It’s not a joke.
The only parts of my body I can move are my eyes and lips. My hands, feet, arms, and legs, are almost totally paralyzed, managing the occasional twitch and nothing more.
And yet… I have an amazing life.
Using speech recognition technology, I’ve written articles read by more than 5 million people. I’ve also built several online magazines that have, shockingly, made me a millionaire.
“This can’t be real,” you say. “You did all this, and you can’t freaking move?”
Hard to believe, I know, but it’s true. I do it all from home, sitting in my wheelchair, speaking into a microphone.
I’ve traveled a good bit too. I’ve lived in San Diego, Miami, Austin, and even Mazatlan, Mexico. Here’s a photo of me living the good life south of the border:
I look totally miserable, don’t I? Poor baby. 🙂
Not to imply it’s been easy, mind you. During my 34 years, I’ve had pneumonia 16 times, recovered from more than 50 broken bones, and spent literally years of my life in hospitals and doctor’s offices.
But I’m still here. Not only have I survived my condition, but I’ve built a life most people only dream about.
And starting today, I want to talk about how.
Over the coming months and years, I have a great deal to share with you, but I thought we would begin with the biggest lessons I’ve learned, lessons I’ve paid for in blood and tears, lessons that have saved my life, over and over and over again. Let’s begin.
Sidenote: Once you’re done reading these, be sure to check out 33 Books That Helped Me Become a Millionaire from My Wheelchair. Lots of great wisdom there.
Lesson #1: If You Can’t Win the Game, Change the Rules
About a decade ago, I was totally dependent on Medicaid, the U.S. government-run health insurance, to pay about $120,000 per year in medical bills. On the one hand, I was immensely grateful, because without it, I would’ve certainly died, but I was also trapped by their benevolence.
You see, Medicaid has income limits. If I made more than $700 per month, I would lose all medical coverage. Doctors, caregivers, medications, everything.
It was basically an ironclad contract preventing me from ever getting a regular job. I had a college degree, plenty of ambition, and even a few job offers, but I couldn’t accept any of them, because the government wouldn’t let me.
It seemed like a hopeless situation. If I got a job, I would lose my health insurance. If I didn’t get a job, I’d be forced to live in poverty forever. There was no way to win the game.
So, I changed the rules.
One of the job offers I received was from a small online magazine named Copyblogger, but instead of accepting it, here’s what I told them: “I’ll work for you for free. Don’t pay me anything. The only catch is, sometime in the future, I’m going to ask you for some favors, and if I do good work for you, I’d really appreciate your help.” They agreed, so I spent the next two years working 40-80 hours per week, mostly free of charge, although they did find ways to throw a few dollars my way every now and again.
During that time, I explored moving to Mexico. By moving there, I could reduce my health expenses from $120,000 to $18,000 per year. $102,000 in savings!
Eventually, I pulled the trigger. I called my boss and said, “Remember how I said I would ask for favors one day? Well, it’s time. I’m starting a consulting practice, and I’d love some help getting clients.” The next day, he allowed me to reach out to about 50,000 readers, and I filled my entire client roster within 24 hours.
Then I moved to Mexico, abandoning the U.S. healthcare system entirely. Within 30 days, I was making more than $10,000 a month, living in a beachfront condo, and paying for all my own health care expenses.
How?
By not playing the government’s game. Instead, I created a different game, a game that worked by my rules, a game I could win.
“But Jon,” you say. “You don’t understand. My situation is hopeless.”
Bullshit. The options available to you right now may be hopeless, but you can always create new ones. It’s not easy, but if you’re strong enough, you can turn any situation to your advantage. The key is to develop that strength in advance. Here’s how:
Lesson #2: Pain is Power
At some point or another, life punches everyone in the face.
The punch may be hard, or it may be soft, but it’s definitely coming, and your success or failure is largely determined by the answer to a single question: how well can you take the punch?
Do you roll around on the ground, weeping and moaning? Do you rock back on your heels but then keep going? Or have you been punched so many times already you don’t even notice?
Personally, I’m a living example of the last one. If you want to know what it’s like to live with a severe disability, just imagine that every morning six big guys sneak into your room and beat the hell out of you. Most days, the beating isn’t so bad, and you can limp through your day. Every now and again though, they keep punching and kicking you until you’re bleeding and broken, lose consciousness, and wake up in the hospital breathing through a tube.
That’s the best way I know to describe my life. Since the day I was born, muscular dystrophy has given me a daily beating.
The upside?
It’s made me incredibly strong. I can take any punch life throws at me without even breaking stride.
Lost $100,000 on a business deal? No biggie. Key employee quits? Yawn. Getting audited by the IRS? Wake me up when something important happens. Next to fusing my spinal vertebrae together, shattering my legs, or nearly drowning in my own mucus, none of it is honestly that big of a deal.
This, my friends, is the advantage of pain. The more you experience, the more you can handle in the future, and the less it knocks you off your game.
The way you respond to that pain is another matter, which we’ll talk about in a moment. For now, the point I want to make is this: if you feel depressed and weak, unable to cope with the difficulties of life, it’s not because you are a flawed human being. It’s because you were unprepared for the pain you are experiencing. The problem, ironically, is that you haven’t suffered enough.
The opposite is also true. If you want to become a stronger and more capable person, the smartest thing you can do is systematically (and safely) increase your pain tolerance.
For example, Tim Ferriss recommends lying down in the middle of a crowded public place like a supermarket or a coffee shop. You’ll feel like a fool, but the experience will condition you to deal with embarrassment and discomfort in the future.
The bottom line?
The degree of success you achieve in life is directly proportional to the amount of pain you can tolerate. If you ever want to accomplish big things like building a successful business, becoming the best in your field, or changing the world in some way, you need to start training yourself to endure the pain all those things require. It’ll also prepare you for the next time life punches you in the face, which is inevitable.
The only caveat is you have to keep the right mindset. If you respond to pain the wrong way, it makes you weaker, not stronger. Let’s talk about how to make sure that doesn’t happen…
Lesson #3: The Secret to Survival
In 2006, a teenager who we’ll call Bill was late to work at Wendy’s. Worried that his boss was going to fire him, he decided to floor it, driving through the city at 85 miles per hour, weaving in and out of traffic, running red lights, and squealing around corners. At first, everything went fine, but then something happened…
He plowed into my minivan going through an intersection. He was going so fast that it nearly ripped the entire front end of the van off, spinning me like a top in the street. My head went through the window, knocking me out, and when I woke up, I was stuffed underneath the dashboard, my 300 pound wheelchair lying on top of me, blood squirting out of my head, my legs shattered from my toes to my hips.
I spent the next month in the hospital. The bill was about $130,000, and not surprisingly, I discovered good ol’ Bill had crappy insurance, paying out a maximum of $20,000 for the accident. To top it off, doctors predicted it would take an entire year to recover enough to work or go back to school.
In other words, I was fucked.
As if it wasn’t enough that I was already dealing with Medicaid, poverty, and muscular dystrophy. Life decided to pile on a little extra, just to see how much I could take.
And honestly? It was a miracle I didn’t crack.
How easy would it have been to sink into despair? Or rage against the unfairness? Or maybe even take a little bit too much morphine one day and end it all?
But I didn’t. Mostly, I was able to handle it because I’d been conditioned by all the other difficulties of my life, but it was also because I deliberately shifted my perspective.
The people who struggle most are the ones who can’t accept the incessant unfairness of life. They become so consumed with what should have happened, the way other people should have behaved that they become incapable of dealing with reality.
If I allowed myself to be angry at Bill for even one moment, I may have sunk into a pit of rage and despair so deep I would’ve never climbed out of it. Instead, I forced myself to say, “Okay, this is my life now. What’s next?” After all, I couldn’t change what happened. The only thing I had control over was how I responded to that change, and the first and most critical response was total and complete acceptance.
A lot of people view acceptance as weakness. They think that, if they accept what’s happened to them, they’ll be admitting defeat.
But it’s the opposite. It’s only by acknowledging reality that you can create a plan to change that reality. Acceptance, as it turns out, is the first step to victory.
Following the accident, I hired an attorney who fought the insurance companies, the hospital, everyone. It took months, but he eventually settled my medical bills and gave me enough money to purchase a new car, totally debt-free. Meanwhile, I focused on my rehab, completing it in six months instead of the year doctors predicted, and I resumed my life even healthier than I was before the accident.
The point?
We’ve all heard the cliché about turning lemons into lemonade, but to do that, you can’t be pissed off at the lemons, go into denial about the existence of the lemons, or get depressed because you’re tired of making lemonade. You just have to grab a lemon and squeeze the shit out of the motherfucker.
