John Foppe is a motivational speaker who was mentored by Zig Ziglar. His is one of the letters featured in Andy Andrews’ Storms of Perfection, Volume II. He tells of a rejection when he was 10 years old that changed his life. John was born without arms and until that time always received assistance with daily care functions, such as dressing himself. It was his request to attend summer camp that made his mother realize his need for independence. He recalls the day when she would no longer allow any of the family to help him dress. While this was a devastating experience for him, and a very painful one for his mother, it was necessary for John’s growth. Because of his mother’s love and this “rejection” to help him, he was able as an adult to live on his own, drive a car, shop and eat in restaurants. He states, “I learned that the only real handicaps are those mental and emotional ones that prevent us from participating fully in life. The day my mother made me start dealing with not having arms was the day she gave me wings.”

Since this book was published in 1994, I wondered if he was still speaking, so I visited John’s website at johnfoppe.com. He is still speaking and motivating others. I am so inspired when someone with such obvious limitations is determined to give life his all. But in reality, we all have limitations. It is not until we recognize them and develop a plan to succeed in spite of them, that we receive our wings that will enable us to soar like an eagle and be the success we were intended to be.

What limitations are keeping you from living your fullest life?