Jaxon Welsh – Autistic student, Interviewed by Dylan and David Tepera
Tag Archives: life
Steven Morris – Deaf high school student
Steven Morris – Deaf high school student, interviewed by Dylan and David Tepera
Elijah Norman – diagnosed with Dwarfism
Elijah Norman – diagnosed with Dwarfism, Interviewed by Daylyn and David Tepera
A lesson in focusing on task at hand
By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Late last year while exercising in my local gym, I noticed a woman, probably in her 40s, training a young lady who had to be around 20 years of age. It was obvious that the younger lady was mentally challenged, for she never smiled, never talked or made eye contact with anyone.
Because of my curiosity, I struck a conversation to enquire about their situation. The older woman’s name was Vickie, and she told me that she had recently become Sarah’s guardian. Vickie also mentioned that since she regularly worked out in the gym, she decided to start taking Sarah with her.
I expressed my surprise and joy to Vickie, then asked how Sarah, under her circumstances, was able to accomplish this transformation?
Vickie’s reply was that due to Sarah’s disability, she can only focus on one task at a time and gives it 100 percent effort. This is part of her mentality that helps her function in life.
Sarah noticed I was complimenting her because she looked deep into my eyes and produced a huge smile. My heart melted, and all I could do in return was to nod my head with a warming grin.
There are two “take-aways” from Sarah’s story. First, if we could all learn to give 100 percent focus on the task at hand, how more productive and organized our lives would be — be that occupational, educational, projects, relationships, spiritual, fitness and diet.
Second, I don’t have a PHD, but how many other mentally or physically challenged people would benefit from the use of a gym?
One thing I do know for certain, getting yourself in better shape produces confidence and endorphins.
Because of my crazy workout schedule, I haven’t seen Vickie and Sarah since then. But, the lesson learned from Sarah, will last me a lifetime.
Retirement should be the start of a new life
By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Recently, I visited south Florida for business. Some surgeon friends and I were there for advanced orthopedic training.
As we all know, this is a densely populated area for retired senior citizens. To my surprise, these seniors were living life to the fullest. They were wearing clothes of fashion, had stylish hairdos and jewelry, driving convertible cars, sporting dark tans, and were busy with many physical activities.
These activities included swimming, golfing. biking, tennis, dancing and training in the gym.
My Florida surgeon friend told me these people come to him for multiple joint replacements due to osteoarthritis. They weren’t there to just take the pain away, but to get back to an active lifestyle as quick as possible.
So, let me ask you, who are retired, have you made a bucket list or a life list? Do you look at retirement as time closer to death or as a new beginning?
Maybe you should get a personal trainer, take dancing lessons, play golf or tennis. What activities have you always desired to do? You are never too old to try something new or out of your comfort zone.
You shouldn’t care what your family or friends think. Either you will make them jealous, or maybe they’ll join you.
Former President George Bush, even to this day, skydives every year on his birthday. Isn’t he like 100 years old?
We all have an inner kid in us. Find yours, and enjoy retirement like it’s a continual vacation because it is. You’ve earned it!
I know I’m getting a little older, but to be honest, some of these great grandmas in Florida were looking kind of hot, and so can you.
If you want to change your life, take the shot
By DAVID TEPERA | Posted: Tuesday, December 2, 2014
I want to share a story from an experience my son learned through basketball. It’s a life lesson for all of us.
Dylan is a 10th-grader playing basketball for his high school team. A few weeks ago, his team was down by two points with time running out. He found the ball in his hands, behind the three-point line, with 5 seconds left on the clock.
Dylan glanced at the basket and chose to pass to his teammate. His teammate shot the ball and missed the bucket. My son’s team lost the game. No big deal, this is part of the experience in playing sports.
Afterward, we had an opportunity to discuss the game. I asked Dylan if his teammate had lost the game for missing the shot. Dylan’s reply, “No sir, not at all.” I then asked if his teammate made the shot, would he have won the game? Dylan’s reply “Absolutely.” I looked at Dylan and told him, “Take the shot”.
One shot doesn’t lose a game, but one shot can win a game.
That’s a lesson in life for all of us. We are all afraid to expose our weaknesses. Are there certain aspects of your life you want to change?
Are you a salesman and want to ask a client for their business? Take the shot. Is there a friend or family member where there is a conflict and a need to rekindle the relationship? Take the shot. Do you need to change your diet and start exercising? Take the shot.
Whatever you are dealing with in your lives — take the shot.
If you never take the shot, then nothing changes and life stays the same. If you take the shot, then it could be a life changer. Even if you miss the shot, you’ve accomplished so much more. You now have the experience and confidence to take another shot.
Wayne Gretsky, famous hockey player, once said, “You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take.”
So, as in basketball and in life, don’t hesitate. Take the shot and fulfill your dreams