Nick Vujicic

"Often, the very challenges that we think are holding us back are, in fact, making us stronger... they are in our lives to STRENGTHEN our CONVICTIONS. They are NOT there to run us over"(Vujicic, Life without Limits, 44). Many people believe adversities exploit one's weaknesses and are impossible to overcome, but in reality, the challenges in life are there to strengthen one through bravery and perseverance. Hardships placed in one's life teaches one to conquer their challenges. One man who faces extreme difficulties in life is Nick Vujicic. Nicholas James Vuijicic was born on December 4, 1982 in Melbourne, Australia. Without any medical explanation or warning, he came into the world "with no arms or legs, a condition called Tetra-Amelia" ("Nick Vujicic"). With one small foot and two toes, Nick mentally and physically struggled throughout his adolescent years. He faced bullying and teasing as well as self-image issues. At one point in his life, Nick attempted to drown himself in his bathtub. But Nick found he "couldn't leave [his] family with such a burden of loss and guilt" (Vujicic, Life without Limits, 50). Many first assumed "there was no hope and no future for someone like [him]" (Vujicic, Life without Limits, introduction). But Nick proved anything is possible with the right attitude of mind (Vujicic, "Life Without Limbs."). When he was fifteen years old, he accepted Christ into his life and later majored in "Accounting and Financial Planning from Griffith University" (Vujicic, "Life Without Limbs."). Eventually, Nick rose above his challenges and physical disabilities with the help of many people encouraging him to speak and inspire others with his testimony. By the time he was 19, he began to travel around the world with his non-profit organization, Life without Limbs, "giving motivational talks, speaking about his disability, and sharing his faith in God" ("Nick Vujicic"). He now lives in California with his wife, Kanae Miyahara; whom he married on February 12, 2012. His company, Attitude is Altitude, also resides in California. Despite his physical limits, Nick lives as if he has no limits (Vujicic, Life without Limits, 1). Naturally, the community constantly looks toward true heroes who greatly influence the community with their actions. A hero perseveres through difficulty and never gives up. Furthermore, one stands up for what they believe in and selflessly helps others while exerting bravery. In this case, Nick Vujicic has the determination to overcome his physical challenges while enjoying life with a positive attitude which makes him an inspiration to all.

Despite his circumstances, Nick Vujicic perseveres and rises above his physical and mental challenges. Nick faced teasing and bullying throughout his childhood due to his lack of arms and legs. The bullying confirmed his greatest fears of restriction from everyday life until he realized "there were just some things that [his] classmates could do that even with all [his] determination and faith, [he] could not accomplish"(Vujicic, Unstoppable,121). Accepting he would not be able to experience many activities, Nick refused to let his disability rule his life. Courageously, he faced his challenges and onslaught of teasing by deciding to push through his doubtful thoughts and keep a positive attitude when it came to trying new things. As a result, his determination and self- sufficiency helped him to move on and learn to swim, golf, and skateboard along with many other unique abilities ("Nick Vujicic."). Additionally, Nick suffered from depression and self- esteem issues. The failure of his first artificial limb experiment left him disappointed, but he didn't let himself fall into an overwhelming depression. Eventually, he finds he must "rise above by accepting that certain events are beyond [his] control and beyond [his] understanding too, and then focusing instead on what [he could] understand and control"(Vujicic, Life without Limits, 8). Although he fears solitude and the reliance on others, Nick decides to persevere and optimistically live life without the aid of limbs. The realization his situation isn't life-threatening causes him to accept his disability and move on. He chooses to rise above his hardships and not let his loss of limbs dictate his life. Fully believing there is a purpose in each of the struggles he faced, Nick refuses to be knocked down by his adversities and continues to stand strong (Vujicic, "Life Without Limbs.").

Furthermore, he enjoys his life with an optimistic attitude. Nick enthusiastically confirms he is "incredibly blessed as a twenty-nine year old man who travels the world to speak to millions of people, a man surrounded by love" (Vujicic, Unstoppable, 132-133). Leading an adventurous, meaningful life, he has a positive outlook on life despite his circumstances. Out of all people, Nick has reason to be bitter and ungrateful with life, and yet he is the opposite. He appreciates his abilities despite his lack of limbs and makes every attempt to live his life to the fullest. Most people expect someone with a severe ability to be angry and withdrawn, but in fact, he considers himself blessed with the ability to live for himself and experience many different activities most people don't believe is possible for him (Vujicic, Life without Limits, 1). In addition, "despite [his] physical limitations, [he] lives as though [he] has no limits" (Vujicic, Life without Limits, 1). He has no limbs and yet he lives an extremely fulfilling life because his restrictions do not stop him from pursuing a career or love life. With a positive attitude, he makes it his purpose to enjoy life and encourage others to overcome their challenges. Every hardship he encounters serve as a blessing and unique way to connect and reach out to others. Nick's selfless, inhibited life proves that anything is possible with the right attitude of mind.

Nick's perseverance through his challenges and optimistic attitude makes him an inspiration to all. He pushes through his physical and mental difficulties while always keeping a positive, joyful attitude. As a huge inspiration to many, he willingly serves others and reminds people what life is worth living for. Additionally, he utilizes the testimony of his life to instill hope and motivation in his listeners. He considers "that [his] disability-[his] 'burden' -could also be a blessing, offering [him] unique opportunities for reaching out to others, emphasizing with them, understanding their pain, and offering them comfort" (Vujicic, Life without Limits, introduction). Nick inspires me to pursue my dreams and never give up no matter what challenges may fall my way. I truly believe the hardships and adversities in my life are there to strengthen me and help me find my purpose in life. Listening to Nick Vujicic speak, I feel encouraged to dream big and let go of the mental and physical obstacles I believe are keeping me from having a positive and profound life (Vujicic, Life without Limits, introduction). Nick strongly believes that "for every disability you have, you are blessed with more than enough abilities to overcome your challenges"(Vujicic, Life without Limits, 12). Despite how much we want to give up and not persevere through our difficulties, we must believe there is a purpose in each of the struggles we encounter in our lives (Vujicic, "Life Without Limbs."). Instead of submitting to our problems, we need the will power to fight back, stand strong and carry on. And then, after doing this over and over again throughout our lives, we can truly say we accomplished living a life without limits.