Or better yet, just discard the lemons-to-lemonade metaphor entirely. Here’s a much better way to think about it:
Lesson #4: The Art of the Counterpunch
Remember how we talked about the importance of being able to take a punch?
Well, it’s only the first step. Once you’ve built some endurance, it’s time to learn how to fight back.
Consider this:
In boxing, every beginner learns the importance of the counterpunch. By attacking you, your opponent has to let his guard down, and it creates a brief but very real opportunity for you to sneak in a blow. You just have to train yourself to spot the opening.
Ironic, isn’t it? The best time to attack your opponent turns out to be right after he attacks you. In fact, the stronger the attack, the bigger the opportunity for a counterpunch.
And it’s true for more than just boxing. In life, every difficulty carries with it a corresponding opportunity of equal size.
For example, let’s go back to the car accident from the last section. I mentioned how I got an attorney to settle the medical bills and dedicated myself to rehab, completing it in half the time, but I didn’t tell you the best part of the story.
In between rehab visits, I had a lot of free time on my hands. A lot of people would’ve flopped down in front of the TV and zoned out, but thankfully, I had the presence of mind to recognize the opportunity. I’d always wanted to write more, but I’d never had the time… until the accident. So, I seized the opportunity and got my gimpy ass to work.
At first, it was only a journal, a way of jotting down my thoughts and emotions as a way to cope with the trauma. I enjoyed it so much I decided to start a blog, and within 60 days, it got nominated as one of the best blogs in the world. Following the nomination, I got an offer to help run an up-and-coming magazine, the one that eventually helped me launch my consulting practice when I got to Mexico, allowing me to live the life of my dreams.
Was it luck? A mere twist of fate that turned tragedy into triumph?
Not at all. It was a deliberate counterpunch, a way of taking the force of the blow life had dealt me and turning it to my advantage.
It’s just one of many throughout my life. Here are some more:
Punch: None of the cool kids in school want to be friends with me, because the wheelchair makes them uncomfortable. I become an outcast.
Counterpunch: I hang out with the other outcasts: nerds. They teach me how to code, and I’m writing my own software by the age of 12.
Punch: I can’t play sports, go swimming, or any of the other fun stuff kids do. I’m stuck inside, trapped in a body that can’t move.
Counterpunch: To keep from going crazy, I read half a dozen books a week. By the time I graduate high school, I’ve read more than most of my teachers.
Punch: I get accepted into MIT, but I’m dirt poor. For a year, I beg for help, but everyone ignores me. I have to turn down the offer.
Counterpunch: I apply to my somewhat crappy local university, and they offer me a full scholarship. I graduate debt-free.
Again, it looks like luck, but it’s not. The people we call “lucky” are ruled by the same fickle hand of fate as everyone else. The difference: when that hand turns against them, they look around, and they spot the opening.
The moral of the story:
The next time life punches you in the face, stop for a moment and ask yourself this simple question:
What’s the counterpunch?
No matter how bad the situation, no matter how hopeless it seems, there is always an opportunity to turn it to your advantage. You just have to discipline yourself to spot the opening, and then find the courage to use it.
Lesson #5: How to Find the Courage to Face Anything
The heart monitor flatlined.
I was lying in a shabby little bed in a nursing home you’ve never heard of. For years, I’d drifted toward death, and blessedly, mercifully, it was finally here. My heart stopped, my limbs quivered, and my bowels let loose, filling the air with a sickly stench. One last breath escaped my lips, and I was gone.
A few minutes later, a nurse walked into the room, wrinkling her nose at the stink. Pulling out her clipboard, she glanced at her watch and wrote down the time of death. Next, she pulled out her phone and called the morgue. “Got another one for you. Room 305,” she told them. With that, she pulled a sheet over my head and left the room. Two days later, they cremated me, and that, as they say, was that.
Pretty depressing, right?
Obviously, none of this ever happened. I wouldn’t be writing right now if it did.
But it could’ve happened. Years ago, if I’d made different decisions, I could’ve easily ended up in a nursing home somewhere. Crazily, it could still happen now. A few missteps, and I could lose everything, dying broken, useless, and alone.
And I’ll be straight up with you:
It scares the hell out of me. More than anything. You could pull out a gun, shove the barrel in my mouth, and start counting, and it wouldn’t even come close to scaring me as much as the scene I described.
Dying is one thing. A pointless death where no one notices or cares is quite another. To me at least.
Here’s why I am telling you this:
Every now and again, somebody asks me how I found the courage to move to Mexico with no money, no friends, and no backup plan. There are a gazillion different ways it could have gone wrong. I could’ve been robbed and murdered by thieves along the highway, scammed by immigration officials, or starved to death because I couldn’t afford food. Let’s face it, Mexico can be a dangerous place, and moving there in my condition was absolute insanity.
I knew this. I’ve never been one of those delusional people who thinks nothing bad will ever happen to them. On the contrary, I was pretty sure I was about to die, and I was scared shitless. When we drove across the border, I was sweating and shaking so much I was worried that immigration guys would think I was on drugs.
So, why did I do it? Why didn’t I turn back to the relative safety of the U.S.?
Well, my thought process went like this:
Worry: I could be scammed by immigration officials.
Response: True, but that’s still better than dying in a nursing home.
Worry: I could be killed by robbers along the highway
Response: True, but that’s still better than dying in a nursing home.
Worry: I could starve to death because I can’t afford food.
Response: True, but that’s still better than dying in a nursing home.
In other words… yes, I was terrified, but a sad, quiet little death in a nursing home terrified me more. I consciously and deliberately harnessed that fear, using it to propel me to do things everyone thought were insane.
And that’s how courage works. The people we think of as heroes don’t have a mystical ability to transcend fear. To them, the alternative to taking action is simply unacceptable. They do what needs to be done, not because they want to, but because they feel there is no other choice.
Same for me. To get myself to take action, I didn’t meditate, clear my mind, and proceed to do the impossible with calmness and confidence. I woke up each morning and pictured what would happen if I didn’t act. I envisioned the heart monitor, the nurse, my body being pushed into the flames. I deliberately put myself into a state of such intense terror that everything I had to do felt manageable by comparison.
It’s dark, I know, but it’s also an immense secret. If you find yourself paralyzed by fear, the only way out is often to find something that scares you more. Imagine what will happen if you do nothing, make it so real in your mind that you’re about to jump out of your skin, and then harness that energy to do the crazy things you need to do.
To be clear, I’m not suggesting you live your life in fear. The moment you’ve faced down the impossible situation, stop torturing yourself. Adopt a positive attitude, and go about your life.
But if you’re just trying to survive?
Fear is fuel. So burn, baby, burn.
Lesson #6: Embrace the Crazy
The world is full of people who will tell you to “be reasonable.” You should have reasonable goals, reasonable expectations, a reasonable attitude.
But listen…
Was it reasonable for me to give up all my government benefits and move to a country not exactly known for its stellar medical care?
Was it reasonable to work 40+ hours a week for a company that didn’t pay me a dime?
Was it reasonable for me to start a business when failure would’ve meant starving to death on the streets of Mexico?
Not in the slightest. It was actually pretty crazy.
Here’s the thing, though:
If you’re in a crazy situation, sometimes the only way out is to make a bold move that appears insane, but it’s not, because the alternative is worse.
For instance, I’ll readily admit that working for a company full-time without asking for a penny in return is a dumb idea most of the time. Compared to the alternative of not working at all though, it’s actually a smart move.
The problem is, we’re not used to thinking that way. We’re so used to evaluating options on their own merits that we become paralyzed in situations where all the options are bad.
The solution is to train yourself to at least acknowledge the crazy alternatives. Whenever you’re making a decision, ask yourself, “What are the options I’m not considering because they seem too crazy?” You don’t have to choose the crazy option, but you should still train yourself to recognize it, because there might come a day when you need it.
Here’s a current example from my life:
I cope with a fair amount of back pain. This surprises some people, because they assume I can’t feel anything from the neck down, but I can. My disease only affects the motor neurons, not the sensory ones, so I’m able to feel just as much as anyone. Most days, the pain is manageable, but sometimes it’s unbearable.
The typical treatment options: narcotics, anti-inflammatories, herbal therapies, surgery, exercise, stretching, chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture, a new wheelchair seating system, and lots of other reasonable things.
But what are the unreasonable options?
In order of increasing craziness, I could…
- Buy a $5,000 bed that’s like floating on a pocket of air, lie down in it, and never move again, conducting all my business from bed for the rest of my life.
- Destroy all the nerve endings in my back, making it totally numb. Believe it or not, this is an actual medical procedure. It’s called denervation.
