Day 59: Lawrence Deck

So today we had a speaker that came to our school. It was a presentation originally for the Aboriginal students but the staff and teachers decided to have everyone hear what this man had to say. I already knew his story since I went to a field trip before I graduated junior high and he was asked to be the special speaker of that day. Anyway, after seeing his presentation, my next class was also on the list to go see his presentation! Yup, I heard the same life story twice in one day, thrice if I count the one back in grade 9. I wasn't going to watch it again, but decided to since I had nothing better to do if I just roam around the school 'till the end of the day. Anyway, it was interesting to see it again since I was curious if he would say the exact same things as last time. Well he did but made some twists.

This man is inspiring. I remember in my grade 9 year when he told us all of his successes as an athlete and student and THEN showed us his three amputated fingers on his left hand which left a surprised look on my face. It was incredible how this guy managed to tackle a lot of obstacles in his life and still have success 'till this day. He was actually a professional footballer but now a psychologist. Another amazing thing is that, he will be getting his PhD soon! You may not understand my surprise since I didn't wrote down the other factors that would make you understand, but for me this man is just inspiring. I hope the best for this guy!

A couple quotes from his presentation:

"Unless you're the lead dog, the view never changes!"

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous,
talented and fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world.
There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other
people won't feel insecure around you.
We were born to make manifest the glory of
God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine,
we unconsciously give other people
permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others.

—Marianne Williamson