Making Adversity Okay

You live in your skin every day but do you really know who you are? Your inner essence? Or do you really know what you’re capable of? Maybe it’s time to find out! Quite possibly this could be deemed the opportunity in adversity.

Why adversity you say? Well, that’s what I’ve had to work with.

I’ve fought and I’ve battled to overcome adversity, but over the years I’ve found the best way to win is by embracing it. Being uncomfortable has meant growth. And the end result has far out-weighed my temporary pain.

“I’ve had life so, so easy, I’ve been given everything on a silver platter”… that’s not what people want to hear!! That’s not what makes us, us!! It’s our struggles. In actual fact, how we deal with them is what makes us, us.

Anyhow, my name is Mark and I’ve had a pretty rough trot. Adversity has been my staple. Nevertheless, I’ve still got some pretty massive dreams.

I’d like to share some of my story with you.

I went overseas some 14 years ago and contracted a really strange infection, and as a result, I’m now a quadriplegic. I also have massive respiratory issues, a feeding tube in my stomach, and I can barely talk or even leave the house. I’m 36 now and I live in a nursing home in Melbourne, Australia.

But I’ve still tried to make the most of it.

So apart from the continual testing, hospital hopping and doctor shopping I’ve always looked for creative ways to get my life back. Slowly starting with things like concerts, then art classes (painting with a brush in my mouth), and then moving up to holding charity events (as project manager). I’ve even started back with my studies too. Business Advertising.

It seems I’m always prepared to do the hard yards where life ambition is concerned.

Then in a natural progression, I started a bucket list; it seemed the most logical way to encompass what I desired out of life. And with that, I started to do some rather crazy and extraordinary things… I even surprised myself with some.

My bucket list has provided many memorable moments thus far. Some of these include: running a half marathon (in my wheelchair), appearing on the television show Neighbours, and even the unthinkable goal of kissing supermodel Miranda Kerr.

Only as seen in the photo provided, it wasn’t all that easy to go for a ride in a Lamborghini. I did do it, though.

But fun times aside, my business goals have always been my bag. I feel like I can pass on my message to the world better that way, and live up to my capabilities as an effective human being. I even studied Life Coaching recently – which manifested into a whole brand new business direction towards making adversity okay.

I am currently putting together an online course (even though I don’t know what I’m doing); I’m nearly finished writing my first book, and I’m even dreaming bigger towards starting my very own advertising consultancy company. Copywriting has always been my big, big dream.

I’m working every day at fulfilling my dreams and goals.

No arms, no legs, no voice – no worries.

I found my voice in my own way.

If I could describe myself in one line: I am first and foremost a fighter, kind hearted (willing to help out when and wherever I can), and no doubt a daydreamer.

So as you can see adversity can bring a different perspective, invoke change, and most importantly bring your focus back to what is truly important to you. It definitely did for me. Disability gave me the opportunity to focus on what truly made my heart sing.

And where to from here? Well, I kind of know what I’m doing. And I kind of know myself by now. Only I also know that I still have a lot of hard work ahead, and a lot to learn. But I’ve seen what is possible with passion and drive, and I’m flat out going for it now!!

What would you do if your life hung in the balance? Well, this is what I do…

This is my fight for life!