This week's Pep Talk Blog: "Terrific Trio"

We all have our stories, don’t we? Few, if any of us, have been blessed by life unfolding exactly as planned. The journey takes unexpected detours leaving us wondering, “What the heck is going on here?

I believe the most important aspect for success in life is effectively dealing with adversity. In my opinion, there’s nothing more important than becoming a student, not victim, of our experiences.

Bethany Bullard just graduated from high school in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Bethany has Down Syndrome, a congenital disorder caused by having an extra 21st chromosome that usually results in a flat face, short stature and mental retardation. . But long ago, with great help from her family, Bethany made the decision to put fear aside about what her challenges might be and allow wonderment to win about what her life could be.

I grew up with Bethany’s parents. Her old man and I used to zoom around Raytown, Missouri in his fast-driving Camaro. We would always drive really fast past her mother’s house after football practice. Vicki and Dennis Bullard are incredibly responsible, loving and successful people, always have been, always will be.

Recently Bethany’s proud father emailed pictures of her high-school graduation. As I sat there looking at the joyful scene, it reminded me of the power, when we allow it, of the human spirit to overcome obstacles.

Life can often be cruel with what it throws our way: maladies, divorce, death, financial ruin and job loss to name a handful. What has always fascinated me is how differently people react to life’s nasty curves. Challenging moments seem to inspire some to great success while driving some to great despair. What separates the two?

A few things come to mind, starting with the before mentioned importance of being a student, not victim. Then I would suggest it’s important to realize, regardless of what ails us, we’re not alone. Reach out to others in similar situations. We can find strength from one another. Third, despite what ails us, never give up on yourself. Put fear aside and allow wonderment to win.

Bethany and her family did a great job of embracing the three. They became experts on the disease, connected with others in the same boat and kept chasing dreams. Down Syndrome is not derailing Bethany Bullard’s march through life.

We all have our challenges. Don’t allow what ails you to derail your march! Be a student, not victim, reach out to others of like mind and put fear aside and allow wonderment to win. The terrific trio guided Bethany to a high school diploma. It can blaze a trail to whatever you desire too.