I recently came across a story of a man who used a wheelchair. Someone once walked up to him and asked, “Is it difficult being confined to a wheelchair?” The man responded: “I’m not confined to my wheelchair — I am liberated by it. If it weren’t for my wheelchair, I would be bed-bound and would never be able to leave my room or house.”

This story made me pause and reflect. A simple shift in perspective — a different lens to look at the situation with — had completely transformed how this man approached every single moment of his life. His wheelchair was not a reminder of all that life had taken from him, it was a symbol of all that it still had to offer. Instead of remorse, instead of bitterness, his cup was filled with gratitude…and his life, with possibilities.

And therein lay a powerful secret I had stumbled upon before, one that I had seen repeated across stories of great leaders and everyday heroes: they may not be able to change — or control — an outcome or circumstance, but they can, and indeed do, choose how to respond to it. And in this way, they become the author of their life story, instead of a mere actor in it.

So, let me ask you this: Is there a situation or challenge in your life you are currently struggling with? How can you draw inspiration from this man’s story and change your perspective in a way that inspires you? In a way that propels you forward instead of pushing you backward?

Warmly,
Hitendra

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