- Sever my spine, losing not only sensation but also the ability to breathe without a respirator. Obvious drawbacks, and I’m not sure I could get a doctor to do it, but still better than the last option…
- Suicide
Am I seriously considering any of these options?
Hell no! The pain isn’t nearly bad enough to take such drastic measures.
But it’s also comforting to be prepared for the worst. No matter how bad it gets, I always know I have options. If I’m forced to explore those options, I’ve prepared in advance, so I’m not trying to figure it all out in the moment.
The bottom line?
No matter how impossible the situation seems, you’re never trapped. There are always options.
And that brings us to the final lesson…
Lesson #7: Never, never, never give up
My mother rammed her hands into my ribs, forcing the air from my lungs. I coughed, the mucus rattling deep in my chest.
And then I screamed.
A few weeks earlier, I’d caught pneumonia, a respiratory infection that’s dangerous for a healthy person and a near-death sentence for someone like me. I didn’t have the strength to cough the mucus up myself, so doctors taught my mother to thrust her hands into my ribs, supplying the necessary force.
And it worked, but then something terrible happened:
My ribs cracked. Worse, the bones would grind together and fracture a little more every time my mother helped me cough.
But we couldn’t stop. If we did, doctors were absolutely certain I would suffocate and die.
So, literally hundreds of times per day, my mother would shove on my broken ribs. I screamed, I cried, I begged her to stop. Still a child, I couldn’t understand why she had to hurt me so much. Even today, I marvel that she could bring herself to do it.
But she did. For weeks.
One night, when I was lying in bed, wheezing and whimpering, she brought this little plaque of a quote from Winston Churchill and put it on the table beside me. It sits on my desk now.
“Say the words,” she said.
I shook my head. “It hurts.”
“Whisper them, then,” she said, and so I did. Every night, she would push on my ribs a dozen times before going to bed, and every night, she would make me whisper the words…
Never, never, never give up.
Hokey? Yes, but it worked. I never gave up, not because I was strong or brave or special, but because my mother wouldn’t let me.
And now I want to do the same for you.
Sooner or later, we all reach a point in life where our trials become unbearable. Determination turns to despair, self-confidence becomes self-pity, and our hope for a better tomorrow dwindles and dies, replaced by a grim certainty that our life is over.
But it’s not. We simply need someone to remind us that triumph over adversity isn’t about being the strongest or the smartest, the “perfect” human being who can overcome anything life throws at them. On the contrary, the greatest victories are won by the weakest people, living in the darkest times, facing monsters that make even the stoutest heroes cower and run.
And yet they prevail. Not through riches or genius or even luck, but by setting their jaw, bracing their feet, and weathering the storm. They don’t defeat misfortune; they outlast it, clinging stubbornly to their spot, absorbing blow after blow, roaring their defiance into the wind until their lips crack and their voice breaks, and yet still they find the strength to whisper, “I will never, ever give up.”
You can be one of those people. I know you can, and so I came here to tell you…
Today, you might feel too poor or sick or unlucky to reach for your dreams, but you’re not.
Today, you might feel too tired or depressed or sad to even try, but you’re not.
Today, you might feel like an outcast, forgotten by your friends or family or anyone who might help you, but again, you are not.
You’re still breathing, my friend. That’s all it takes to stage a comeback.
So, say it with me now, would you?
“I will never, ever give up.”
Say it. Believe it.
And then recognize you’ve begun the journey to becoming totally unstoppable.
Dec 30, 2016 @ 3:19 pm
What a wonderful and insightful article, Jon. Exactly the words I’ve needed to hear lately. Thanks for sharing!
Dec 30, 2016 @ 5:16 pm
I have sbuscribed because i want to see how this story carries on. Inspirational indeed.
Dec 30, 2016 @ 5:19 pm
Jon, I am going to be a complete sappy female and say it, ” I LOVE YOU!” You are so inspiring! I have been a nurse for over 25 years. Taking care of people is my HEART not my paycheck so when I was involved in a potentially career ending injury earlier this year the demons of despair and depression have been trying their best to sink their claws into me. NO NO NO! I have a bracelet that says, “you were given this life to live because you are strong enough to live it. NEVER GIVE UP!” So I managed to get my first book published and started a blog! And now that I have time to write, my writing has improved 110% because I took one of your classes! You are an incredible human being and a treasure to everyone who is blessed enough to come in contact with you! Thank you for all you do and share with us all! Let’s throw some more counter punches together! Let me know if you need a private duty nurse! I love Mexico!
Dec 30, 2016 @ 5:39 pm
Alana. I had a debilitating ataxic stroke in 2005 and have always believed that you need to “Get up and get going” as my to-be-published title says. Like Jon I’m unstoppable!
And thank you for being a nurse for so many years 🙂
Dec 31, 2016 @ 3:58 am
It is well with your soul. Remain blessed and favoured.
Dec 31, 2016 @ 9:41 am
WOW!!!!
Dec 31, 2016 @ 3:08 pm
A perfect end of the year message in these difficult times. Believe in yourself and Never, Never, Never Give Up! I am forwarding your inspirational story to all my friends.
Dec 31, 2016 @ 9:27 pm
Hi Alana,
I just wanted to tell you a story about my sister. She has been a nurse for over 40 years. Her physical health has made it very difficult for her to keep up in her profession. She has jumped jobs many times in the past few years, because she can’t handle many of the physical things in nursing. She was feeling like a failure. She finally got a job as a phone triage nurse! It’s the perfect fit! All of her years of experience are making her a fabulous phone nurse, yet she gets to sit at a desk in a comfy ergonomic chair all day which has leveled the playing field for her. You made me think of her! Good Luck and keep up the good work!
Jan 2, 2017 @ 1:43 pm
How awesome, your sister found her “counterpunch”! I really want to take this article and brand it in my soul, so I can remember his wise words…Thank you, Jon for sharing your wisdom! You are such a fine human being, and your life strategies are so smart, and empowering! I found a quote some time ago that I wrote down on a post-it-note, author unknown, “Create what you want, instead of being stuck in what you didn’t have”.
You are the perfect example of that, and I really look up to you, and appreciate you sharing your way of etting what you want out of life, one counterpunch at a time. ♡
Mel
Dec 31, 2016 @ 11:46 pm
Jon, I was so moved by your story! My name is Steve Tetreault. I’m 35 years old, I live in Rhode Island, I’m a partner in 2 real estate LLC’s & I too am a quadriplegic! I was born with a rare neuromuscular disorder similar to MD, only not degenerative. At the age of 22, I was a loan officer for a prominent bank. I was leaving a business meeting, on my way to catch a bus I was struck down in my wheelchair by a lady who like you had shitty insurance & I lost my right leg 4 inches above the knee. I live & suffer in constant pain from the accident, but like you, I never gave up! Eight years ago, my ex gave birth to my only son & he keeps me going. I’d love the chance to become friends with you, I never in my life would have thought I could have so much in common with another human being! I’m including my personal email in this reply (in case you don’t get the one I need to leave below in order to post this) my email is [email protected]. I really hope you’ll reach out to me, I have lots of friends, but never feel like they could fully understand me & I think you probably feel the same way. I think we’d be great friends & could help each other. God Bless you for sharing your amazing story with everyone, you’re truly an inspiration to all of us!
Jan 1, 2017 @ 1:46 pm
Epic, feel every similary, Jon ure a Legend.
Jan 3, 2017 @ 12:55 pm
Thank you for sharing your incredible story. I love your writing. And I have applied some of your writing tactics in my writing for Forbes.com.
Jan 3, 2017 @ 2:20 pm
Wow! If this doesn’t kick your ass into gear, nothing will. In the 70s, having a framed copy of the poem Desiderata hung on on your wall, was very popular. I’m thinking you could sell framed copies of this post in 2017. These times call for us not to lie down and cry but to stand up and use our Voice to create what we want to see in the world. Inspiring words, indeed. Sending gratitude for your work in the world.
Jan 3, 2017 @ 5:49 pm
Jan, I’m going to post this for my Facebook biz group–If Jon can write great blogs and books, so can my students and clients! I remember the Desiderata on my office wall. What inspriration! I’ve had numerous set backs myself and don’t even tell the stories much today. I’m standing in my truths-the truths to set authors free so they write outstanding books!
Jan 3, 2017 @ 2:20 pm
Jon,
There is reason why you are my hero!
Dec 30, 2016 @ 5:21 pm
I’m so excited to be part of something new with you. Congratulations! (I got to the final stages of a position over at SmartBlogger a few moons ago.)
