Yes I Can! Lessons Learned from a Life Less Ordinary
by Dr. Paul Wichansky
Have you wondered why dreams seem to be running away from you and into the arms of someone else? When an illness, injury, disability, divorce, or other traumatic experience forces us to re-evaluate our future as we walk an uncertain path, we often find ourselves asking, “Why me?” How do we overcome the darkness and feelings of fear, doubt, and anxiety?
Paul Wichansky has cerebral palsy and a hearing loss. Conquering these challenges to lead a confident, productive life, he shows, by example, how we can transform obstacles into opportunities for growth. His disabilities have not only inspired him to rise above tremendous adversity, but also achieve beyond what others believed he could do.
Each chapter focuses on a principle of self-improvement, such as a positive attitude, support group, self-esteem, perseverance, resilience, and empathy, which he embeds in captivating anecdotes. For instance, the chapter on positive attitude recalls moments of optimism and laughter that have helped him reject the effects of his disabilities by developing complete confidence in his abilities. Though written from a first-person point-of-view, he switches to the second-person narrative near the end of each chapter to offer readers strategies to adopt that guiding principle into their lives.
A master storyteller whose anecdotes combine character, optimism, and heart, he shows his readers, by example, how to face adversity and become the Heroes we all know they can be. Only then can we become the epic version of ourselves.
Let this book be a worthy addition to your home or school library. For shining your light is spreading your love.
Ready to Learn More?
Dr. Paul Wichansky
Author
Dr. Paul Wichansky is a leading motivational speaker, author, and disability advocate who has shared his story with over one million youth, parents, educators, and other professionals during the past 41 years. His programs inspire confidence, growth, and opportunity as he recalls anecdotes and insights that have motivated him to triumph over cerebral palsy and hearing loss. Starting his speaking career at age 10, his achievements harness the power of love, perseverance, and a “never think never” attitude.
Earning a Ph.D. from Rutgers University in 2008, Dr. Paul has inspired youth and educators in 23 U.S. states and foreign-exchange students from 20 countries. He has motivated peer leaders at state leadership conferences, keynoted to athletes and coaches at Special Olympics, and inspired government officials at the United Nations. In 2020, NJ Senator Vin Gopal and two assembly chairs awarded Dr. Paul an honorary legislative proclamation for his 40 years of educating our youth about disabilities and resilience. For the past 15 years, the New Jersey State Police has also invited him to highlight overcoming adversity and leadership with an estimated 3200 high-school seniors who have participated in Trooper Youth Week.
His life philosophy is simple yet enduring: When we allow our imagination and our realistic possibilities to soar, we can confidently leap over some of the most overwhelming hurdles that life throws at us.
