I listened to an interview between Sean Stephenson and Dr. Mehmet Oz on XM Radio a few weeks ago. I was captivated by Stephenson’s charisma. He has figured life out and he knows without a doubt how to live happily, peacefully and in a way that is absolutely fulfilling. It was a joy to hear him speak. I am so impressed by him.
As is usually the case, when I listen to XM radio it is while I am driving in my car and getting in and out for errands. I rarely hear entire segments or guest interviews in one sitting. I was happy this week when I caught the replay for this interview. What I learned this time around, listening to a different segment of the interview, is that Sean Stephenson was born with a genetic disorder called osteogenesis imperfecta. This disorder causes one’s bones to be extremely fragile; it also stunts one’s growth. Stephenson is three feet tall and has broken the bones in his body hundreds of times over the course of his life. Now I was really intrigued by Stephenson! He obviously had to overcome a lot of obstacles in order to feel this good about life—and clearly he has. He is an absolute success story.
At the end of the interview, Dr. Oz asked Stephenson if he ever feels like life isn’t fair, implying that in Sean’s case, he might be justified in thinking he received a raw deal. I absolutely loved Stephenson’s reply. I think you will, too. He said that he thinks life is fair because we were each given the ability to adapt and have gratitude. How about that? The next time you or I encounter a challenging person or situation, let’s keep this in mind.
After this interview, I did some research on Sean Stephenson. Turns out he is quite well-known, and extremely accomplished. At only 30 years old Stephenson is a practicing psychotherapist and motivational speaker. Earlier this year, he released a self-help book called ”Get Off Your ‘But’: How to End Self-Sabotage and Stand Up for Yourself.” Sean Stephenson has also “worked on Capitol Hill as Legislative Affairs Support Staff for Congressman William O. Lipinski AND in the White House as a Presidential Liason for the Office of Cabinet Affairs” (Sean Stephenson website). He is currently pursuing a PhD in Clinical Hypnosis.
I’m posting a local news interview with Stephenson. You can see and hear for yourself what a wonderful perspective he has on life.
“Get off your BUT” – looks like I have another book to add to my growing shopping cart at Amazon
Not that I mind…but Richard may be putting up more shelves for me soon…
Get off my BUT…my but is my paycheck. Looks like I have some super serious work to do. And a lot of writing.
Thanks for this and thanks for sharing Sean Stephenson with us all.
xxoo
Peggy
[...] Jodi at Joy Discovered writes, “At the end of the interview, Dr. Oz asked Stephenson if he ever feels like life isn’t fair,… [...]
Oh JoyDi if this isn’t THE MOST important blog EVER! What a teacher! What lessons to us! If Sean isn’t a reason that none of us should ever utter the words “I can’t” I don’t know what is! Thank you! I am in utter awe!!!!!
Hi Jodi,
Thank you so much for sharing this with us. I love such stories and good for Sean for not letting his condition get in the way. I have often noticed that those who have health and/or physical challenges end up having a healthier outlook on life.
When I was born, I had a birth defect that fortunately was corrected when I was nine but prior to surgery, I was made fun of a lot for it. It hurt tremendously but I always had hope that things would get better.
I think if my childhood had been more normal, I would not be where I am. Kind of cool how life can be and it is people like Sean that helps us to see the possibilities.
Oh, this is thoroughly inspiring! Thanks for posting it. I do love his answer about the fairness of life. I certainly wouldn’t be where I am without the experience of depression and anxiety. That of course seems trivial compared to Stephenson’s adversity, but the lesson is the same: we can adapt, be grateful and be joyful.
Thanks!
Jodi,
What a great inspiration! And it was so moving, really, to watch the video here and listen to his words. What particularly struck me was the very last sentence he said in the interview:
“I love my life.”
Can I say that? Well, I do love my life – but there are moments. When the kids are fighting. Or some project doesn’t go as planned. Or I try to swim in a race. Or dinner burns. Or… I could go on and on. Things that have all made me think “why me”. And yet, I can stand up and walk around, I can hear, I can see, I have a happy and loving family, and I could go on and on.
What am I focusing on?
Hmmm…
Jodi, this post really has me thinking tonight as to how much I really do love my life…and it’s time to show it more…
Hi Peggy!
You bring up a good point–what are my “buts”? Probably money and time, time and money. But really, we’re unstoppable! Nothing can hold us back!!
Thank you again for linking to Joy Discovered on your blog. Your support and positive energy is so appreciated!!
Hi SuZen!
Thank you for stopping by today! I felt the same as you when I first heard Sean and with each additional thing I learned about him. I am in awe, too. My favorite line in the video is when he says he loves his life–that it is a big assumption for someone to make that he would want it any different. What a show-stopper! It really makes me think about my life and how I view it…!
Hi Nadia!
I know what you mean about the clarity people seem to achieve after overcoming an illness or tragedy. I think really, in our own ways, on our own levels, we all have experienced major traumas or setbacks and we have all been faced with the same choice as Sean (or you) of whether or not something is going to be a burden or a gift. And in that way, I would hope that none of us would trade our past or our experiences or our current conditions for another life. We all have infinite possibilties for joy and happiness, when we are ready and willing to embrace them!
Hi Kaushik!
Thank you for your wonderful comment. I wouldn’t trade any of my experiences for another life, either. Living is a rocky road…it’s the bumps that build our character!
Hi Lance!
That line struck me, too! I get the feeling from listening to Sean that he doesn’t let those little moments get to him, that his love for life outshines all that. Like you, I want to see past those moments of frustration to the bigger picture. I think this lends lightness to our encounters, and a lightness to our being. BTW, I am still feeling joyful at the thought of you and your family going round and round the roundabout. Your comment about that made my WEEK!
