Discussion #3 Responses

They should each be in the range of 75-100 words, well-written and concise, free of typos, and use proper sentence structure, grammar, and capitalization.

For the response phase, read your classmates’ posts and choose two that describe a different part of the video than your own. Without judgment, respond to the post and explain how you relate/don’t relate to the way it impacted your classmate. Describe any new thoughts that your classmates’ post brought to your mind.

They should each be in the range of 75-100 words,

 

well-written and concise, free of typos, and use proper sentence structure, grammar, and capitalization.

1) Gustavo Villalva

The part of the video that had the most impact on me was seeing how comfortable John was being himself. Even though he has an obvious disability he doesn’t let it affect the way he carries himself. I remember growing up very insecure and being scared to be myself. John was very confident in himself and he always believed in himself. Whenever John went to talk to the manager and he asked what the customer needed instead of showcasing the product reminded me of when I wanted to do things differently but I didn’t want to be called out for being different. I saw ways to improve but I stayed quiet to stay unnoticed. John on the other hand tried his best to get noticed for more than how he looked. He had the courage I did not have as a teenager. The hiking part was also very cool to see, it reminded me of the time I was 20-30 pounds overweight and I finished a marathon with 5 minutes to spare.

I really enjoy working outside with plants and being active so if I had a disability like John I would my challenge would be to find ways to continue what I like doing. I would probably focus on very small plants like succulents. In order to stay active I would find a sport that I enjoy like John enjoys golf. The most important part, and probably the most difficult, would be to stay positive and grateful. I am sure there were some days John got frustrated too. I would surround myself with positive, uplifting people to combat the hard days.

2) Cassandra Gadouas

John Robertson seems to be more able than some people who have no physical impairment.  The whole video had a strong message, but probably seeing him challenge himself even further by climbing a mountain was the most inspirational part to me.  He is one who takes challenges in stride and moves on to the next. Other people in his situation may be caught up in fear and despair.

 

I have known both anxiety and depression in my life and I see it in many of my clients as well.   I know the challenges that befall the mind and the body, but probably more so the mind. I have seen a lady lose her sight and still be ok with moving on in life.  She took the challenge in stride and seemed able to just move on. And yet, I have seen people who seem able bodied but are tormented by depression or anxiety and are debilitated by their own minds and are unable to perform even the simple tasks of daily living.  Those that can meet the challenges of life and move on are able to “live” life, but those that feel stuck or overwhelmed may find themselves crushed by the torments of the mind.  I have learned that a person really should move on from pain and even devastation or be caught in a whirlwind of agony and despair.  John Robertson is a person who can get up and show up each day to meet and greet a challenge rather than be debilitated by it.

 

 If I had a physical impairment, it would be a challenge for me mentally.  I would have to do a lot of re-configuring in my mind and spend a lot of time in meditation to help me re-focus and not get caught up in only seeing the negative.  I find watching videos about others who have overcome challenges to be helpful. Nick Vujicic, (2016) who has no arms or legs is one person I find to be very inspiring.   I had never seen anyone like him, and I recall thinking that if he can overcome such a challenge and be ok in mind and spirit than others more able-bodied should be able to do the same.  I know we are all made differently, but I do believe life is very much an inner job, as it is stated in the book, Yes to Life (2020)

“…the meaning that can ensue from illness and dying cannot be affected by any external lack of success or any failure in this world, that this is rather an internal success, and this inner success exists despite external failure.”

References

Frankl, Viktor E.(2020). Yes to Life (p. 66). Beacon Press. Kindle Edition.

 

Vujicic, Nick (2016),Best Motivation by the Man with No Arms and No Legs, https://youtu.be/nknzSWDcUgA