Problems are opportunities. Whatever the problem be part of the solution
Have you ever stopped to think what you learned from connecting with others? Being open to connections, thinking about opportunities to contribute and the difference that you can make within a community can provide you with so much.
And, its through our conversations and connections that we can open doors to build relationships and help and support others.
The opportunity to connect with different perspectives and knowledge can play a big part in who we become and the direction our lives will take.
We are often aware of the limits on our opportunities, but when we engage with people who have different perspectives and beliefs, our world expands. The knowledge and experience we gain can influence our behaviour and choices and help us affirm our values and formulate goals and dreams.
By interacting with diverse groups of people, we learn to adapt physically, emotionally, socially and intellectually.
Think about it; the scope of what we can learn or discover on our own is limited by our personal capacity, whatever that might be. Our personal drivers and limitations remain a part of who we are. By interacting with family, friends and mentors we access a broad range of perspectives based on learning strategies, work situations and life experiences that extend far beyond our immediate personal experience. We also access knowledge and are exposed to the thinking of others through reading, studying, film, music and the Internet. All these things play a role in helping us to create, explore and determine what we value and the direction we choose.
Meet Don Elgin
In 2021, Kerryn was introduced to Don, through two mutual connections (who also have been podcast guests of Kerryn’s- Michelle Jelleff and Hunter Leonard). Michelle and Hunter are not connected to each other, but both held Don in high regard and Kerryn knew she had to talk to him!
Don is many things. He's a Paralympic medalist, motivational speaker, author, husband and proud dad of four. He's also an ordinary bloke who's managed to achieve some extraordinary things through hard work, grit and determination. Don believes in turning challenges into opportunities.
Through his sporting achievements and speaking gigs, Don Elgin has been inspiring people for more than two decades. What he lacks in legs (he's missing half of one), he makes up for with passion, positivity and a genuine desire to help people succeed.
In this podcast conversation you will hear how Don handled the challenges of covid, when faced with the prospect of his speaking opportunities drying up for sometime. He took the opportunity to find other avenues giving him purpose and direction to use his knowledge and skills to contribute and help others.
You will hear of Don's contribution and involvement with Wallarra, (an NDIS provider) a community of over 500 people with different abilities working towards their goals. "Established in Dandenong in 1959 by local council and parents of children with disabilities, Wallara has evolved over the years to become an innovative, sector leading support service for adults with different abilities."
One of the largest barriers for Wallarra achieving success for their clients is public attitudes, understanding and lack of awareness and opportunity. The more we can change those attitudes and raise awareness and understanding the more opportunities our clients will have in their lives and the better will be their outcomes.
Who do you know that could benefit or help Wallarra?
Learn more about Wallarra: https://www.wallara.com.au/about-us/
Contact: Don Elgin: https://donelgin.com.au/
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