As a person with a disability, I have had to overcome many obstacles and challenges over my life. At the age of 6 months I was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy (CP), which was due to a lack of oxygen at birth. The Mayo Clinic defines Cerebral Palsy as a disorder of movement, muscle tone or posture that is caused by an insult to the immature, developing brain, most often before birth.
CP has made everyday tasks (ADLs) such as, eating, walking, typing, extremely difficult. However, it has also taught me how to persevere while not letting my disability define me. It was engrained in me through my parents and support system, to never give up on my goals.
As a person with a disability, I have had to overcome many obstacles and challenges over my life. At the age of 6 months I was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy (CP), which was due to a lack of oxygen at birth. The Mayo Clinic defines Cerebral Palsy as a disorder of movement, muscle tone or posture that is caused by an insult to the immature, developing brain, most often before birth.
CP has made everyday tasks (ADLs) such as, eating, walking, typing, extremely difficult. However, it has also taught me how to persevere while not letting my disability define me. It was engrained in me through my parents and support system, to never give up on my goals.
Aside from a very encouraging support system, I found strength through my faith in Jesus Christ from a very young age. Being raised in the church, I have always heard about how Jesus loves me and wants what's best for me. However, I did not start taking my faith seriously until high school, when I started attending youth group and Young Life regularly. I found in Young Life, as well as church, the support beyond my family and many therapists that encouraged me to live life to the fullest. This provided me a solid group of friends that I have never had before. These friends provided encouragement to step out of my comfort zone and try things, such as being on the track team.
This new confidence I found through my faith, family and my friends, enabled me to go away to George Fox University (Newberg, OR.), on a scholarship through the Act Six Leadership Initiative (founded by Northwest Leadership Foundation and the Portland Leadership Foundation), and earn a bachelors degree in Christian Ministries. During my time at George Fox, the university ranked no. 134 on Forbes' "America's Best Colleges" list and was named the top ranked Christian college in the northwest. It was through my studies and experiences at George Fox where I developed a heart for the disability community in the Portland metro area and eventually worldwide. I learned that I have a heart for people with disabilities to have the opportunity to live life to the fullest, especially high school kids.
Since graduating from George Fox, I have devoted my time and resources to improving the quality of life of others, particularly those who have been impacted by disability, as-well-as educating about physical and emotional hurdles to young entrepreneurs. I have done this through promoting disability awareness in public schools, mentorship, disabilities advocacy, disabilities ministries and educating the general public through public speaking engagements. I look forward to continuing to make an impact city wide, state wide and globally through different endeavors.
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Breaking Chains: Turning Bondage into Tools of Freedom
Blake's experience with CP is used to encourage others to reach their full potential by embracing and overcoming their challenges.
Share Post on X Threads LinkedIn Embed| Journalism Personal Growth and Inspiration | |
| 10,000 words | |
| 25% complete | |
| 4 publishers interested |
Have you ever felt trapped by a challenge or by circumstances beyond your control? Living with Cerebral Palsy, Blake Shelley has experienced this time and again. There have been times that he has felt bound by his disability. However, what sets Blake apart from others is that he does not take no for an answer. Over the course of his 27 year journey he has discovered a system of turning bondage into tools of freedom. In this book, he shares his 6 Links of Turning Bondage into Tools of Freedom and invites you on a journey through his life. Through sharing his experience and the lessons he learned, Blake's desire is that you would feel empowered to rise above your challenges and find freedom and success.
Excerpt from Chapter 1:
"In the last several years, I have been intrigued by the concept of chains. Throughout history chains have been used for a variety of purposes, as well as metaphors to describe events and entities that are connected. What do you think of when you hear about chains? Perhaps, the use that comes to mind most frequently is that of keeping a prisoner in bondage. Others could say that it’s a valuable tool used to support heavy objects. Both definitions are accurate, it’s just how people choose to view them. As I reflect on chains, I can’t help but draw parallels to the challenges and circumstances we face in our everyday lives. So often we feel bound, even paralyzed, by the challenges we face that we lose sight of our dreams. Could there be a healthier, more freeing way to view our challenges? Is it possible to take what once bound us and turn it into a tool that will help us reach our full potential? Not only do I believe it is possible, I’ve lived it and I know that you can too!"
