Are You Placing Limits on Yourself? This Deaf Classical Music Composer Did Not!

Do you sometimes dissuade yourself from something before you have even tried, thinking it is impossible? I know I have. Yet there are examples of people who follow an unlikely path in spite of their own limitations.

I have read of athletes missing legs and arms, yet they run and swim or play football with accomplishment. I have read of musicians who play musical instruments in spite of missing key limbs, for example, a pianist who plays with only one hand, or a one armed drummer. There are blind singers, and singers who sing from wheelchairs. Beethoven lived centuries ago, yet his legacy lives on. He was a classical music composer of German descent who started going deaf later in life, and who eventually lost all ability to hear, yet he continued conducting music, and playing and composing music. How heartbreaking it must have been for Beethoven to lose his hearing! I hearken to these examples, amazed at the spirit of triumph over tragedy.

In many cases where people overcome limitations, parents and other members of the social support network supported the efforts of these people. I believe this is key. One may persevere in spite of negative feedback and active discouragement from others, but it is more difficult to do and is of course commendable when it does happen. This is why I believe it is so important to support our children when they have a passion for something, as one does not know where the passion might lead, and it is imperative to nurture passion. Passion for one dream may become another as a child grows and matures, but passion once squelched is difficult to reignite. I was discouraged by adults from pursuing some of my own dreams when I was a child, and I still regret listening to the advice. I should have allowed myself the opportunity, instead of being discouraged before I had even set out on the journey.

What are you stopping yourself from doing? What have you discouraged your children from attempting and dreaming? Allow yourself potential. Allow your dreams. Be yourself.

Links to related articles:

The article that inspired this blog article: One-handed pianist Nicholas McCarthy 'an inspiration'

Black Swan Event In Judging Beauty and Potential

The Legacy of Bradley Harris Wolf