April 14, 2010

The Opportunity of Adversity: Awesome Video On The Power Of Labels, Words, And Human Adaptation

Just thought we’d share this amazing video from Aimee Mullins, an actress, model, athlete, and speaker. She’s as gorgeous as she is brilliant and you’d never guess that she was once called “disabled”. Born without shinbones she had her legs amputated below the knee when she was 1-year old. But that didn’t stop her one bit.

I think the greatest adversity that we’ve created for ourselves is this idea of normalcy. Now, who’s normal? There’s no normal. There’s common. There’s typical. There’s no normal. And would you want to meet that poor, beige person if they existed? I don’t think so. If we can change this paradigm from one of achieving normalcy to one of possibility, or potency, to be even a little bit more dangerous, we can release the power of so many more children, and invite them to engage their rare and valuable abilities with the community.

Check out the video and I know you’ll be inspired. And like so many TED talks before, you may shed a tear ;-)

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14 Responses to The Opportunity of Adversity: Awesome Video On The Power Of Labels, Words, And Human Adaptation
  1. @RaymondAaron
    April 15, 2010 | 11:15 pm

    Dear Vishen .…

    Thank you for bringing Aimee Mullins to our attention. What a dazzling story. What an important message. And, what an angelic messenger she is. Thank you. thank you.

    … Raymond Aaron

  2. Margo
    April 19, 2010 | 7:32 pm

    What a wonderful story and what a beautiful woman in every way. Aimee keep going you are a blessing in our world. I have learned so much from your talk. Adversity is just about change and how we adapt

  3. Sara
    April 21, 2010 | 7:57 am

    I love your story and your message clings with me. Thank you for sharing!

  4. Tony
    April 22, 2010 | 7:14 pm

    Hi young lady,
    Thanks for that very interesting speech. If I ever feel like whining or feeling sorry for myself I’ll take another look.
    Luv & hugz,
    Tony

  5. Jim Murdoch
    June 1, 2010 | 8:03 am

    It’s true! Without such a conquering spirit we are all disabled. It takes such able people as Aimee and Sean to remind us of our inner potential.

  6. Linda
    June 1, 2010 | 9:06 am

    Than you Aimee for an uplifting and truthful story. Thank you for your choice to give of yourself to all of us. Bless you Linda

  7. Brenda
    June 1, 2010 | 11:34 am

    What a beautiful story! I have had to deal with some adversitys and have felt overwhelmed with them. listening to you speak as opened a very special feeling inside of me. I will look at adversity as a learning tool, and I will meet it head on. It is about change. and it is about treating each other equal. Blessings to you Aimee. And thank you so much for teaching me. Gods blessings be with you!

  8. Terry Dorn
    June 1, 2010 | 1:43 pm

    Thank you! I have faced the stigma of mental disabilities and break downs. I too beleive in the abilities not the dis-abilities of each person. I recently had a book published about facing stigma and helping others to do like wise. Please read, “The Cross and the Psychiatrist” Terry Dorn

  9. mash
    June 2, 2010 | 5:22 am

    Thank you and God bless you!

  10. Christina Hessel
    June 2, 2010 | 7:31 am

    Thank you Aimee. You give everyone hope. You give everyone a brighter future.

  11. namalie
    June 3, 2010 | 7:22 pm

    Thank you AIMEEE…you are beautiful, wonderful,sporty,inteligent . we are proud of you.!!!!amazing !!! all the blessings!!!!
    namalie

  12. Marianne
    June 7, 2010 | 6:54 pm

    When we encourage someone telling him he can, we show our love for this person. And it is this love, which is the power, that moves mountains.

  13. Elias
    June 23, 2010 | 7:03 pm

    Yeah , I do really like the speech . What an amazing light to turn to whenever there’s no other option. I will look forward to make this my seek and make it happen video for any obstacle I may encounter in the future.Thanks so much for speaking in public .

  14. sune
    June 30, 2010 | 7:16 pm

    WOW!!!
    Thanks millions for Vishen and team for bringing Aimee to public attention..!!
    Talk about speaking the Truth from Heart..That’s a amazing video..!
    THANK YOU!!

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