Nick Vujicic

Nick Vujicic is a motivational speaker that travels around the world telling listeners his story. Nick was born with tetra-amelia syndrome. In human words, he does not have any of his four limbs. That's right, no arms and no legs. The emotional and physical struggles that he has been forced to overcome are unbelievable in my eyes. To me, the 5 leading qualities that stand out in Vujicic to make him at the top of my list of inspirational and motivational people are as follows:

1- Adaptability: Nick just recently married his wife this past August and they are expecting their first child later this year. What?! I won't venture to wonder how that is even possible, but seriously, good for him! Every person should be allowed the gift of creating their own family.

2- Work Ethic: When Nick was only 17 years old, he began his non profit organization, Life Without Limbs. Not only had he accepted his disability at such a young age, but he was using it motivate and inspire others. At age 21 he double majored in accounting and financial planning. I'll be happy getting my single Communication degree by the same age.

3- Determination: Nick has managed to master many daily tasks, such as: writing, typing, throw a tennis ball, comb his hair, brush his teeth, shave and answer the phone. Wow! I can't even imagine doing any of those with hands of arms.

4- Positivity: Nick keeps a pair of shoes inside his closet due to his belief in miracles.

5- Attitude: Nick has had a prosperous and impressive career. A career that he has created for himself because of his positive and determined attitude to not let his disability hinder him.

Nick Vujicic is a true inspiration to any person in this world. If I were given the same circumstances, I have no idea how I would cope with the disability. Wow. That's all I have to say.

The Manning's

In the spirit of the most exciting time of the year for football, I thought it'd only be suitable for me to spotlight some of the NFL's most notorious players. Particularly, the Manning family. Personally, I admire anybody who dedicates so much time and passion towards their hobby, sport or craft. To make a living playing the sport you love would be a dream for me. The NFL is filled with talented athletes and coaches. So, what separates the Manning's from the rest through my eyes? It's their long standing respectable careers and image on and off the field.

Archie Manning, father of Peyton and Eli Manning, began his NFL quarterback career in 1971 with the New Orleans Saints. During the ten years that Archie served on the Saints, the team only managed one season of equaling the game loses to game wins, all the others were losing seasons. Regardless of this horrible record, Archie still managed gaining much respect fro his NFL peers through his work ethic, talent, integrity towards the sport, and his kindness.

Eli Manning, current QB for the Giants, has a plethora of honors, titles and accomplishments during his career with the NFL. He has led his team to SuperBowl victories (plural), as well as being awarded Most Valuable Player.  His list of college and pro awards and records goes on for days. Peyton Manning, Eli's older brother, is one of the most marketable athletes of our time, and for good reason. He has earned his respect as one of the top quarterbacks in history with a long and prosperous career. Even if you're not a fan, you can't deny that the man has got some God gifted talent.

All of the stats and records are all very admirable, however, the quality that makes the Manning men a true inspiration in my eyes, is their character and traits that they display off the field. Their integrity and respect in life is something that every person should strive for. They are a true class act. Family men? Uhhhh yeah! The love for their family is amazing, and the superior examples of husbands and fathers that they are make them honorable to anybody. For as many accomplishments they've made, and how much money they are worth, they still seem so down to Earth and know what the important things in life are.

I envy the people who become a pro at their craft and make a living out of it, however, I admire the people who achieve such success and still manage to remember the important things in life. Dignity, heart, passion, integrity, respect.... these men display it all, and their humble attitudes and work ethic are a huge inspiration to me.

And in case you are wondering, this post is in NO way biased.... I'm a Cowboys fan, and we all know that they're out ;)

Erik and JoLene Gray

When trying to determine who would be worthy of my first post of inspirational people, I wanted to find someone local. Growing up in Cedar City has given me a huge appreciation for the families and friends that make up our community. One incredible family in particular is the Gray's. The Gray family used to be my childhood neighbors. I remember riding the bus with their kids to elementary school every morning. They are a beautiful family, particularly their second to youngest son, Erik. Erik was diagnosed with malignant cancer in his salivary glands in 2008 called mucoepidermoid carinoma. Erik attended radiation treatment 5 days a week, and after a strong and uplifting fight, he became cancer free! Unfortunately, several years later, in 2012, the cancer returned. He is currently fighting his hardest and with an attitude that is truly inspirational.

The main reason I chose this story as the most inspiration to me is not only because of Erik's unfortunate battle, but because of the infectious attitudes of him and his family members, especially his mother JoLene. When I approached JoLene about the idea of me writing a blog post about her son, she was incredible. The feeling of pride and love towards her family was so strong. It amazes me of her and Erik's ability to be so upbeat and positive when it would be so easy to become depressed and bitter. I can always tell the days when my own mother has had an encounter with JoLene because her own attitude and gratitude towards life is lifted up. It amazes me that life can present someone with such horrible circumstances, and yet they can manage to uplift not only themselves, but an entire community. I firmly believe that ones attitude determines ones altitude, and the entire Gray family attitude is a huge inspiration to me.



You can read their entire story by visiting their own family blog

http://www.thedennisgrayfamily.blogspot.com

 Picture of Erik and JoLene at his high school graduation, right before his second diagnoses.