The Very Things That Hold You Down Can Lift You Up
Lately, thanks to my daughter’s growing curiosity, I’ve been revisiting some of the Disney classics.
I’ll be honest—I didn’t expect Dumbo to stop me in my tracks. But there we were, at the end of a long Sunday, winding down with a movie when I heard it:
“The very things that held you down are going to lift you up, up, up.”
That line—spoken by Dumbo’s sidekick, Timothy Q. Mouse—hit me square in the chest.
It’s still echoing days later.
What’s Holding You Down?
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re carrying something: a challenge, a disappointment, a loss, or maybe a long-held belief that says, “I’m not enough.”
So let me ask you—what’s been weighing you down?
A physical limitation?
A difficult diagnosis?
The invisible load of grief or burnout?
A mistake or missed opportunity?
You’re not alone. And here’s what I’ve learned, living with cerebral palsy and guiding others through personal and professional growth:
The things that challenge us most often become the things that shape us best.
From Setback to Strength
There was a time when I believed my disability disqualified me.
I used to fall—literally—every day. I’ve had five orthopedic surgeries. I’ve been left out. Misunderstood. Judged. And for a long time, I saw my condition as something to hide or fight against.
But now, I see it differently. My disability shaped my voice, my purpose, and my path.
It taught me how to be resilient. How to show up with integrity. How to lead with compassion.
Now, through my coaching, keynotes, and books, I help others turn their own limitations into leverage.
Resilience Isn’t Reserved for the Few
Maybe Disney metaphors aren’t your thing. No problem. Let’s look outside.
Have you ever noticed how quickly the grass bounces back after a rainstorm—even after weeks of drought?
It’s incredible. One downpour can revive what looked completely lifeless.
That’s the power of resilience. That’s the magic of nourishment.
We’re no different.
Sometimes, all it takes is a little bit of restoration to come back stronger.
So here’s a question worth asking:
What would your version of “a little rain” look like right now?
A good night’s rest?
A day off?
Talking with a trusted friend?
Getting coaching or support?
You don’t have to earn it. You just have to allow it.
Reflection Prompts to Spark Your Own Growth
Use these as journaling cues, or discuss them with someone you trust:
What’s one area of my life that needs care or restoration?
Where have I misjudged my challenge as a dead end rather than a starting point?
What if my next breakthrough is buried inside the thing I’ve been resisting?
Your “Great” Might Look Different—And That’s Okay
One of the hardest lessons I’ve learned—and teach often—is this:
Greatness doesn’t always look like the highlight reel.
Sometimes, greatness is getting out of bed when everything hurts.
Sometimes, it’s choosing to hope.
Sometimes, it’s being honest about what you need.
Your “great” might not match someone else’s, but that doesn’t mean it’s not valid. It’s real. It’s yours. It counts.
If we constantly compare ourselves to someone else’s chapter 20 while we’re still on chapter 3, we’ll miss the miracle that’s already happening in our own story.
Three Questions to Redefine Your “Great”
How do I define success for myself—not based on comparison, but conviction?
Where have I pushed myself too hard out of shame instead of purpose?
What does a “grace-filled” step forward look like for me this week?
Final Takeaway: You Were Made to Rise
No matter what challenge you’re facing—physical, emotional, or professional—this truth remains:
You were made to rise.
You’re not broken.
You’re not behind.
You’re not disqualified.
You’re in process. You’re in motion. And you are not alone.
Let this blog be your reminder:
The very things that held you down can lift you up.
The rain you’ve been waiting for might begin with a single act of kindness—to yourself.
Your story, just as it is, can inspire and lead.
👋 Let’s Stay Connected
If this message resonated with you:
👉 Comment and share what’s been lifting you up lately.
👉 Tag someone who might need this reminder today.
👉 Explore more reflections and tools for growth at DreamingMadeSimple.com
✍️ About the Author
Sam Miller is the founder of Dreaming Made Simple and author of I’MPOSSIBLE: Life Lessons on Thriving with a Disability and I’MPOSSIBLE JOURNEY: Finding Treasure in the Midst of Grief. As a speaker and coach, he equips individuals and organizations to move from pain to purpose and create momentum that lasts.
#Resilience #PersonalGrowth #DisabilityAwareness #SelfLeadership #CerebralPalsy #Motivation #MentalWellness #EmotionalHealth #PurposeDrivenLife #BounceBack #DreamingMadeSimple #CoachingTools #LiveWithIntention