Dec 30, 2016 @ 5:21 pm
Jon, you are the most amazing and inspiring guy I have ever “read”. Thank you, thank you, thank you
Dec 30, 2016 @ 5:40 pm
Jon, You are such an inspiration to all of us. But I guess you already know that. What you may not know is that with this email you stopped me from doing something crazy, thinking and believing that MY life was, oh, so miserable. Thank you thank you. So many people love you, and now you have one more, me!
Dec 30, 2016 @ 5:43 pm
Every single time I read through this article I cry. Not because it is so sad that I am unable to contain my sadness but because it is so damn relevant to my life at this moment. So thank you, legitimately this is something I needed to read at this point in my journey. I will not miss another post. I am not as eloquently spoken as you, nor as insightful, but today I am encouraged to not fall into the path that is expected or “reasonable” but to forge the unique path of which I know, deep down I am capable.
Thank you a million times.
I will never, ever give up.
Dec 30, 2016 @ 5:46 pm
Jon,
I started following you about a year ago, or maybe it hasn’t quite been that long. I recognized from the beginning that you are someone special. I had already become familiar with some of your back-story, and I’m a fan, but what you’ve written here takes the experience you’ve been sharing to a whole ‘nother level. What a gift to give to others. You are freaking Rad Awesome!
Dec 30, 2016 @ 5:59 pm
What a story ! I passed this on to my staff who feel life isn’t fair for them at time
Dec 30, 2016 @ 6:05 pm
(Cardiovascular Nurse) Your story was so touching; I forward your story to a nurse(Beth) who has awesome skills as a writer but she hasn’t hit her goal yet, but I know this story will provide fuel to her passion which is writing ..
thanks
NurseNita
Dec 30, 2016 @ 6:20 pm
Jon, thanks for sharing your story! I was so inspired, I shared the link with my (adult) children.
I look forward to reading more of your posts & wish you a Happy New Year!
Tren
Dec 30, 2016 @ 6:31 pm
Crying by the end of this. Incredible post, Jon. Thank you for the encouragement!! And looking forward to following this new site. Cheers!!
Dec 30, 2016 @ 6:37 pm
I look forward to following you, Jon. Gloria
Dec 30, 2016 @ 6:42 pm
I find you amazing every time I read your story. You are a gifted genius who gives to everyone who reads what your write. Thanks for reminding me to never, never, never give up! Your mother is also a gifted genius, I hope she is still hear to be with you.
Dec 30, 2016 @ 6:43 pm
All I can say is, Wow, this came right on time. Your message spoke right to my heart. You are an earth angel for sure. Great, great, authenticity at its best. Courage is your middle name. You are very very special and thank you. I did not take any of this advice lightly, it is sooo very true and I am going to apply it. Thank YOU!
Dec 30, 2016 @ 6:49 pm
Jon, thank you for sharing your story. I will share it in hopes of inspiration to others. Survival, survivor, driven, the plethora of words cannot fully describe the internal drive to keep on keeping on. I look forward to following you. Hugs.
Cheers and Happy New Year.
Dec 30, 2016 @ 6:52 pm
Dude…
This was …a moving writeup of “simple genius”.
So many points you make resonate with struggles, not a surprise, but the way you place the words, the correct ones, in that specific correct order makes your message come through so clear. As you say, if you don’t take action when fallen down, what is the option? Keep lying down? – Not an option for you. And if it were, it would be only a way to wither. It’s not life, it’s a mechanic choice, to just breathe. To live is be here with a passion. You rock so much! I am humbled by you. Your mother is a total badass by the way!!! You deserve all the success you are having and more.
Kickin’ ass and takin’ names, making a “healthy” person feel bloated. Down to earth here we go. Thank you!
Dec 30, 2016 @ 6:56 pm
Jon,
Thanks for sharing your story. It resonates very deeply with me. I have CRPS/RSD, Myofascial Pain Syndrome 24/7 pain no cure and no hope as well as 23 other diagnosed conditions including Manic Depression / Bipolar Disorder. I bought the razor blades to end my life last February and having medical training knew how to carry things out. I had a friend step in and I was lucky.
After reading your article I can truthfully say I will always keep a printed copy nearby for when my mind goes that direction again….to end things…..and I know now your article will forever stop my attempts.
I am forever grateful to you for sharing your battles and explaining about counter punches too. I’ve always been a fighter my entire life……like you, I have survived so much. Those counter punches you talked about and how they open doors or you find opportunities in them…….with your article you have blown the doors right off for me and my mind is now wide open.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!
Blessings Be Jon………Blessings Be. 🙂
Jan 1, 2017 @ 9:11 am
Blessing to you too dear
Jan 3, 2017 @ 2:10 pm
I too suffer from CRPS/RSD and a myriad of other issues including but not limited to: migraines, myofascial syndrome, cervicalgia, and more. I have a Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant to help me walk and drive, I have had 2 denervations on my neck & 1 on my leg & 3 Prolotherapies on my right ankle all in the last 12 months, then was laid off from my job and then lost my apartment. By the Grace of God and a dear friend I have a roof over my head but not much more than that, so I completely understand where you are coming from! This article was so inspiring & came at the perfect time for me as well! Every day is a battle through the pain but I have every day & will make the most of it, trying to better myself and help others. God Bless You and keep fighting! I intend to and am going to be reading more about this amazing man, he is my inspiration now!
Dec 30, 2016 @ 7:39 pm
I have never commented on a blog post before… ever.
But your story is so inspiring and the tenets you outline match my modus operandi 100%.
Not letting anything hold you back is the only way to live life – wishing you all the best in 2017!
Dec 31, 2016 @ 11:30 pm
Dayna and Dennis and countless others…I met Jon in 2002 in an online real estate forum and met him in person without knowing of his disability while he was in college. Man he blew me away then. Blows me away now. I visited him when he was in the hospital when he was in his accident and the man is the bravest person I have ever met. The only guy I ever take a notebook for our meetings. Just wanted to get it all on paper. My take away, the making meaning manifesto. Grateful always Jon for the perspective and glad to be paying it back now. Thanks for everything.
Dec 30, 2016 @ 8:02 pm
Thank you, Jon, for this empowering piece. God bless you!
Dec 30, 2016 @ 8:08 pm
Coincidence? Well, let’s just say I was contemplating how to overcome my permanent discomfort due to my spine collapsing in the two places affected by radiotherapy 40 years ago.
Next!
Thanks Jon. Amazing!
Dec 30, 2016 @ 8:21 pm
Hi Jon I really enjoyed reading this post. I am a paraplegic from Spina Bifida and in recent years have become an adventure seeker. A lot of what you talked about rings true in my life as well but it seemed to resonate more reading it from someone else and with the examples from your life. I started a blog also a couple years ago about my adventures and have been working to try to start a life of adventure and be able to do more. I recently completed an ascent of El Capitan and am working toward skiing up Mt. Rainier. I look forward to reading more from you and hope you might find my blog interesting as well. I would also love some pointers or honest feedback if you have any.
Dec 30, 2016 @ 8:35 pm
Hi Jon,
Thanks for another beautiful although sometimes hard to read tickle. You are such a huge inspiration and I love that you turn everything around so you can help us. Dang that is pretty Saint like. Thank you for everything you do.
XO Chris
Dec 30, 2016 @ 8:41 pm
Jon, totally inspirational. Passed this on to several people.
Dec 30, 2016 @ 8:56 pm
THANK YOU JON. for the inspiration to keep going in spite of my pain, for showing me I must have the GUTS to Grab the Urge To Survive no matter how difficult it is.
Dec 30, 2016 @ 8:59 pm
How do I subscribe to your blog after reading your post and not signing up at the pop up?
Dec 31, 2016 @ 9:25 am
Hi Kathy,
you can sign up for updates on the homepage: https://unstoppable.me/
Dec 30, 2016 @ 9:00 pm
You completely rock, Jon! I admire your attitude, spirit and unstoppable way of being.
I just launched a program called, “My Awesome Life Starts Now,” and would love to interview you, (if that’s a possibility). In the meantime, I’ll be sharing this with the group!
Dec 30, 2016 @ 9:13 pm
Hi Jon,
You are an inspiration to us all.
Making the world a better place, a day a time, is the best we can do. Lots of people do just that, which is great, but with your leadership and new blog, many more will be inspired to join or to do more of it. The state the world is in, just what the doctor ordered.
With thanks for encouraging me in so many ways, I wish you and your blog much success in 2017 and beyond.
Dec 30, 2016 @ 9:32 pm
Very inspiring! Thank you for this! It came at the right time. ❤️
Dec 30, 2016 @ 9:52 pm
Jon,
I had the privilege to talk to you in your Bootstrapper’s Bootcamp with Johnny B Truant a few years back. It remains to be one of the highlights of my career online.
