Living through a pandemic is challenging us all, in one way or another, especially in the days of lockdown when there were very few acceptable reasons for leaving our homes. In the midst of that, many were chafing at their loss of freedom even when they knew there were good reasons for this strategy. And even now, when we have more licence to be out and about, it’s a challenge to adapt to ongoing requirements for wearing masks and distancing.
Life has required some of us to adapt a lot more than others, even before we’d encountered COVID. Meet Dr. Sean Stephenson, motivational speaker, author, and therapist, speaking at TEDxIronwoodStatePrison in 2014. If the video doesn’t show up, watch it here.
His three lessons?
- Never believe a prediction that doesn’t empower you.
- You are not your condition.
- The real prison is your mind.
Why he was born?
To rid this world of insecurity.
His expertise?
“I am only an expert in one thing…and that’s how to be me. And I do it well.”
His legacy?
Sean Stephenson died in 2019 at age 40. Here is how his friend and colleague, Rich Litvin, remembers him…
Maybe you’ve heard me talk about Sean Stephenson. He was born with a rare bone disorder and was expected to die at birth. He reached a height of only 3 feet and suffered more than 200 bone fractures by the time he was eighteen years old. Sean lived his whole life, confined to a wheelchair.
He faced so many reasons to give up, and he had endless opportunities to embrace self-pity.
Yet he become a motivational speaker and author. He taught countless people how to be more impactful from the stage. And his friends included Bill Clinton, Tony Robbins and Richard Branson.
Sean’s “Dance Party” video has had over a million views. I’ve played it so many times at my Intensives, over the years. It can get a crowd of hundreds of people moving their bodies, in seconds!
He is the smallest, yet most powerful man I have ever known. And over the years we’ve coached and guided and supported one another. We’ve shared deep secrets with one another. And we’ve challenged the heck out of one another.
As I write these words, I have tears in my eyes. I can’t believe he’s gone.
But I know Sean would never want me to leave things on a sad note. So, let me invite you to shake your booty, alongside my great friend, Sean Stephenson…
If the video doesn’t show up, you can watch it here.
.that was priceless!!! a wonderful example of humanity at its best! And what we’re capable of.
So inspirational, and funny. He could have added comedian to his resume. Thank you Laurana for the introduction to such a beautiful soul.