I’d like to introduce you to another inspirational person I had the pleasure of meeting a few years ago. His name is Patrick Henry Hughes. Patrick Henry was born without eyes and his limbs don’t extend their full length so he is therefore unable to walk. Despite his handicaps Patrick has learned to play several instruments (imagine playing the piano without the ability to fully extend your arms). I heard him play the piano and he plays beautifully.
While a student at the University of Louisville Patrick Henry joined the marching band. He played the trumpet while his father pushed him through the marching routines in his wheelchair.
I hope you enjoy this sneak peek into the life of someone who chose not to place limits on what he can do and a look at an incredible father who helped his son reach for the best he can be. Read the rest of this entry »
Daniel Rudy Ruettiger lives a life without limits. Just how far Rudy is willing to go to reach for his dreams and the best in himself is demonstrated in the 1993 inspirational film based on his life titled Rudy.
If you aren’t familiar with Rudy’s story here is some of his inspiring story, or you can read a synopsis of Rudy’s life at the end of this post.
Rudy gave an electrifying speech at a business training event we attended last month in Las Vegas last month. We had the privilege of meeting him after his speech. I was grateful that my teenage son was able to learn from him.
Here’s some Rudy Ruettiger quotes from that speech:
“Your thoughts and actions get you to where you want to go.”
“The day you stop dreaming is the day you give up hope.”
“Inspiration is the key to all education.” (my favorite)
“Little victories give you confidence.”
“It’s not what you know, it’s what you do!”
And some of my favorites tidbits of inspiration from his website:
“Always have a Dream. Dreams give us energy to go to new levels. Dreams change lives … the power of life is in your Dreams!”
“Eliminate the confusion. Find mentors who encourage you. The right information will eliminate confusion. Visualize exactly what you want to be … and focus on that … believe in yourself and don’t let anything stop you. Reinforce your Dream every day with positive information from tapes, books, and mentors. Each day you will get closer to your Dream. Eliminate the confusion and fears, and make it happen.”
Here’s Craig, myself, and our son Austin. I’m 5’3″ and you can see that Rudy really isn’t that much taller than I am at 5’7″. That photo puts things into perspective for me.
I do recommend you view the video above, but for those who just want to read more about Rudy here it is (compliments of wikipedia)
“Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger grew up dreaming of playing football at the University of Notre Dame. While achieving some success with his local high school football team, Ruettiger lacks the grades and money to attend Notre Dame, and talent and physical size (the real Ruettiger was only 5’6″ and the film suggests that the fictional Rudy was even smaller than that) to play football for the Fighting Irish. Instead, he takes a job at the local steel mill where his father Daniel Ruettiger Sr. (a huge Notre Dame fan) works, and he prepares to settle down.
When his best friend Pete is killed in an explosion at the mill, Rudy decides to follow his dream of attending Notre Dame and playing college football for the Fighting Irish, and leaves for Notre Dame, against his father’s warning that “Ruettigers don’t belong at college.” Ruettiger fails to get admitted to Notre Dame, and instead goes to a small junior college, Holy Cross College, hoping to qualify for a transfer to the university.
During his final semester of eligibility transfer, he is granted admission to Notre Dame. After walking onto football practice tryouts, Ruettiger convinces coach Ara Parseghian to give him a spot on the football practice team, where Rudy exhibits more drive and desire than some of his big-name varsity teammates.
Upon Dan Devine’s installation as head coach, Ruettiger fears he will lose the chance to dress for a home game, an arrangement he had with Parseghian. Late in the season of 1975, his teammates, led by team captain and All-American Roland Steele, rise to his defense, demanding to Devine that Rudy be allowed to suit up in their place (by throwing down their jerseys, one at a time, on top of Devine’s desk) for the final game of the season.
The final game of the season comes, against Georgia Tech. And while Rudy is suited up, his teammates feel this is not enough, this starts a chant that soon goes stadium wide. Coach Devine eventually gives in and lets Rudy play on the final kickoff. Rudy then stays in for the final play of the game and sacks the opposing quarterback. The final scene depicts him being carried off the field by his teammates.”
Oh, here’s a clip of the famous Rudy Notre Dame play…
Questions to ask yourself:
Are you letting little things hold you back?
What obstacles have you overcome?
Have you given up one some dreams that can be resurrected?
And finally…
Who do you know that is living live without limits? We’d like to feature them here.
“Don’t believe what your eyes are telling you. All they show is limitation. Look with your understanding, find out what you already know, and you’ll see the way to fly.” ~ Richard Bach
I choose Nick Vujicic as the first person to feature in the Life Without Limits series because, born without limbs, 25 year old Nick Vujicic appears to have many limitations, however Nick doesn’t!
You see, Nick was born without arms or legs, and has faced countless challenges and obstacles. Despite the challenges Nick has traveling extensively (to over 19 nations), and has found ways to accomplish tasks that most people could only do by using their limbs. For example, he has learned to do things such as clean his teeth, brush his hair, typing on a computer, swim, play sports, and he earned a double bachelor degree majoring in accounting and financial planning.
According to Nick “the victory over his struggles throughout his journey, as well as the strength and passion he has for life can be credited to his faith, his family, his friends and the many people he’s encountered during his life who have encouraged him along the way. ”
Nick is now fulfilling his dream of being able to encourage other people and bring them hope, through motivational speaking and telling his story. Nick has traveled around the world, sharing his story and inspiring millions of people. Nick challenges others to examine their perspective, to look beyond their circumstances, to see obstacles as opportunities for growth, and to dream big.
Watch this video to get a glimpse of the kind of man Nick is and his philosophy of life:
Now that you’ve viewed that I’ll ask you:
What are you doing to live your life without limits?
What are you grateful for?
By the way, Nick is speaking in Salt Lake City next week. I am really hoping I can attend and meet Nick in person. If so, I’ll update you on the experience.
I can’t wait to share the story of two more incredibly inspirational people I had the privilege of meeting recently. You’ll be inspired by their story as well. So subscribe to my RSS feed to learn about more people who are Living Life Without Limits.
“Don’t believe what your eyes are telling you. All they show is limitation. Look with your understanding, find out what you already know, and you’ll see the way to fly.” ~ Richard Bach
Don’t you love an inspiring story? A story of a person who has chosen to live their life without limits. The story of a person who has chosen to soar to new heights, and perhaps has done so by overcoming great challenges.
Well I do! And so I’ve decided to start featuring some of these stories here with a new regular column titled “Life Without Limits.”
“Don’t believe what your eyes are telling you. All they show is limitation. Look with your understanding, find out what you already know, and you’ll see the way to fly.” ~ Richard Bach
Wow! I couldn't agree with you more.. about the purpose of education. In fact, I just started a blog about 'education for relevance' in this second decade 
Very inspiring story Leisa. This story teaches us that there are not limits and we can achieve all our goals if we are committed and have faith. Thanks for 
Wow Leisa! What an amazing story... not only is the son an inspiration, but also the father's unwavering commitment is magnificent. It will make anybody th 
Having a strong value system in place, is a great foundation that leads us towards us to realizing our dreams with inspired action. I agree aiming for the 
Leisa: What a great post. So motivational and inspirational. I think you are so right that we have to make certain we are aiming for the right goal and dre 