I remember mentioning it was around 2 am my time and you said something like “Damn… we better deliver”. And you didn’t disappoint then until now.
You’re an inspiration to me and I always share your story with my audience. Keep rocking.
I hope to get a chance to talk to you one day again.
Dec 30, 2016 @ 9:54 pm
YES, JON‼
YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT‼
Dec 30, 2016 @ 10:01 pm
Thank you for this. have A husband who has COPD and is on Oxygen.this is just one of the health problems he has had over the 40 years we have been together. I love the above story. It was my email at the right time. I have total knee replacement surgery 10-17-2016 had a few hitches in my get along with meds, blood preasure. So today 12-30-2016 they had to go in and make my knee bend. I managing and doing ok. Like I said My husband Has COPD. and gets down i dealt with a lot of the bad addittudes . I am always telling him lesson 7. I tell him where there is a will there is always a way. The story above proves that. Again thank you.
Dec 30, 2016 @ 10:15 pm
What an amazing story. I knew that you were disabled — and even got the idea from the photos I’d seen that yours was a sort of Steven Hawking story — but the way you’ve lived your life, since you were a child (!) is absolutely inspiring. I’m generally one of those people who thinks “Even on my worst days, my life is a whole lot better than many, many, many people in this world. When I’m feeling sorry for myself, that’s the time I need to remember just how GOOD my life really is.” Thank you for writing this, Jon. You’ve inspired me — at least for today. What a great year-end gift to take into 2017 as a reason to never, never, never give up!!!
Dec 30, 2016 @ 10:41 pm
Amazing real life..
Wish you all the best
Dec 30, 2016 @ 10:45 pm
Thank you, Jon. I will never, ever give up. I’m making that promise to you.
Jan 2, 2017 @ 3:48 pm
Awesome. ,The degree of success you achieve in life is directly proportional to the amount of pain you can tolerate’ Put this on the computer stick note !
Dec 31, 2016 @ 12:04 am
Jon,
I woke up each morning and pictured what would happen if I didn’t act
You have really helped put things into perspective, I have taken a few punches and thrown a few counter-punches; but I have never thought of it in such elegant and inspiring terms. Thank you, I want you to know that your pain is helping me ‘judo-throw’ mine into pure unadulterated determination. Thank you again, because I can’t say it enough; “NEVER GIVE UP!”.
Dec 31, 2016 @ 12:47 am
I didn’t know how lucky I was until I read this.
Jon, you’re heaven sent.
My key take away, ‘If you can’t win the game, change the rules’ and Never ever give up! Once I become a millionaire, I’ll come to meet you because I owe it all to you.
Dec 31, 2016 @ 1:10 am
You are without a doubt the biggest inspiration to anyone out there including me.Ive always wanted to write for outdoors magazine’s ! Now I’m definitely going to do it.Any input or criticism for a beginner is welcomed.
Dec 31, 2016 @ 1:14 am
Jon-
Thank you for this read, wow.
Thank you
Dec 31, 2016 @ 1:25 am
Jon, Just the push I needed to jump in feet first and go for it. A challenge I want to tackle, but needed a big nudge. You are the nudge and and the inspiration that will help propel me forward. Thank you big time for sharing all these insights. I’m off and running. If I score this one, I will let you know!
Dec 31, 2016 @ 1:27 am
Jon
I so needed you in my life right now. What a blessing. As with many others here, a lifetime of chronic pain that never ends and no cure. With that, emotional criminal traumas of the past that play in my head when I least expect it and a new one this year. I am a sweet kind person and I often ask what did I do in my past life to deserve all of this and is there a purpose for me in my life. This year was the hardest keeping my head above water and I look for books on inspiration and the authors think that divorce or a death is a trauma. They don’t know what trauma is. Like you said, being beaten up every day. You have given me something concrete and valuable to think about and focus on. My work is not useless and neither am I. Thank you, hun. You are wonderful. Angela Tahara
Jan 2, 2017 @ 12:45 am
Thanks a lot, Jon, You are an Inspiration to many and me too as to Angela Tahara.
Angela, it is not your past life nor your fault for suffering , as you are .
Press on your life and Trust in GOD and keep hoping for the best.GOD bless Jopn and Angela and others out htere going through pain.
Love you all and GOD loves you. ROb.
Dec 31, 2016 @ 1:49 am
Jon,
I can relate on so many levels. Each and every point is true and I’ve lived it and am living it myself. My circumstances are very different, born 48 yrs ago at 25 weeks gestation, Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy, Post Impairment Syndrome, failed surgeries, chronic severe and ever increasing pain.
My motto is: Onwards…Regardless!
I’ll leave my business website, there’s a video there you can watch, if you wish.
As you know, you’re not alone…we’re all on this journey. It just varies in its degrees and some of us have been in the refiner’s fire for our entire lives. Once the refiner takes us out…well, it’s all silver and gold.
Just saying. 🙂
Dec 31, 2016 @ 2:12 am
Jon you were truly inspiring .
Thanks.
Dec 31, 2016 @ 2:45 am
Just perfect , Disember 2016 will mark the worst time of my life
Great Read , really opened my eyes and i feel wonderful after quite sometime
Thanks mate
Wish you Merry Xmas and Happy New Year .. Happy Holidays
Dec 31, 2016 @ 3:21 am
Thank you. You are an inspiration!
Dec 31, 2016 @ 3:40 am
Thank you Jon, truly inspiring words
Dec 31, 2016 @ 3:55 am
WOW. SIMPLY WOW. That’s what I thought when giving this article a read over. So much to learn and it made me think “if this guy can do it, then anyone can do it.” Shared! And never give up!
Dec 31, 2016 @ 4:01 am
Never Ever Give Up
Dec 31, 2016 @ 4:39 am
Reading this on the day before you make those Resolutions for Next Year.
Have a goal that I’ve been working on…just about decided to Give Up and dig a hole somewhere else to hide in.
NOT.
Never, Never, Never give up.
Find another Counter Punch.
Begin today, don’t wait for 1-1-2017.
Inspiring? Yes.
“But that doesn’t work. You must plant the seed inside yourself and nurture it.” ~me.
Thank you Jon.
Dec 31, 2016 @ 6:00 am
You saved my life tonight. 6 years of debilitating intractable, SPREADING nerve pain that is killing me bit by bit. You got to me. Never, never, never, give up. Thank you.
Dec 31, 2016 @ 6:56 am
What a great story and at such a fitting time for me in my journey. You are a true inspiration as many have posted already.
When I was young I was called stubborn and then I learned the word tenacious. I prefer to think of myself as tenacious. The word just sound nicer to me. You are definitely tenacious and amazing.
I just found your work about a month ago and love reading your articles. Such an inspiration to me as a writer. Thank you so much for sharing your courage with the world.
Dec 31, 2016 @ 6:58 am
Jon, It’s New Year’s Eve here in Australia. I’ve had a crap few years culminating in my having to cut my son loose after fruitless attempts to get him to see how his father has been emotionally abusing him and turning him against me. Birthdays and other special occasions are painful instead of joyous because my son has turned against me and doesn’t visit me and everything twisted to be my fault.
I’ve been annoyed with myself because I am a fighter and usually comeback like a raging bull using the actions of the aggressor to catapult myself to success. Why couldn’t I this time? I’d feebily made up my mind that at the stroke of midnight this was going to end and I was going to let my son go and I was going to use this situation to make a success of myself in the areas that I have chosen and nothing was going to stop it – I would have tunnel vision to get the success I was after. But somehow the stubborn resolve still was here.
Then I read your story – what have I got to whinge about? I’m not the first or last mother to be in my position. Thanks for the kick up the butt. Happy New Year!
Dec 31, 2016 @ 7:31 am
thanks for the inspiration , i was feeling sorry for myself , since i am stuck in a wheelchair , with MS . Trying to come put with themes for the new year, and goals for the new year, your story gives me inspiration and ideas . I will read over and over whenever i am depressed , thank you thank you thank you . Next step , trying to become Facebook friends with you and subscribe to your blog, and then pick your brains about voice recognition technology . Thanks again
Jan 3, 2017 @ 1:23 pm
Andrew, just read Jon’s truly incredible and inspiring post. Noted your interest in voice recognition technology in your reply. I’m certainly not an expert but I have been using Dragon technology from Nuance now for the last five years. With the software I have written and published two full-length (140,000 word plus) novels. Just thought you might want to give the software a try for speech recognition.
I wish you all the luck and a happy new year! By the way this note was written with Dragon.
