I love living life, I am happy

Life is filled with many potholes and obstacles. What would you do if you have stumbled? Give up or get up? It would come as a surprise if a person without limbs said “I love living life. I am happy.” with great conviction, but these are the exact words of Nicholas James Vujicic.

The rare Tetra-amelia disorder left him limbless, missing both arms at shoulder level and legs except for two small feet, at birth. Despite what seemed to be life’s greatest tragedy, Vujicic chose to celebrate what he had by living a life without limits.

Growing up was not an easy feat for Vujicic. Although he was mentally competent like most of us, the Victoria state law prohibited him from attending a mainstream school. It was only much later when the modification of laws favoured the essential development of Vujicic. Not only did he learn how to write using the two toes on his left foot, he was also equipped with the necessary life skills like combing his hair or brushing his teeth.

Vujicic was just like any young boy; beaming with curiosity and active by nature.

At the promising age of seventeen, Vujicic started his own non-profit organisation which he named Life Without Limbs. His goal was never about gaining sympathy for himself but to inspire positive attitudes and behaviour in people all around the world. Apart from his regular motivational talks, Vujicic is also a proud writer of the book entitled Life Without Limits: Inspiration for a Ridiculously Good Life.

It is in the middle of difficulty that lies opportunity and Vujicic has indeed proven to be the perfect personification of victory over life’s struggles. We too may find ourselves gasping for air, trying to overcome the rough patches of life. Some of us may be suffering the distress of a broken heart; others may feel neglected in a place where many call home. Our tribulations no matter how insignificant it may seem as compared to that of Vujicic are necessary in making us stronger at heart. It is only through hardships that we truly understand what joy is.

Vujicic is just one of the many examples that bear testament to the phrase, “Your attitude determines your altitude.” Everyday, we wake up and go about our lives and amidst us we can find many others who like Vujicic, are disadvantaged in one way or another. Life is never perfect, nor will it ever be equal.

Life is more than sadness and difficulties, wealth and comfort. The real currency of life is that of our characters and its strength to bring us through our daily experiences. Thus, instead of harping on our limitations, we should make the attempt to treasure the gifts we have been bestowed and touch the lives of the people around us.

“Early on in school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down “happy.” They told me I didn’t understand the assignment. I told them they didn’t understand life.”

Vijicic was that little boy who understood life and grew into a man who was happy pursuing what he wanted, no matter the obstacle placed in his path. Find that little boy or girl in you and embrace happiness, learn to let nothing stop you and live to the fullest.