Often times we go through life either being told or telling ourselves what we can and cannot do.  We’re constantly placing limitations on our abilities or what a “realistic” goal is.  But in fact this is simply a perception that we push onto ourselves created by the limitations of our mind.  If we believe what we tell ourselves we cannot do or what others say we cannot do then obviously it is set in our mind that this must be unattainable.  If it is unattainable then why bother even trying?

From the beginning Jon Stoklosa was dealt a disadvantage in life.  There is no denying that.  From everything we hear and read as the “normal” (and I do use that term loosely) population we think that someone born with down’s syndrome will never lead a “normal” (and again, I use that term very loosely) life.  However, that is merely a perception of the mind.  I too am guilty of this thinking at times.  But if you really think about it his life is no different than ours.  Both him and his parents have clearly not set a limit on what he is “able” to do.  He has a steady job that he is good at, is a kind human being (my perception based off his disposition towards children and overall interview), seems to function just fine in society, and is one heck of an athlete!  Not only has he competed, and won, in the Special Olympics, but he can also hold his own among regular power lifting competitions with your typical, non-disabled competitors!  Stoklosa can pretty much out-lift many guys out there.  You don’t have to know about power lifting or even about lifting weights in general to know that he is definitely no joke when it comes to pumping iron.

The reason I write and post a video about him is because I find him to be truly inspirational!  Not because he has down’s syndrome and can lift really heavy but for the reason that neither him nor his parents put a limitation on what he could or could not do.  We as a society, parents, relatives, and even doctors often put a limit on what a person with down’s syndrome can do.  I’m pretty sure no one thought that he would grow up to be able to squat 440+ pounds or become a professional power lifter.  Not only is Jon an outstanding athlete but he continues to live a happy life.  And isn’t that pretty much the point of living?  To be happy?

Now imagine if we lived our lives the same way; without limitations.  I myself, again, am guilty of this as well.  I put limitations on what I think I can do and subsequently restrict myself from pushing further.  As a child I often did this not because of what others around me said but because of my own mind.  Over time I’ve learned to be as positive as I can and allow myself to believe that I am able to do whatever it is I want to do.  Yes often times fear is involved but that still doesn’t stop me.  Slow me down maybe, but never stop.  Of course, it doesn’t hurt to have people around you that believe in you as well.  But it doesn’t matter how much others believe in you if you don’t believe in yourself.

As I’m typing this my mind wanders and starts to rethink all the restrictions that I placed on myself and I hope as you read this you are doing the same exact thing.  Why?  Because although I do not believe in living in regret, I do believe that there is always time to change.  What is it that you want to accomplish?  Short-term goals.  Long-term goals.  Whatever it may be what is stopping you?  Whether its writing a novel, becoming a professional power lifter, climbing Mt. Everest, running a marathon, or simply acing your next midterm who is to say that it is unattainable?  Things may not always go according to plan or the outcome might not always be what we originally expected but in the end you will never get anywhere if you refuse to lift the limitations of your mind.  Once you do that there is no stopping you!