Dec 31, 2016 @ 8:16 am
Hi Jon, inspiring story and solid advice. Can’t wait to read your next post. And as always, I thank you for acknowledging the love of mothers.
This year Aaron, my son with autism, was abused and neglected by his “caregivers”. I raised hell, screamed and shouted but it was hopeless. Because of funding… we were “paralyzed by fear”, “punched in the face” again and again. Like you, I had nightmares about what would happen if we DIDN’T do something crazy. So, in order to be close to his brother (and future guardian) we gave up our son’s Medicaid in OH (doesn’t transfer states) and are in the process of moving where he had NO Benefits, long waiting lists, and poor adult services. And then the miracles started to happen. We found advocates to help us. Aaron moved into a new place Nov. 14th. He became a resident of the state and got Medicaid. He is in a MUCH BETTER situation. Yesterday we sold our house in OH and are moving ASAP so we can be close to Aaron and his brother. Aaron’s living situation is only temporary–another risk we had to take, but as you said that is how courage works. We faced our monsters, we took action–actually crazy-crazy action. Now our family has a future, shaky right now, but we’re out of the quicksand, at least for today. We don’t know how everything will work out, we’re scared as hell. But we took the counter-punch. We took action.
Thanks for sharing your story, leading by example, and helping us “Embrace the Crazy.”
Dec 31, 2016 @ 9:41 am
Dear Jon,
You are very inspiring. Although I am not in a wheelchair (yet) I am pretty old (78) and dealing with an autoimmune disease nobody every heard of and it keeps me on low energy and high maintenance although I’m sure your maintenance is much higher.
I have lots of fears around money and how to support myself now. I have been a reluctant real estate agent for years and I also am a good artist-painter. For the last 2 years I have done little real estate due to resistance and also my health issues.
I need to ramp up my real estate biz to pay bills, pay off credit cards, etc while building my art biz or some other business (passive income would be nice.) I’m also a pretty good writer but not sure how to make money with that. I’m going to read this post of yours every day for a while and hopefully more posts from your blog.
Thank you so much!
Nancy Darling
Dec 31, 2016 @ 10:17 am
Last day of this year and here I am typing this crap. Glad to meet ya sort of that is, read your stuff. I too am like all these other losers. Hurting, needing to yell out at the frigging world. But mainly at those that have given up on me and called me lazy, when I knew in my heart I wasn’t. I finally had my open heart surgery from those 2 heart attacks that no one knew I had. Only time now and my cardio rehab for the next 3 months will determine what my next move will be. Even joining the zipper club has given me absolutely no satisfaction at all yet. I say in my heart hundreds of times a day, “I told you so” it don’t help at all. I need to punch something. Talk later I presume, or why even type a word, right? L8R Dude.
Dec 31, 2016 @ 10:54 am
Thank you for never giving up and being a beautiful and kind human being to share your story and inspire people. And all my respect to your rocking and amazing mother.
Wishing you a blessed and healthy new year.
Dec 31, 2016 @ 11:30 am
Powerful. Thanks for sharing your experience and journey Jon.
Dec 31, 2016 @ 11:31 am
You are really a wonderful creation of God. You are so inspiring and amazing being. You are really a role model. Am much grateful for your word of inspiration and encouragement.
Dec 31, 2016 @ 11:34 am
Jonathon, I just read your article 12-30-16. I know you probably don’t remember us. I held you in the nursery at Grace Covenant and you went to school with our youngest daughter, Amanda. Thank you for the inspiration! My husband, Gary was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer metastasis to his bones in 2000. He was only 48. They told us to do what we wanted because he would be gone in 6-12 months. There was nothing to be done for him. He is still here. We have struggled and are surviving cancer, cardiac death, respiratory arrest, bone tumors, bone breaks, pneumonia, diabetes, Charcot syndrome……. we are so very tired. We have not given up. We are weary from the ‘punches’ and pain in this journey. We are not giving up. We have become dependent on Medicare and pay for a supplement. You have inspired me. I hope Gary will read as take your article to heart. He is very smart and educated, thinks outside the box. Any consul would be appreciated. God bless you.
Dec 31, 2016 @ 11:42 am
You Sir are an inspiration, Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us. We are all able to do so much more.
Thank you again, Im Unstoppable!
Dec 31, 2016 @ 12:13 pm
Jon~
The tenacity in your soul with which you live your life every day, is astounding. The message you gave me is, “how utterly ridiculous it is that I have not already accomplished my goals.” You have managed to kick me solidly in the butt……bet you didn’t know your right foot could do that, did you Jon?…….well, it just did.
Your “Unstoppable” mindset you so graciously give us through the 7 lessons, is behind the tenacity. I see “Unstoppable” as a template for me to use to make a complete change in my own pursuits…….no longer will I allow anything stop me.
Thank you Jon for sharing your amazing story. And yes, I have shared it twice.
Wayne
Dec 31, 2016 @ 12:35 pm
John,
Hard to even find the words to say thank you – I have neuropathy from the waist down and transitioned into a wheelchair about a month ago.
This is beyond fucking awesome. Love the bits about your Mom, you absolutely just paid it forward.
Thank you for helping me.
big love,
Ross
Dec 31, 2016 @ 1:11 pm
Thank you Jon for sharing such an inspiring message. What a wonderful New Years message. You are an amazing writer, and I really appreciate your insight and unstoppable attitude to life. I am excited to read more of your new blog site – Unstoppable. Happy New Year to you and all the best.
Dec 31, 2016 @ 1:24 pm
Thank you Jon! Inspiring to say the least, I was involved in an auto accident and a T3 para who volunteers my time at a local Fire Dept. Have always wanted to learn coding so I could write an ap for fire departments to use. I am encouraged by your story to say the least. I to have a no quit attitude and hope to someday become independently self supporting as I can relate to all the medicare and ssi restrictions put on those of us who can contribute and want to work!
Dec 31, 2016 @ 1:47 pm
All I can say is Wow, Jon! You are a true inspiration and this post has grabbed the deepest parts of my soul. I can feel your true grit and determination, which reminds me where those powerful forces are located within myself. Keep shining your bright light!
Dec 31, 2016 @ 2:27 pm
Amazing, Jon. Thank you for your positive perspective and for what you add to the world. Your story and input is helping me to be a more true version of myself and I appreciate that more than you know. Blessings to you in 2017 and may it be the best year yet!
Dec 31, 2016 @ 2:46 pm
That’s a motivational post! You are not just a man, you are “the man!” I will continue reading your posts and share your stories.
Dec 31, 2016 @ 2:50 pm
Jon,
Thank You.
Dec 31, 2016 @ 2:56 pm
I can testify to the efficacy of 2, 4, 5, and 7. These were the tactics I employed decades ago to give up a hard core addiction.
I didn’t have a Mother telling me to never give up. But I was a Mother who wouldn’t give up on sobriety for my son’s sake. Using the image of the future pain he would have to endure if I didn’t get my shit together gave me the courage to change.
Not for the faint-hearted, but a great motivator nonetheless.
Awesome post Jon, thank you.
Dec 31, 2016 @ 5:07 pm
Great New Year’s Day launch I love it. Your writing style is truthful, funny , insightful and wise helpful information. Thank you thank you you truly are unstoppable
Dec 31, 2016 @ 8:21 pm
Great Post! You really give a great inspiration to all of us. There many people that just want to give up, but you have strived and keep going. I hope everyone could take advice from you with your writings. Thanks!
Dec 31, 2016 @ 10:47 pm
You are very motivating, just what I needed for 2017.
Dec 31, 2016 @ 11:08 pm
Thank you for sharing this! Your lessons and the time it took to share them are much appreciated.
Happy New Year 2017!
Dec 31, 2016 @ 11:15 pm
Jon, here in the UK it’s 4am on the first day of 2017. Earlier on New Year’s Eve, I was feeling miserable and helpless. My life is full of problems all of which seemed insurmountable. Instead of going out to a New Year’s party at a friend’s house with my family, I decided I was going to stay at home and wallow in my own misery. While idly clicking on forums, I found a link to your blog. I read this page over several times then put on my glad rags and arrived at the party in time to ring in the New Year. Stayed dancing until 3am.
Your words, your attitude, your wisdom are inspiring and humbling. I’m going to take in your life lessons and put them into action. I am so glad I found you, I can’t thank you enough. Wishing you joy and success in all you do.
