Many times we find ourselves faced with obstacles that we often feel are difficult if not impossible to overcome. We are not alone but when we discover other people who have accomplished much through many obstacles and adversities, ours pale in comparison. Many people face situations that are difficult. The critical aspect is not the situation but how we respond to it. There are those who face extreme obstacles to their dreams but do not let them prevent making their dreams reality. Goals/dreams should be such that they are not easy but are not impossible to accomplish. This article is about someone who has attained success by overcoming any obstacle or barrier that she faced. Her courage and faith in being able to accomplish the things she has is an inspiration to us all. This article is about such a person.
I had the distinct pleasure of discovering an author who is an inspiration not only to authors but to all of us. Shirley Cheng is a remarkable person who has overcome many adversities in her life. She is not only an author of several books but she is also an inspirational speaker. Shirley has severe juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and is blind. Even with these disabilities she never lost her faith. Her illnesses kept her from receiving any schooling until the age of eleven as she was constantly in the hospital. At this point in her life she began her schooling and mastered grade level in all areas after only 180 days in a special education class in elementary school.
A quote from Shirley on her web site states: "Although I am blind, I can see far and wide; even though I'm disabled, I can climb high mountains." Shirley also says "Let the ropes of hope haul you high." This quote is something we should embrace as individuals. We should give everyone a chance even if they are disabled or blind as with Shirley's example, they can accomplish more than we realize. Taking this quote further we should encourage our representatives at all levels of government to not be blind to party loyalty and make the right decisions for their constituents and our country. They must see how decisions they make can improve our country for the better for everyone.
Shirley has achieved being the author of three books by the age of 20 and two more are slated for publication in 2007. Shirley is also a co-author/contributor of five books by the age of 23. Some of her co-authors include Jack Canfield and Dr. John Gray. Writing is not the only thing that keeps Shirley busy she is a motivational speaker and has been on numerous programs. She is also an advocate of parental rights in children's medical care, aide/caregiver monitoring and screening for students with special needs and people with disabilities, and world peace.
Shirley experienced first hand a situation where the courts became involved when doctors wanted to perform surgeries that may have ended her life. Her mother fought through the court system to keep doctors from performing surgeries that she felt would have ended her daughter's life. She finally won over the doctors and prevented the surgery. Shirley feels that she would not be with us today had it not been for her mother's fight in the courts. Go to her web site: www.shirleycheng.com to learn more about this amazing author, inspirational speaker and being an advocate for parental rights among others.
In summary, Shirley is a remarkable person and I look at what obstacles are before me in accomplishing my goals/dreams. I look at what she has accomplished and I am inspired to work toward my goals/dreams and know that if she can overcome her obstacles to success, then so can I. Her character and persistence are examples of qualities that are needed to succeed today. Everyone who becomes aware of her story should be inspired to work toward their goals/dreams whatever the obstacles may be.
Source: Dennis AuBuchon, author of Integrity: Do You Have It? 2nd edition.
Website: www.myqualitywriting.com.
Dennis has written many articles on integrity which can be accessed through his web site. His book listed above was written to help people understand the concept of integrity and apply a common set of criteria to measure others and us for its existence.