There are many extraordinary adults who once were special needs children. People like Marlee Matlin, Bill Gates, Albert Einstein and Helen Keller all overcame extraordinary challenges, turned their obstacles into opportunities, and taught others the meaning of perseverance. For me the wisest of these teachers was Mattie Stepanek, author of the best selling book series Heartsongs.
Mattie died at the age of 13. Throughout his difficult life, filled with muscular dystrophy, wheelchairs, respirators, 3 siblings dying, and a mother who also had MD, Mattie illuminated the world with his beautiful vision of hope and harmony since the age of three.
To most people Mattie’s life was one pain, disability and suffering. But to those who followed his work Mattie was as a beacon of light. Mattie was an extraordinary example of the gifts special needs children can bring into our lives and the lives of others.
Help your children discover their unique gifts and overcome their obstacles by sharing stories of famous people who overcame their individual’s challenges. Show them that the things that challenged these famous people the most when they are young were actually their unique gifts.
For example, Bill Gates was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome which caused him to become hyper focused on ideas, this level of attention lead him to revolutionize the computer industry. Albert Einstein’s extraordinary intelligence created enormous difficulty conforming to rules, staying focused and following directions. His thinking was so outside the box that he flunked math and science, reality was he was reinventing it. Cher, Jay Leno, and Whoppi Goldberg were all diagnosed with ADHD. Their enormous energy is what has catapulted them to be top performers in their industry.
As parents it is essential that we help our children see their challenges as opportunities and their obstacles as gifts waiting to blossom. This can be accomplished by using guided imagery exercises, journaling, affirmations and positive self talk. Once our children begin to shift their perspective and love themselves fully despite their challenges, they can then discover the wonderful gifts of strength, courage, self confidence, and faith that are inside of them.
Our children each have an extraordinary gift within them to share with the world. By using the success stories of others and teaching them to turn their obstacles into opportunities you can help them grow into the person they are truly meant to be.
Debbie Milam is the author of The Secret to Raising a Happy, Successful Family. A syndicated parenting columnist for United Press International and therapist whose work has been featured in over 300 media outlets including The Miami Herald, Elle, Ladies Home Journal, PBS and The Hallmark Channel. Visit her website for more books and resources to help you be a create a life of peace, joy, and success for you and your children. Sign-up for her newsletter at http://www.bestyoucanbe.org and receive your special report Creating Peace Within Yourself and Your Family.