her the Nobel Peace Prize, and she remains an inspiration to people worldwide who seek to make a positive impact. Wangari showed that helping others can provide the strength and courage necessary to overcome even the most difficult challenges.

These women’s stories highlight a fundamental truth: by helping others, we not only make a difference in the world, but we also unlock the vast potential within ourselves. The strength they discovered through their acts of kindness and service is something that all of us can tap into. When we focus on the needs of others, we often find that our own strength grows exponentially. By giving, we receive—not just in the form of gratitude, but in the form of empowerment, self-discovery, and fulfillment.

Persistence is one of the most powerful forces in life, yet it is often overlooked in a world that prizes immediate success and instant gratification. The reality is that success is rarely immediate or easy. It is often achieved after facing repeated setbacks, hearing numerous rejections, and encountering obstacles that seem insurmountable. However, the true measure of success is not found in how quickly we achieve our goals, but in how we respond to the challenges that come our way. The key to success is the ability to keep going despite setbacks and to persist in the face of adversity.

Every successful person, from entrepreneurs to athletes, artists, and leaders, has encountered rejection and failure at some point in their journey. What sets them apart is their refusal to give up. Walt Disney, for example, was fired from a newspaper job for lacking imagination, and he faced numerous failed ventures before creating the Disney empire. He could have easily given up after his early failures, but he believed in the power of persistence. Each rejection only fueled his determination to keep going, and his vision eventually revolutionized the entertainment industry. Disney’s story reminds us that failure is not the end—it is simply a part of the process, and persistence is the key that unlocks the door to success.

Similarly, Thomas Edison, the inventor of the lightbulb, faced thousands of failed experiments before achieving his breakthrough. When asked about his repeated failures, he famously said, "I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work." Edison’s unwavering persistence despite countless setbacks is a testament to the power of believing in oneself and the process, even when the odds seem stacked against you. His success didn’t come from avoiding failure but from his relentless pursuit of his goal and his ability to rise every time he fell.

The story of J.K. Rowling further illustrates the importance of persistence. Before becoming a globally recognized author, Rowling was rejected by multiple publishers, and she was living in poverty, struggling with depression. Her manuscript for "Harry Potter" was rejected time and time again, but she never gave up on her dream. Her determination to continue pursuing her passion, despite the numerous obstacles she faced, eventually led to one of the most successful book series in history. Rowling’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that success is not defined by how many times we fall, but by how many times we rise and keep going, no matter what.

Persistence is not about never failing; it’s about embracing failure as a natural part of the journey. It’s about having the courage to keep moving forward even when the road ahead seems unclear or when doors continue to close. Each "no" you hear and every obstacle you encounter is simply another lesson, another step toward your goal. The key is not to give up but to use each challenge as a stepping stone. The true measure of your strength is not in avoiding setbacks but in your ability to rise every time you fall and to keep moving forward, one step at a time. Success is built on persistence—on the refusal to quit and the determination to continue, no matter what stands in your way.