From Paralysis To An Architect Of Change

Personal Message
Often times it is hard to accept that the only thing holding us back in life is us. How we think, the obstacles we focus on, the external factors that are easily blamed for our circumstances and outcomes are examples of how we can become "paralyzed" on our life path and in our own pursuits. Every once in a while an individual comes in to your life that helps you see how we truly are responsible for creating the life we imagine, if we only can learn to endure the inevitable hardships and challenges that life continuously brings our way. Chad Hymas very recently drove that message home for me and a few others on a sunny day in Coronado, California.

From Paralysis To An Architect Of Change

Two weeks ago I met an extraordinary man by the name of Chad Hymas. As we got to know one another it became astoundingly clear to me that everything he ever touched had turned to gold. During his early twenties Chad had been living a dream life as an incredibly successful entrepreneur. From landscape construction and real estate investing to even building a 5,000 acre elk reserve, his vision was bound by nothing. This admirable man was also fortunate enough to have married his high school sweetheart. Their love still as strong as they day they met. They were raising two beautiful children.

Chad Hymas had everything; but at the young age of 27 tragedy struck when a two-ton bale of hay fell on his neck. The accident left him paralyzed.

Never Let Your Dreams Die

Chad spent 63 agonizing days in the hospital as doctors did everything they could for him. On the 64th his dad took him to visit his elk. Out there on the vast expanse of the reserve with the glorious sun shining in the sky, Chad’s father gave him the only advice he could: “Never let your dreams die.” Though these remarkable yet often clichéd words could have just drifted off into the sunset, Chad took them to heart.

Redefining the Terms

Growing up Chad had always wanted to be a “Guide”, no matter how his life would come to define the word. From showing tourists around his beautiful ranch or even becoming an inspiration to people all around the world, he had just always envisioned himself as that one unique person who would always help those in need in any way he could.

But now everything was drastically different; it was he that needed help. Chad Hymas had to learn to redefine the terms of his life. And that’s exactly what he did.

A Force for Good in the World

Having fallen from such wonderfully magical heights to such an unimaginable depth, I know there’s not a soul on this planted that would’ve faulted Chad had he just given up. Though it’s always easier to shout from the stands than to be out there on the field risking everything, the painful turn that his life took would’ve broken anyone.

But people like Chad and the stories of their lives are what Oscar-caliber movies are made out of. He wasted no time in transforming his setback into a force for good in the world. From becoming a world-renowned speaker and author, and even an athlete, Chad has spread his message about making good choices and not letting go of your dreams to more than 50 countries.

“Dreams are only paralyzed when our attitudes and beliefs allow them to be,” his warm voice rains over the audiences he inspires; resonating with both adults and kids, these powerful words are a constant reminder of the impressive drive that inherently lies within us all. The key to truly understanding and following his message is learning how to unleash this positive energy in the most life-changing way possible. Every single one of us can do it; you just have to want to badly enough.

All of Us Can Feel Paralyzed

The more Chad and I spoke the more poignant his words became. “At times, all of us feel paralyzed in our lives. Whether it is physical, emotional, economic, spiritual, or otherwise, paralysis makes us feel trapped, unable to believe or create for ourselves a future.” Given everything he’d been through and had accomplished in his life, I was still amazed at how insightful and positive he was. There was no sadness in his eyes; nothing about him yearned for sympathy. His every waking breath is completely altruistic.

He spoke on about how paralysis in all forms creates opportunity and allows us to find hidden inner strength to achieve the unachievable, and live bigger dreams—all this coming from a man who set a world record for distance in a wheelchair, having traveled the 513 miles from Salt Lake City to Las Vegas.

Chad Hymas lives by his powerful words. It was utterly clear to me why The Wall Street Journal had hailed him as “One of the 10 most inspirational speakers in the world.”

The Lesson

An exemplary man like Chad teaches us that no matter what our current circumstances, we have the power to change our future. By accepting responsibility for our own lives and taking great risks in order to make them better, all while embracing the willingness to fail, it’s only then that we’ll be able to fight through the pain to find the necessary enthusiasm to take hold of our destiny.

Everything you need is already inside you; all you have to do is stop being afraid of what you want to become.

Even Mrs. Hymas said to me, “The only way out of the mud is to go through it. All of us have to learn to keep pushing forward when we get stuck.” And the funny thing about life is that you just never know, getting stuck may be just what you need to get yourself back on track.

http://www.jamesmcpartland.com/pdf/March.2011%20Newsletter.From%20Paraly...