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Review: A DVD by Jim MacLaren

Posted September 27, 2007 at 09:00 AM by Valerie Cerami

Section: Her Motivation, Books, Special Features, HAL Reviews

Jim MacLaren I am imbued with pride to have this brightly hued, clear as blue sky rubber wristband, embedded with the words Choose Living dangling from my wrist. This little circle of hope looms large - in spirit, courage, inspirations and realizations. It emotionally, powerfully, figuratively and literally represents the circle of life – as truthfully as the geometric shape it holds. Wearing it - and believing in it - helps support the foundation that touches the world: The Choose Living Foundation. The foundation’s spokesperson and founder, Jim MacLaren, has come full-circle in his aspirations, accomplishments and never-ending optimism – with a dash of wisdom added to the mix (and what a mixture of circumstances he’s encountered). Jim does it all with a smile and indefatigable love of life and the simple things we all take for granted.

This pliable little loop of hope has an unbendable message: everyday, every single one of us, must (unequivocally, in our heart of hearts) choose living. An awareness we are rarely aware of! Living…and the choices we make in our daily lives…living and choosing, on auto-pilot, cruise controlling through this crash course collectively and seemingly cluelessly. Let’s have the intention of attention to those details, if you can spare a few moments. Indulge yourself in an unscheduled, extended investigation break.

What does that mean, exactly? Choose Living…I don’t want to sound “preachy, new-agey-ish, born-again, tra la la” – but my emblazoned, default fixed mood was drastically altered by watching Jim’s DVD. Yes, I must admit, I am a changed soul. And yes, I must also admit I am as cynical as the next guy (or gal) about morals and lessons broadcast to us the unenlightened, in need of self-help books-n-tapes market and the self-actualization section of Barnes and Noble (I pity the bunch in that isle as I impatiently wait for my “usual” Starbucks grande latte). Today, veer from your regular path, and your route will undoubtedly change tomorrow. Jim’s message is the message for the ages – and for the future. Believe me, after hearing his story; you will never again have a bad day.

He puts it all in perspective for us and quotes one of my favorite philosophers, Socrates, noting:

“An unexamined life is a life not worth living.”

Wise words from a sage, repeated and reinterpreted for the rest of us in this rat race who haven’t had the time to think, feel or get to know ourselves. That’s the point, to know ourselves and to know happiness.

Posted on June 7th, 2007: monthly Success Story award recipient and guest on Episode #55 of The Final Sprint Podcast introduced “The Epitome of Courage”: Mr. Jim MacLaren.

Stemming from our partner site’s decision to honor Jim, I was privileged review his DVD: How I Found Happiness After Being Hit By a Bus! – The Jim MacLaren Story. The handsome case has a DVD and a CD, packaged alongside my prized blue bracelet (2% of Jim’s DVD Sales are donated to the Choose Living Foundation.)

It is the mission of Choose Living to impact those in need through inspiration, compassion and accessibility. They provide children, adults and families with the tools to help themselves engage life at every level.

The first words heard on DVD are:

Boy, is it great to be alive or what? Wow”

Exclaimed by Jim himself, from his wheelchair, against a backdrop of outdoors.

That heartfelt phrase sets the tone of all that flows from this charismatic, enthusiastic, smart, self-deprecating persona. Jim may be in a wheelchair, but he certainly is not confined to it. Jim proclaims, feeling his limitations are his greatest teacher:

“I am not my body – I am my spirit”

The DVD’s format is easy to follow, and the menu offers an option to watch the narrative in full or review sections separately. There is an introduction and five chapters of motivational anecdotes, theories, quotes and catch-phrases.

Jim’s story – and stories - are nothing short of a miracle. He is modest in describing himself as a 43 year old work-in-progress who isn’t here to teach – only to share his experiences. In fact, he says there are only two things he knows for sure:

“We never know what our lives are going to look like, but as long as we accept and move forward, we’ll always be okay”

When asked: “What do you do?”,
Jim replies,” About what?”

When asked: “Why do you think you had 2 horrific accidents?”
Jim replies, “Maybe I just needed some time to sit down.”

This man has a sense of humor is as charming as his easy demeanor. He jests, “Armani doesn’t do Velcro,” a comic relief after he broke his neck and insisted on wearing fashionable clothes. He’s not only funny, he’s smart – Yale educated, having earned two master’s degrees and a PhD. At 43 – (a quadriplegic who has overcome two devastating accidents) Jim says he’s the happiest he’s ever been.

“Never ask why” is what Jim lives by, earning him the Arthur Ashe Courage Award, after doctors told him he’d never move again and he proved them wrong.

Jim is an “incomplete” quadriplegic (he retains the ability to feel and move below the neck), and he is grateful – grateful just to feel - even if pain is all he feels. Jim says of his accidents,

“It’s been a gift, not a tragedy”

No regrets, no blame, no one else on earth could have beared – and grinned – through this as shiningly as he did, and does. Overcoming the unthinkable (not once, but twice in a lifetime), Jim views his accidents as “a gift, not a tragedy”. As unbelievable as this statement is Jim overcoming the obstacles of two horrific accidents (with such grace, humility and courage) – is what amazing perception and life skills, such an unwavering spirit and soulful soul, sustained Jim in his mentoring and hopes unabashed.

He’s been called “The Babe Ruth of Amputee Athletes”, is a 2005 ESPY Award winner, has been on Oprah and The Today Show . In addition to his Choose Living Foundation, Jim continues his philanthropy, working as a “Life Coach” and “Motivational Speaker.” Jim has spent much time and energy supporting Camp Good Days, the largest cancer camp for children, while he continues his dedication to the Challenged Athletes Foundation, which provides opportunities for disabled individuals worldwide.

Young, old, handicapped, healthy - It’s okay to play. Imagination stirs us, gets us out of ruts, brings us back to ourselves. Jim speaks to CEO’s of top corporations on this very subject. Jim speaks to heads of companies about the same love-of-life he describes in grammar school auditoriums. The journey of being happy to be alive, and to express that joy, is magical, and something we all can travel with.

Jim sees the beauty (by finding the beauty) in everything he experiences – and everyone he meets. In every segment of the DVD, he mentions nature with awe: cherry blossoms, a beautiful California day, running outside in shorts. Jim sees the beauty (by finding the beauty) in all human beings: in the eyes of a child, in his mentor’s words, in a 14 year-old girl with cancer finding strength. He sees the beauty in simply accepting, in simply living: being present and being powerful every minute.

“I am not my body,” he says. “I am a man, and I am alive. As alive as anyone who is jamming a basketball, scoring a touchdown or hugging their child.”

Research sources and for more information:
Jim’s Website
Wikipedia on Jim
Choose Living Foundation