Jan 1, 2017 @ 12:10 am
Jon, Thank you so much for so deeply conveying the roller coaster aspects of your life. Your sincerity and openess are a true rareity in this world that I see anyway. I REALLY NEEDED to see and hear your thoughtful and kind words to realize I TOO am a STRONG person who struggles with severe pain, nausea, weight loss ESRD.and matters pertaining to all that but I am TRULY BLESSED to have a HOME TWO LOVING cats”MY BOYS” who keep me company a nice aid and a special couple friends in my life .God Bless you for Sharing your story and blessing others…DLS
Jan 1, 2017 @ 1:26 am
Hi Hon, thanks a lot for sharing your story. I am currently on a retreat where I am also preparing for my doctoral exams. There is no better time to read such an inspiring article. I will never, never, never give up. undoubtedly, I have some crazy experiences lately in my finances, health and marriage that almost got the better off me. I became depressed and at some time contemplated suicide. But my faith in God is restored and I am determine to give those unpleasant situations a counterpunch. Please I would be glad to always get across to you. I love you.
Jan 1, 2017 @ 4:06 am
Hi Jon, Thank you so much for sharing your life story with us. You are admirable, and a source of inspiration to many. That is all I can say.
As for the strenght and courage I can really relate to what you explained in this article.
Courage can be praised from distance but the nature of courage can be found only through experiences of our lives. Occasionally it has to be reached through adversity and struggle, sometimes it is achieved by acute physical accomplishment. But often courage takes on meaning when we go through deep suffering, when we experience the loss of someone or something that seemed essential and eternal to us. And our faith in life, in ourselves hits the line. We lose a loved one, a job, a relationship, our health, and our sense of continuity with life. We start staggering, screaming, crying. We become depressed, gloomy, despondent, or withdraw. And then days, weeks, years later we move from that outraged place. We move onwards, inwards. May be not in an easy or a certain way, but somehow we find a way to deal with it. We accept whatever it is. We accept the truth of that grief within ourselves. We accept the truth of that pain and loss with consent and compassion. The circumstances that are causing us grief don’t change when we begin to face them, but our guiding sense of how we can relate and connect to life will change.
Thank you again for your share, and GOD Bless your brave heart my friend.
Jan 1, 2017 @ 4:57 am
Back to 1994, I was mesmerized by watching the film Forrest Gump- a memoir by Tom Hanks. I never imagine it would happen again-today amazed by unstoppable Jon Morrow. Jon-I`ll be waiting if you ever write a full novel. You are a gifted writer.
Jan 1, 2017 @ 6:17 am
This is the best article I have ever read about not giving up and turning your losses to gains. Jon, you are so brave, smart and a lot more! I can’t thank you enough for penning down such precious words.
I hope to use this article to help me stay on course and to keep going even when it seems hard to continue. So, from all of us, thank you for not giving up!
Jan 1, 2017 @ 7:54 am
Holy shit Jon.
As a transformational coach and artist who prides herself as inspirational, this completely floored me.
I’ve known about you from your Copyblogger days, but I’ve never truly connected with you because I was off on my own drawing cartoons and trying to heal heartbreaks. I’m actually ashamed that I didn’t follow you earlier.. maybe I might have been more inspired in 2016 to just take on more crazy.
This is hands down the best article I’ve ever read on life.. beating even Mark Manson’s stuff. I love that guy, but how many able-bodied people have we heard inspirational speeches from already?
Because you are you, your words just resonate on a whole different level.
I’m embracing the crazy, I’m going to transform the world with cartoons, and every single time I think I can’t do it, I’m going to refer back to your article here to give myself the kick I need.
Thank you.
Jan 1, 2017 @ 8:31 am
Thank you so much Jon.
Jan 1, 2017 @ 8:44 am
Hi John. Great article. I am the 3.5 years past a spinal cord injury. The night of the accident, I can move nothing from the neck down. The next night, was much worse as I started to realize what I had done, I remembered a speech that Terry Bradshaw Had given a few years ago at a product launch meeting I was attending. Most of what he said was forgettable, one line was unforgettable (although I never expected that it would apply to me personally) …” your worst day alive is better than your best day dead.”
I told myself that night this was going to be my worst night ever and every day afterwards was going to get a bit better. And it has .. sometimes just a very little bit at a time. However, I can now walk a few steps in crutches, use both arms and my left hand and get myself in/out of bed. It’s not my old life but it’s a new one that I’m getting used to and improving every day.
Thank you so much for your ideas as there are several which will help me continue to get a little bit better every day. Enjoy Mexico!
Jan 1, 2017 @ 9:41 am
Life through me a huge curve ball about 1 week ago, but I will never give up.
Thanks for sharing and giving me more inspiration to reach down deep into myself and persevere.
Thanks Jon!
Jan 1, 2017 @ 10:09 am
Brilliantly inspiring, superlative writing! Keep up the fantastic work Jon, this has started my year off very nicely!
Jan 1, 2017 @ 10:51 am
Skin in the game… Having lived all this myself, i can add a few missing points and different perspectives. Having broken my neck as a middle aged person, life had already implanted a bunch of features taken for granted. Dare I saw he had the benefit of ONLY knowing this lifestyle from day one. During the early years of my confusion of how to work thru my own physical death, while trying to use others as reference points, this became a clear disadvantage to me…old habit are tough to break.
So much of what he says about the BS (govt backed and propagated) US healthcare is true, they want to own you, rip you off and use you for their own benefits…dare I say barely help you. I changed the rule also, fired them, used the open market and avoid ALL of their products and services (Only believe in trauma care (short version)) since 2001. My out of pocket expenses working on my health is FAR less than a US health insurance plan. While I did not leave the country, I also do not need as much care as he.
Another feature and distraction is succeeding in my recovery. Although the ‘professionals’ told me I wouldn’t walk again, I am the most successful recovered quadriplegic in the world (till proven otherwise), again without their help. When I first broke my neck, I was told that people with ‘complete’ injuries (no chance for recovery…severed spinal cords as opposed to just damaged) mentally recover quicker because they mourn their lose, adapt and then move on. I have had the HUGE distraction of making progress. This takes away much effort of what is normal in the US as far as ‘making a living’ goes. When trying to recover and you start to clear hurdles (take the punches), you continue fighting the fight. The more progress the more fighting. After time the hurdles become smaller and not noticeable to others but they are still there and this small sense of victory takes time out of your life and away from making a living. Recovery and returning to normal (which will never be even if only from mental perspective) has become the daily goal and not the amount of income. But…you do learn to adapt and still working on the book… Keep you eyes open for “Talk the Walk” (80% complete…any literary agents out there?)
“You live for the fight when that’s all that you’ve got” Bon Jovi
Jan 1, 2017 @ 10:59 am
Sorry, posted this elsewhere first and that’s why ‘he’ was used instead of Jon…
Jan 1, 2017 @ 11:01 am
God Bless you Jon. Thank you for this gift.
Jon, your mother, an amazing woman. I can only imagine the pain she endured as her incredible love and strength passed through her to you, to save you. I am still overwhelmed with emotion, knowing her love for you. God Bless her.
thank you again for your words, I will for sure be “carrying this with me”.
Mary Lou
– blessed to be a mom through adoption.
Jan 1, 2017 @ 11:10 am
Jerry,
Great story! I will pass it on. When I learn of people like you who have defied the odds to become a success, it just shows me that success is possible for anyone. Yes, there may be challenges and obstacles, but put in the work and it works! Good luck! I will follow and spread your wisdom. Have a great 2017!
Jan 1, 2017 @ 12:23 pm
Thanks!!!
Jan 1, 2017 @ 11:29 am
Jon, last night (New Year’s Eve) my sister asked me what my New Year resolution would be, I told her I planned on thinking about it today. Today, I woke up, got my cofffee, and opened my iPad to look at my emails. The first one I opened was Laurel Bern’s with the link to here, your first post. What a message to start off 2017 with! I thank Laurel for introducing me to you, it’s wonderful to meet you! and I thank you for inspiring me and helping me to decide what my resolution will be. I will appreciate each day of life, I will try to deal with my fears the way you just taught me. I managed to get through your post without crying until you said “you’re still breathing my friend”, then the tears welled in my eyes. It’s true… as long as we’re alive, there’s hope. God Bless you, I believe God is so very pleased with what you’ve done with your life, not your financial success, but your amazing spirit. Thank you Jon, for being here for me today. I’ll never, ever give up.
Sending love to you and your readers, Kimberly Clancy.
Jan 1, 2017 @ 12:18 pm
This is truly inspiring and commendable. We need more people like you in the world and in charge!
Jan 1, 2017 @ 12:21 pm
Hi! I am so lucky to have found this article. It has helped me deal with some personal situations I’m going through. And I really needed that today. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
I think you would get along well with Father Luis de Moya, http://opusdei.us/en-us/article/life-is-worth-living/.
