As you know I love to see and hear inspirational stories.  This morning in my morning ritual of browsing through Facebook, I ran across a video about Tim who is the owner of “Tim’s Place“.   A must see video showing each of us another example of changing our views about things.

When we hear the words “handicapped”, “Downs Syndrome”, or “Special Needs”…do we automatically think those labels limits one to be a valuable member of society?  I know I do…I guess it’s ‘natural’ to have my initial thoughts turn to and cast limiting beliefs upon these people.  But why is this my ‘natural reaction’?  Like most of our thoughts, reactions, and judgments,  we have been taught (consciously and/or unconsciously) throughout our whole life to think/react in certain ways.  To have judgments on people, situations, cultures, and basically taught who we are and what we can become.

Stories like Tim’s teach us a lot.  I challenge myself to change my thoughts…to change the way I react….to be slow to and/or eliminate judgement altogether…..and most of all to challenge myself to rid myself of limiting beliefs.

You think Tim has limiting beliefs?  Do you think Tim is fearful of ‘what other’s think’ about him?  I doubt it!  Tim is a guy who doesn’t see any limiting beliefs.  A guy who is not afraid to show his enthusiam for life….his enthusiasm for people….his zest to fulfill his dreams and make a difference in other’s life as well.   Need a hug?…you can always count on Tim.

Can those around me count on me to give them a hug?  Will people say “that Todd helped me feel good about myself…..I could count on him….he brought joy to this world one small moment of time….he made a difference.”  Is this what people will say about me?

Now don’t get me wrong, I do not need people’s opinions of me to get me value.  I know I am a great guy.  The point is, as I journey through my life, will ‘me being me’ be a good thing for society?  If not, then I need to re-evaluate who I am and/or are becoming.  I stay true to myself but must be doing so that will benefit those I encounter.  The challenge to myself and those I encounter has been made….to continue to improve myself which will benefit society.  And in doing so the world will receive one tiny hug….and perhaps gain another Tim 🙂

~Destiny is your choice~