"'Why Not, I know I can' are often our responses as kids as we face opportunity or challenge; we tether no bias and harbor no trepidation. As we grow, though, we become callous to change and retreat to grounds of comfort and illusionary safety, and there we remain as our chains hold us from what was once possible as children. Blake embodies the 'Why Not, I know I can' practice of looking at life's hurdles and opportunity, as he has overcome so many. Blake will enlighten your soul and fill your tool box as he guides you along the road to escaping your bondage, whatever it may be. Blake is indeed an 'Angel on earth'; reach out and be amazed! connect and rejoice!"
- Allan Wich, Co-Host of the "Think Bold, Be Bold" podcast on iTunes
"Blake reveals the true essence of the human spirit and provides inspiration to anyone looking to go beyond mediocrity and find their voice and passion. Don't Take No for an Answer will certainly motivate you to live the life worth living!"
- Christopher Cumby, Author "The Success Playbook" and Host of "Think Bold, Be Bold"
Don't Take No for an Answer offers publishers and future readers beneficial features such as:
Chapter 1: Introduction
(Blake introduces the concept of Turning Bondage into Tools of Freedom)
Chapter 2: Surviving
(Blake tells of his family's early encounter with disability and how they moved forward)
Chapter 3: Free Falling
(Whether you're learning to walk or trying something new, falling is inevitable)
Chapter 4: I Wanna Be Like You
(It's important to have role models)
Chapter 5: Stand Up and Lead
(Decide how you want to be known)
Chapter 6: Find Out Who Your Friends Are
(Who is walking with you?)
Chapter 7: Defying Gravity
(There are limitless possibilities)
Chapter 8: Push Your Limits
(Leave your comfort zone)
Chapter 9: Speak Up
(Learn to self advocate)
Chapter 10: Critical Planning
(Have a plan)
Chapter 11: Uncharted Territory
(Don't be afraid to start something new)
Chapter 12: Believe
(Believe in yourself and surround yourself with people who support you)
Chapter 13: Always Ask Questions
(Blake summarizes the process of Turning Bondage into Tools of Freedom and encourages you to ask questions)
Acknowledgments
As a person with a disability, Blake has overcome many obstacles and challenges over his life. At the age of 6 months he was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy (CP), which was due to a lack of oxygen at birth. The Mayo Clinic defines Cerebral Palsy as a disorder of movement, muscle tone or posture that is caused by an insult to the immature, developing brain, most often before birth.
CP has made everyday tasks (ADLs) such as, eating, walking, typing, extremely difficult. However, it has also taught him how to persevere while not letting his disability define him. It was engrained in Blake through his parents and support system, to never give up on his goals.
Aside from a very encouraging support system, Blake found strength through his faith in Jesus Christ from a very young age. Being raised in the church, Blake has always heard about how Jesus loves him and wants what's best for his life. However, he did not start taking his faith seriously until high school, when he started attending youth group and Young Life regularly. Blake found in Young Life, as well as church, the support beyond his family and many therapists that encouraged him to live life to the fullest. This provided Blake a solid group of friends that he never had before. These friends provided encouragement to step out of his comfort zone and try things, such as being on the track team.
The confidence Blake found through his faith, family and friends, enabled him to go away to George Fox University (Newberg, OR.), on a scholarship through the Act Six Leadership Initiative (founded by Northwest Leadership Foundation and the Portland Leadership Foundation), and earn a bachelors degree in Christian Ministries. During his time at George Fox, the university ranked no. 134 on Forbes' "America's Best Colleges" list and was named the top ranked Christian college in the northwest. It was through Blake's studies and experiences at George Fox where he developed a heart for the disability community in the Portland metro area and eventually worldwide. Blake learned that he has a heart for people with disabilities to have the opportunity to live life to the fullest, especially high school kids.
