In our last +1, we talked about the Spartan World Championships and my “Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.” and “OMMS!” “OMMS!” “OMMS!” mantras as I started (!) and finished the Race after Emerson challenged me to do it.

As you may remember, Emerson met an extraordinary human with NO LEGS who did the Race. (I’m still astonished every time I even imagine him crushing that Championship course.)

That guy has a name.

It’s Kacey McCallister.

He’s (goosebumps) amazing.

When he was 6 years old, Kasey was hit by a semi-truck and lost both of his legs.

Now, he’s an accomplished para-athlete who completes Spartan races by walking/running on his hands and knuckles. (← Video! WOW!!!)

He views not having legs as “a gift” because it provided him a platform to help other people overcome their challenges.

Talk about the living embodiment of OMMS.

Here’s how he puts it: “My life has never been one of calm indifference. From a very early age I learned that life is to be lived, not just survived. Even before the accident I knew life was an adventure. After the accident I found the ability to conquer unimaginable things. “I can do hard things” has been a way of life for me. I mean, who could imagine that a guy without legs could complete a 50 mile hike, make it to State Championship Wrestling, or become an Eagle Scout? My mom told me soon after the accident that if I wanted to do something all I had to do was figure out a way to make it happen.

Throughout my life there have been few if any challenges that I have not been able to succeed in accomplishing. Trials make us stronger. They raise us up to a higher plain. If we are never pushed and challenged we can never obtain our full potential. For me it was losing my legs. For you, it may be school, work, parenting, or just dealing with the complexities of day-to-day life. Regardless of what your challenge is, you too can find a way to RISE UP!”

That’s Today’s +1.

Got any stories about what YOU can’t do?

If you feel so inspired (and you’ve got a tissue handy for the inevitable tears), go watch this video of Kacey completing a Spartan Race and then check in on your excuses.

We need you at your heroic best.

Now more than ever.

Let’s channel our inner Kacey McCallister and RISE UP!

P.S. Emerson and I chatted with Kacey and created this little video. Remember the 44-pound kettlebell Joe De Sena carries with him everywhere to remind himself that life is SUPPOSED to be challenging?

Well… Kacey does the same thing. Carrying HIS version of a kettle-ball in his WHEELCHAIR to demonstrate that he eats obstacles for breakfast. (One more time: Your excuse is what?!)

What’s Your Excuse? #979

RISE UP! with Spartan Hero Kacey McCallister

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