Wow, what an amazing person. He is the definition of perseverance. I like the title of his book, sounds humorous yet serious at the same time. I love hearing of stories like his. Thanks for sharing it.
Thanks for sharing this inspiring post! I’ve asked this question a lot, IS LIFE FAIR? Sometimes, it doesn’t look like it, seeing how many people suffer in poverty or sickness, but whenever we hear of people who are able to overcome difficulties, we are reminded that each one is given a gift and a power to choose how one would live his or her life. It isn’t always obvious at first, but oftentimes, the most significant things are those that are invisible to the naked eye.
Great interview! I like that Sean focuses on what he can get out of life, not what is lacking compared to others. I’ve been slowly making this switch in my life. I’m less worried about what others earn and have in their lives.
I’m more concerned about extracting as much happiness and knowledge from other people. People have so much to give if you allow them to teach you.
Wow. I am humbled and speechless. Thank you for posting this, Jodi! This gives even more meaning to something my client said to me the other day:
“This day will never come again.”
It is up to each of us to embrace the day (and life) with gratitude, adapt, and live it full-out! Thank you to Sean for lighting the way.
Happy Weekend, Jodi!
That is absolutely incredible. Thank you for posting it, and bringing it to the attention of those who visit your inspiring blog! Isn’t it so true that, many times, we assume people with disabilities dislike their lives? I think it’s another phenomenal example of reflection: we see in others only what we have within ourselves. I don’t doubt he has tough days, like all of us do, but to spend his life motivating other people is remarkable.
And not for nothing, but I’ll never take for granted my ability to sneeze and NOT breake a bone again.
Loved this!
Hi Jodi,
This is such a wonderfully inspiring post!! What touched me most about Sean was the truly peaceful energy he radiated. I dont think any of us…even after having so many blessings truly can say we are At Peace with our lifes; the way he just radiates peace is miraculous to say the least… So often we take for granted all that we have and abuse Gods blessings….and when i see a person like Sean -I just break down and cry as to how ungrateful i have been….Noone is perfect…we all hvae our weak moments..but to go on and be as positive as Sean is inspite of all his ailments is truly commendable.
Thank you Jodi for sharing such inspiration and positivity here on your lovely blog.
Jodi, this was really inspirational
thanks for sharing!! 
We always move forward, but most of all it begins with our choosing to, first!
reminds me of byron katie and her interview with (someone who has cancer) and she said ‘do you really want it to go away?’ .. it is true. The more we realize the gift behind our ’so-called curse’ the more we grow and come to appreciate life and those who are in it with a greater expansion! I have noticed this in my own health journey. Sometimes I feel frustrated also and despaired, but there is always a new dawn and I wake up with much expectant hope each day!
I love this quote that is so surface in my life right now:
“every exit is an entry somewhere else.” ~tom stoppard
blessings to you, hugs ~Jen
Hi Ben!
Thanks for stopping by. I’m glad you found Sean Stephenson inspirational, too. You are so right, he is the embodiment of perseverance!
Hi Abbie!
It is so nice to have you here. Thank you so much for reading Joy Discovered and taking the time to leave a comment! I agree, we each have a choice; we each our responsible for our own happiness!
Hi Karl!
I love your take on the interview–that Sean focuses on what he can get out of life, not what he is lacking. That is the name of the game!! I am working harder at looking at my life that way, too. In the big picture, I think I live that way already. For me, it’s the little details that I let get to me sometimes. I’m working on gratitude moment by moment. Thanks so much for sharing your perspective–and also all that you contribute to others on your own fantastic blog!
Hi Michelle!
So true, the very moment we are in is what counts the most! Thank you for stopping by today!!
Hi Megan!
No kidding about not taking for granted something as seemingly insignificant as a sneeze! I love that part in the TV interview, where Sean references someone making a big assumption that he doesn’t love his life exactly as it is. There is such a valuable lesson in that. When we really look at our lives and decide we love it, all the pretty parts and even all the bumps, we begin to feel gratitude for all of it. Like Sean, I wouldn’t trade my path for any other!
Hi Zeenat!
I know what you mean. Sean inspires me in the same way, to sit back and really take a look at my life, and exercise gratitude for ALL of it. He is so peaceful, it is a way of being we could all aspire to. Thank you for contributing your thoughts here!
Hi Jen!
I love the quote you shared. It’s so true. It’s up to us to SEE the open doors in our lives! Sean Stephenson is such a great example of someone who chooses to see all the love and opportunity in his life! Thank you for stopping by! Have a great weekend!
Hi Jodi,
What an inspirational story to share–thank you! His spirit reminds me a lot of Nick Vujicic. He was born without limbs and accomplishes more physically than most people I know with a zest for life that is absolutely contagious. Heartening. Heart warming. You might want to check out his story at lifewithoutlimbs.org.
Everyone makes a choice to live joyfully and embrace an abundant life with what they’ve been given or to let what you don’t have shut you down. Gratitude seems to be the key, and isn’t there always at least something to be grateful for..perspective helps a lot. Whenever I find myself thinking of what’s lacking in my life rather than what fills it up–one night in ER or the critical care unit helps me to find lots to be grateful for (I work in the hospital).
Thank you for sharing:)
Hi Joy!
I am so glad you came by Joy Discovered. I love your perspective. I will surely check out the website on Nick Vujicic. I love how you phrased this: “everyone makes a choice to live joyfully and embrace what they’ve been given or to let what you don’t have shut you down.” Well put!! I think it is wonderful you work in a hospital–and that the lessons there about gratitude and the importance of embracing life are felt by you each night when you’re in the ER. I checked out your blog–you are a great writer. I can’t wait to read more. Thank you again for coming by here!!
What a beautiful person.
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