The I'MPOSSIBLE E-Book is Live!

Welcome to the first full week of October!

I looove that I get to see fall colors where I live, and in my mind, the crisp fall air makes it feel more alive. Do you agree?

Something else that I looove about October is that it is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which is near and dear to the heartbeat of Dreaming Made Simple!

Dreaming Made Simple equips motivated youth and families affected by disabilities to find a way to pursue their vocational goals. I do this through giving keynote speeches at schools and organizations - One of my favorites is my “Get in the Game” speech which helps listeners go from feeling like they’re on the sidelines of life in an area (we all have them ;) to realizing how they can be a key contributor - I also give speeches on inclusion and a variety of topics.

I am certified by the world’s No. 1 leadership expert, John Maxwell, to coach,speak, and train. I enjoy coaching - drawing the gold that’s already inside of you to the surface so that you can move forward toward your goal - Leading workshops is another passion of mine. I take groups for a deeper dive on topics like overcoming obstacles and building healthy relationships.

Earlier this year, I published I'MPOSSIBLE. Now I just received word that the ebook version is live.

If you haven’t gotten your signed copy yet and are wondering what I mean by “I’mPossible,” let me explain.

I’m Sam Miller, and I’m possible. You are too.

I want to invite you to join me on a journey of going from impossible to possible. In my experience, something is always possible. There is always something we can do to move us toward our dreams and goals. But before we think about doing, it’s important for each of us to look at how life experiences have shaped us..

I have cerebral palsy. Born prematurely with underdeveloped lungs, not enough oxygen reached my brain, which left the lower half of my body and my left side not working normally. The good news is, my condition isn’t progressive. The not-so-good news is, without a miracle, I won’t get much better.

I’ve endured five orthopedic surgeries and hours of physical therapy. I’ve fallen countless times. Still, more hurtful than the physical pain I experienced was the isolation I felt when I was excluded from my peers' activities. Can you relate?

It didn’t help that for my first few years of school I was bussed fifteen miles away for therapy. Yet, I came to a place where I knew there had to be something good that could come out of pain and suffering. How could my experiences make me better off? There must be redemption. Webster’s defines redemption as, “the act of making up for.” In my thinking, if you’re going to go through something bad, there has to be something good to make up for it. Kinda like Newton’s Laws of Motion and opposite reactions, you know?

For most of my life, I’ve felt caught in the middle. Cerebral palsy impacts every day of my life, but I’m definitely on the more mild end of the spectrum. There’s a lot I can’t do but there’s a ton I can do. I’m eternally grateful but there are plenty of days when I still find myself striving and full of questions.

I think about the sporting events I missed out on, the dances, jobs and other ordinary activities that are easy for others to take for granted. At the same time, I recognize activities like those are what we often live for. There are days when I feel so close, yet so far from “normal.” Who came up with the definition of normal, anyway?

But I didn’t write I’MPOSSIBLE to talk about myself. I wrote it because I want to help youth and families affected by disabilities. I want to help you re-define “normal.” Who you are and who you are becoming is not about “conforming to a standard; usual; typical,” as the definition of normal suggests.

I’m finding that “normal” has a lot to do with what works for me over time and what proves to be my most authentic expression (keeping in mind how I affect and am affected by the world around me.) It seems there is an element of “normal” that is perpetually in beta.

If you’re like me, you’re longing for what’s in your heart - what you care most about - to become your ever-increasing reality. I want you to know that who you are—your dreams and goals are possible.

I believe that what I’ve gone through can help you. That’s why I chose to share 10 life lessons on thriving with a disability in IMPOSSIBLE. They are not just nice ideas. They are gold nuggets from my journey, lessons I’ve stumbled through and fought for in search of a better life.

Join me on the journey of going from surviving to thriving. Let’s continue the conversation. Leave me a comment with what techniques or approaches have worked best for you on the journey of surviving to thriving.

Topics include

Part 1 – Conquering Fear - Has fear held you back from your dreams and goals? Or do you refuse to let fear have the final say? The choice is yours.

Part 2 – Breaking Free – Deep inside, we either know what we are capable of or we long to find out. It takes courage to go after your burning desire, your dream that you can’t shake.

Part 3 – (Inner) Healing – The topic of healing can be uncomfortable. Coming to peace on the subject is crucial to becoming your best self.

Part 4 – Stop Saying You’re Sorry – You are not a problem. You’re worth much more than you give yourself credit for. It’s time you start noticing it.

Part 5 – Friends and Mentors - No matter how strong or capable we are, we need others. Others need us too.

Part 6 – Finding Your Worth - Pursuing authentic relationships is the scariest and most rewarding thing you will ever do because it’s coming from your heart. You want people in your life who will help you be your best.

Part 7 – Finding Your Sweet Spot - You were born with skills pointing toward your destiny. Success hinges on your awareness and use of these skills.

Part 8 – You Gotta Want It – In pursuit of your dreams and goals, grit and determination are two of the most significant driving forces.

Part 9 – On the Journey – The subject of faith can be painful and controversial. We must each go on our own journey. I come back to my faith in tough times.

Part 10 – Your Dreams are Possible - Your dream is possible. You were created with your destiny in mind. With the encouragement of others and core values to return to in times of uncertainty, you can experience the life you long for.

The I’MPOSSIBLE Framework

*blog post includes excerpts from IMPOSSIBLE’s introduction and table of contents

If you prefer ebooks to paperback, or if you want inspiration on the go, now's the perfect time to purchase a copy!

Going forward on the blog, you can expect to see weekly updates from my life - You’ll meet Lola and Bob, as well as the love of my life, fine custom jewelry designer Kayla Miller (aka the Hare to my Tortoise self), as well as the services Dreaming Made Simple provides and the events we’re involved in, and of course, content to lift you up and put a smile on your face :)

Thanks for joining me!