This video is all about Chris Koch a man from Nanton Alberta who works Spring, Summer and Fall on a farm in Torquay Saskatchewan. It’s indirectly associated with the theme of this blog in that it’s about machinery in the farm industry…… but the big message is how someone with a huge disability can over come many obstacles to perform a job that most people take for granted.
He runs a planter and sprayer in the spring and then a combine in the fall. In the winter he does public speaking using the theme If I Can. The video was also shown on the Oprah Winfrey Show to spread the message that challenges are here for us to test our resilience and fortitude. We as humans were meant to challenge ourselves.
No doubt it took a long time to master his skills operating machinery but when you think about how he would have to think every day getting out of bed and doing simple tasks like brushing his teeth, feeding himself and getting dressed is amazing. His mindset must be made of steel.
When people say There aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done…they’re right. Looking at someone with disabilities who takes much longer to do the simple things makes these basic daily routines seem more important and personally….. brushing my teeth feels much more important now.
There’s a book out there called Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff which is great reading material if you have a chance. Getting wound up on something small is not necessary and wastes energy. The truth hurts sometimes but the freedom in your mind is much more important than a few minutes of discomfort.
My mother has this saying It’s a good life if you don’t weaken.
Looking at Chris Koch and how he adapted to life and taught himself how to be independent is inspiring. How he thinks in his mind everyday is priceless and he could right a very captivating book on the subject. He knows how to survive with one leg and obviously knows how to take curious and negative comments from regular people with a grain of salt.
That takes so much strength and I’m glad to see him as a survivor and a winner. So next time I’m about to grumble about the price of gas or someone driving too fast or too slow I’ll put up a mental stop sign and and not think about the small stuff.
I hope this video inspired you in some way. If it made you think about your life differently in a positive way and made you appreciate it more then I’m glad.