Everything you do and think can be elevated to a transcendental level if you complement it with the spiritual dimension. You have the ability to do it!
Jan 1, 2017 @ 1:36 pm
So many have already left comments that it seems so redundant, but here’s mine anyway Jon. On my blog today, Jan 1st, I put a link to this post and then texted my grown kids to read it. I truly feel this post of yours will change so many lives! In 1991, while skidding into an unavoidable car crash and knowing my two daughters and I were going to die, time slowed down to nothing and I learned in those moments that the only thing important in life is love…My overwhelming regret during those moments was that I had lived my life for everyone but myself and I would never have a chance to change that. The idea that ending a 20-year ugly marriage would result in bankruptcy and embarassment for my children seemed so stupid I could hardly believe I had wasted my life in such a miserable way…and in that moment, the cars collided. My car was totaled, I couldn’t open the drivers door and had to climb out the passengers side. But both daughters stood unhurt except for a few bangs and bruises and I only bumped my head hard. I have never been so happy as that day standing there with our new life before us. That was my counterpunch and I did not waste it.
Jan 1, 2017 @ 1:36 pm
Jon of the huge courage, burning spirit and golden heart, thank you.
Jan 1, 2017 @ 1:44 pm
Jon, posted a link today to this post on my blog. So many comments on here already I feel redundant in adding mine. But feel compelled to add my thanks and hope someday to meet you.
Jan 1, 2017 @ 1:47 pm
Sorry for second comment, but when I posted the first it said it didn’t go through!
Jan 1, 2017 @ 1:45 pm
You are amazing Jon! The world actually needs more people like you. You personify courage and hope. Inspite of so many trials and tribulations in life, you have managed to switch on the best in you. You not only have inspired yourself but others too- this is such a rare combination. Its so easy for people to give up, situations sometimes enervate us to the extent that we start feeling like a perpetual failure. It is so, so important to keep the show going. Life will keep throwing lemons at us, it is upto us to harness the sourness into a delicious drink or a salad. We cannot let it sour and dampen our spirits and hopes. Your blog reflects the essence of life. Thankyou for enlightening us with the true meaning of life.
Jan 1, 2017 @ 3:21 pm
Dear Jon,
As I am reading this I am going through the worst period of my life. I am ashamed to even compare my experiences to yours. I was very well until about two months ago. I work with software all the time and I had a sort of injury in my arm because of sitting in wrong postures for long periods of time. I got saw depressed and afraid of it that I went into a state of hyperventilation thinking I was having a heart attack. Since that day I am living in fear every single day for no good reason. I have done all kinds of physical checks and the doctors say I am very healthy person physically and there is nothing wrong with me at all. But since that day all I can think of is death, heart attacks, diseases, accidents and kinds of nasty things in life.
I am still going through this as I am writing this and I feel like I am living my last days. I have a great family supporting me and great friends but I still can’t get over it. Fear is surrounding me.
I read your story and felt humbled by it, yet I still can’t imagine my self back in normal life again.
All I can say for now, is thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing this and showing me how silly the things I am going through are compared to yours.
Wish you the best,
Ibrahim
Jan 2, 2017 @ 3:12 pm
Ibrahim… did your doctors point out the possibility that you had a panic attack? Very treatable but not from a medical doc. Sounds like you need support.
Jan 3, 2017 @ 4:35 am
Unfortunately I was surrounded by incompetent doctors who didn’t realize what’s happening until I found a good doctor by coincidence who pointed out that all my weird symptoms are a result of fear and anxiety.
After that they gave my some Diazapem ( a form of Valium ) for only a few days and delayed the therapy thinking I am fine.
Overall I think the doctors gave me more pain because they didn’t understand the urgency of my situation and how it can develop so quickly into forms of anxiety disorder or depression.
Now I am undergoing therapy which I am not finding to be that helpful and I am back on medication.
That’s the downside of living alone as an expat in a completely new country and environment. People can’t relate to your problems and think for you the same as they think for the locals.
Thank you for caring to reply to my comment and caring.
Jan 7, 2017 @ 11:53 am
You are very welcome. I have been there. In a place where the doctors are clueless and I continued to suffer. It can be really terrifying actually. You sound like a very intelligent and strong person. I wish you a pathway to peace and a path that cares for your nerves and heart.
Jan 3, 2017 @ 10:43 pm
Hi Ibrahim, Please read Self Help For Your Nerves by Dr Claire Weekes. It will explain what is happening to you and how to desensitise yourself. It is in very plain easy to understand language. Best wishes. Jo
Jan 4, 2017 @ 5:48 am
Dear Jo,
Thank you for the reference. I must say that during this period I tend to interpret anything I read in very weird ways.
So does the book help you on the healing path because I don’t want to get over-stressed or afraid when I read something and I interpret it the wrong way and I start getting all kinds of wrong ideas and more fears.
Also are you recommending it based on personal experience or because it helped someone whom you already know ?
kindest regards,
Ibrahim
Jan 18, 2017 @ 3:05 am
Thank you Max for your sincere feelings. I was able to pinpoint and find all my problems. I feel I am on a heeling path now. Again thank you for the kind words.
Jan 1, 2017 @ 4:54 pm
I love this.. It inspired me.. I keep saying to myself, I will never ever give up
Jan 4, 2017 @ 5:20 pm
Hi again Ibrahim,
I am recommending it based on personal experience. When your nervous system is stressed it can cause all sorts of symptoms like the ones you are describing. I too thought I was having a heart attack and was going to die plus many other symptoms such as breathlessness and worrying thoughts. The doctors didn’t help, in fact they kind of made me worse and panic more. By luck I had this book on my bookshelf that I had purchased years before at a secondhand book shop. It explained perfectly what was happening and how to heal. I did also have therapy and took medication but the simple things in this book was what helped me the most. You can get better. There are many paths to healing and you may need to combine a few but I know this book will help you. Please give it a try. Jo
Jan 18, 2017 @ 3:18 am
Hi Jo,
I thank you from the bottom of my heart for referring me to this amazing book. I read only the first 3 chapters and I already feel that I have made it half way through. I already feel good and I have a very good understanding of what have happened and what might happen.
This book truly helped more than any doctor or pill because it answered all the questions that were going through my head.
Wish you the best in life, Ibrahim.
Jan 1, 2017 @ 7:01 pm
Jon
Positivity above all else, in that you accept and then move on and that something positive can come from anything as long as you persevere, is a valuable lesson for all.
As a Brit I’m a fan of Churchill’s speeches and thought it superb that your mother used it as support for you. I find the actual speech inspiring… (and I’m sure you are aware of it).
Whilst many across Europe and perhaps the world thought that Britain was done for during the second world war, and we quite easily could have been if we hadn’t taken chances and persevered, and yet we pushed on through.
This taken from Winston Churchill’s (pre Sir) speech to his old school in 1941 on October 29th and 10 months into the war… You’ll spot the never never quote within.
“But for everyone, surely, what we have gone through in this period—I am addressing myself to the School—surely from this period of ten months this is the lesson: never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never-in nothing, great or small, large or petty—never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy. We stood all alone a year ago, and to many countries it seemed that our account was closed, we were finished. All this tradition of ours, our songs, our School history, this part of the history of this country, were gone and finished and liquidated.
Very different is the mood today. Britain, other nations thought, had drawn a sponge across her slate. But instead our country stood in the gap. There was no flinching and no thought of giving in; and by what seemed almost a miracle to those outside these Islands, though we ourselves never doubted it, we now find ourselves in a position where I say that we can be sure that we have only to persevere to conquer.”
Keep on inspiring sir.
Jan 1, 2017 @ 7:44 pm
Regarding Lesson 6, I would recommend you one book, “The China Study” by Dr. T Colin Campbell. This book was life changing for me. Maybe it might help you in some way as well.
Thank you for this amazing blog.
Jan 2, 2017 @ 1:35 am
Wow! Simply, wow! The way you wrote this post kept me scrolling for more. The fact you were so open about everything is truly inspiring.
I loved the punch and counter punch examples. It’s so true that we need to be grateful for what we have and never give up.
When you talked about the pain and it just making us stronger I thought back to my dads stroke.
3 days before turning 21 on Christmas Day it happened. Left him in a coma and weeks later we he came back to me. His right side was paralyzed and his speech was impaired. His mind was sharp as a rock though.
The pain and struggle I went through to keep him motivated and fighting to hold on was hard. I knew I had to keep fighting though otherwise if I didn’t fight I would lose him. Needless to say I became an adult real quick.
12 years later, I can proudly say we made it through it! My dad is still doing what he can to keep going because he knows I won’t let him stop. 😉
Thank you for this post!