IN BRIEF: If you do not know who Nick Vujicic is, this post is for you. This post is dedicated to this remarkable man and his challenges and pit falls in life. Vitally, this post is to decipher his way of living through disabilities, and use his life as a template of inspiration for all of us.
The first thing that strikes you about Nick Vujicic is his limitless ability to love, his zest for life, and this amazing sense of humor. One couldn’t miss those qualities in him even if he stood in a crowd of ‘normal people with limbs’. But the first time I came across his video on youtube; Nick was not in a crowd, and he was not like other normal people with limbs. There was a man, standing tall On a desk placed on the dais, with both his arms and both his legs missing; inspiring hundreds of students with the incredible story that is his life. I was left as inspired as anyone in the room full of audience must have been.
Nick’s Challenge
Nick was born in December 1982 with a rare disorder called Tetra-amelia Syndrome, characterised by the absence of all four limbs.
Nick’s parents took a while to come to terms with his disability, but were soon his biggest strength and refuge from the harsh world outside. He passed through many tribulations; physical, mental and emotional, in his growing years. He was the first disabled person to be integrated in the Australian school system. He was bullied by his peers repeatedly; he didn’t like being the ‘special’ kid. By age 10, Nick felt so hopeless, depressed and lonely, he even contemplated suicide.
Nick’s Breakthrough
A key turning point for Nick came when his mother showed him a newspaper article featuring the story of a person suffering from severe disability. Nick gained more confidence as he moved on and learned to live a full life, doing many things without limbs which we normally take for granted like brushing his teeth, combing hair, answering calls, shaving, throwing tennis ball, writing (between two toes), playing golf, swimming, fishing, painting, even sky diving. The latest he has added to his list of accomplishments is driving car! Nick also found love, got married and is a proud and loving father to a son.
Nick started giving talks at the age of 19. He has spoken over 3,000 times in a total of more than 57 countries on topics as varied as bullying, unconditional love, persistence and determination, finding meaning and hope in life, and his own life story.
Nick is the author of several books, including
- Life Without Limits: Inspiration for a Ridiculously Good Life
- Unstoppable: The Incredible Power of Faith in Action
- Love Without Limits: A Remarkable Story of True Love Conquering All
- Stand Strong: You Can Overcome Bullying (and Other Stuff That Keeps You Down)
- Limitless: Devotions for a Ridiculously Good Life
Nick’s Message in His Own Words
“Yet I also believe that when you do unto others, blessings come to you as well. So if you don’t have a friend, be a friend. If you are having a bad day, make someone else’s day. If your feelings are hurt, heal those of another”.
Nick Vujicic, Life Without Limits
“… to keep moving up … , you have to abandon the security of that ledge and reach for another hold. Letting go of that sense of security.. is the challenge. … think of yourself as climbing a ladder. To move to the next rung, you must give up your grip and reach for the next one”.
Nick Vujicic, Life Without Limits
“Being patient is beautiful, I tell you its the hardest thing. But I realise I may not have hands to hold my wife’s hand but when the time comes I’ll be able to hold her heart. I don’t need hands to hold her heart”.
The way Nick has lived his life is an inspiration to all of us. He reminds us that nothing can be taken for granted, that success lies in living with intention, not by giving in to the circumstances, he reminds us, repeatedly; to love, to laugh and to have faith.