Since graduating from George Fox, Blake has devoted his time and resources to improving the quality of life of others, particularly those who have been impacted by disability, as-well-as educating about physical and emotional hurdles to young entrepreneurs. Blake does this through promoting disability awareness in public schools, mentorship, disabilities advocacy, disabilities ministries and educating the general public through public speaking engagements. He looks forward to continuing to make an impact city wide, state wide and globally through different endeavors.
This book is written for anyone who has felt bound by a circumstance or challenge. We all have a story that includes triumphs and challenges. We must embrace our whole story in order to more forward towards our dreams. Whether you have lived a life with a disability, financial struggles, felt oppressed by cultures influences, this book is for you. If you want to accomplish your dream or goals but feel stuck, give Blake's 6 links of turning bondage into tools of freedom a try.
(sources: PEW Research Center, Marketdata Estimates)
Based on the market research, Millennials are facing different challenges than previous generations and are looking for resources that will aid their personal growth and help them effect change.
Over the past year, Blake has been actively cultivating a following through a variety of online and social media platforms. He is best-known for his theme of breaking chains, which he coveys through his blog posts, Facebook posts and podcasts. Blake has recently become a reoccurring guest expert on the top rated podcast, "Think BOLD, Be BOLD", which has been highlighted in iTunes' "New and Noteworthy" category. Due to the popularity of this show, Blake is gaining exposure in a variety of different markets, including business development and coaching. In addition, Blake is an active member of a number of internet communities, such as professional development networks, disability networks and faith based communities.
As a active member of his community, Blake's influence stretches far beyond his circle. He is connected to a variety of local and national faith based and professional groups. As a alumni of George Fox University, Blake has a platform to share his publications.
Blake's mission for this book is to launch his career as a motivational speaker. By using this book as a marketing tool and back of the room sales, it is his desire to gain exposure on a national and global level. In addition, Blake is planning to use all pre-sale proceeds and advances to attend Steve Harrison's National Publicity Summit (valued at $8,000). Blake also agrees to participate in any and all book signings and interviews arranged by the publisher.
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Agora Publishing
Agora Publishing is a Canada-based not-for-profit organization, founded in 1997 with the aim of making book publishing accessible to all writers across Canada and internationally. Hybrid publisher All categories Worldwide |
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Motivational Press
250 copies • Completed manuscript. Hybrid publisher Mind & Body, YA Fiction, Business & Money, Career & Success, Health, Fitness & Dieting, Journalism, Personal Growth & Self-Improvement, Politics & Social Sciences, Society & Culture, Sports & Outdoors, Travel Worldwide |
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BookFuel
From Manuscript to Market. Service publisher Children Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mind & Body, Mystery, Thriller, Horror & Suspense, Romantic Fiction, Science Fiction & Fantasy, YA Fiction, Biography & Memoir, Business & Money, Career & Success, Cookbooks, Food & Wine, Health, Fitness & Dieting, History, Journalism, Politics & Social Sciences, Religion & Spirituality, Science, Society & Culture, Sports & Outdoors, Technology & the Future, Travel Worldwide |
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ShieldCrest Publishing
ShieldCrest are book publishers based in the UK who fill that vital gap for talented authors where mainstream publishers are unwilling to give them that chance. We strive for excellence and invest in our authors and are listed in FreeIndex as the number one independent publisher in the UK for price quality and service rated author satisfaction. We publish books of all genres including; fiction, historical, biographies and children's books. Service publisher Children Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mind & Body, Mystery, Thriller, Horror & Suspense, Romantic Fiction, Science Fiction & Fantasy, YA Fiction, Biography & