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Exercise and fitness have been a central part of James Osborne’s life throughout his adult years. James gave his all when running, skiing, cycling, rowing, or participating in various court sports; sports represent a place of refuge, solace, camaraderie, and hard work, bringing him great joy and fulfillment. Until June 2007. Abruptly and catastrophically, Jamie sustained a sports-related injury that rendered him permanently disabled. His professional career as an information technology leader derailed, and participation in recreational activities became obsolete. Even years after the accident, his body continually betrays him, facing daily residual deficits from an unimaginable injury. His family has struggled mightily, coming to grips with this new normal. Jamie remains undaunted by his recovery, harnessing all of his faculties to battle this condition and regain many aspects of his lost functions. By re-engineering his mindset, he has committed to regular exercises, fostering new neural connections. As a result of this focus, he now lives without minimal assistance.
I often use the moniker “choose to win.” Some have said that life can be distilled in to the choices we make and the relationships we cultivate. In my case, all of the cells in my body were screaming don’t, it’s too hard, the mountain too high.
Early on in recovery when faced with a fork in the road I chose to fight the good fight, defined my terms, took a stand and chose to win. Winning not in the absolute sense but winning on my terms. What I’ve accomplished over the last decade is testament to that choice.
When facing some kind of life challenge, road bump or impediment, you will see possibility instead of hopelessness; opportunity instead of despondence; victory instead of failure; desire instead of despair
An appreciation and heightened sensitivity for those struggling with life’s adversities
Motivation to try, make an effort and push through the inevitable force fields trying to hold you back; pushing through resistance knowing there is a better outcome on the other side of effort; never quitting; persisting, persevering and prevailing
It’s ok to be personal, open, real, authentic and vulnerable; in fact it will draw people closer to you rather than pushing them away.
Belief in yourself, your body, and it’s remarkable capacity to reorganize and heal itself if you nurture it with the right “food” – attitude, nutrition, exercise, visualization and mindfulness.
Recognizing that fear can be a way of protecting yourself but also can be a limiter, a governor on revealing the enormous capabilities you have. Replacing fear and learning to trust yourself.
Be a champion for you; for the questions you ask, the choices you make and the relationships you hold. Be your own voice. Take advice and counsel from others but ultimately stand strong for yourself.
Be a rule breaker by following the voice that stirs within you. Many in your life will tell you can’t, or conventional wisdom says it’s not possible, or the mountain is too high, the climb too difficult. Replace doubt and pessimism with an unwavering commitment, knowing inside that your self-talk is always chanting, “I can”. And you will. One small victory at a time.