What happens in our lives is not always in our control. While external forces affect us, how we react is what matters the most. Cloe Gair, Oscar von Memerty, and Itumeleng Sekhu made remarkable choices when faced with adversity. These individuals have dealt with rare diseases, extreme burns, and discrimination. But instead of letting it stop them from thriving, they decided to take charge of their destiny.
At just 11 months old, Itumeleng Sekhu suffered third-degree burns from a fire. “I was in hospital for three years,” she says. “I started living a life of no hope.” Having lost her right arm and four fingers on her left hand, Sekhu’s scars marred her daily experiences – until she decided to reclaim her life. “My pain birthed my purpose,” Sekhu says. Writing the book, What Do You See?, she transformed her story from one of struggle to strength. Through these pages, Sekhu is inspiring people to harness their resilience and overcome any obstacle. “The greatest people on earth are not people that have things easier, but they allow their fire within to lead them,” Sekhu says.
Oscar von Memerty’s energy far surpasses his circumstances. Born with Maroteaux-Lamy Syndrome, an often fatal genetic condition that stunted his growth, he grew up acutely aware of his chances at life. But instead of dreading his disease, he found a route to embracing life and himself. Through hip-hop dancing, Von Memerty pops and locks his way to self-love. “I am lucky I can’t try to conform,” he says. “Being conventional does not create originality.” As a motivational speaker, Von Memerty encourages others to live fully and break dance through barriers.
As a transgender woman, Cloe Gair was denied opportunities for employment. Doors kept shutting in her face as she searched for a job. So instead of relying on others, Gair decided to forge her own path and empower herself. Starting her own perfume business from her dining room table, Gair worked her way to becoming an entrepreneur of note. “The most powerful thing I did was to create a better life for myself,” she says. “You must be proud of who you are.”
We have the power to choose how we respond to life’s challenges. Gair, Von Memerty, and Sekhu took control of their present and future. When you grip the steering wheel of your life, there’s no telling where you might go.
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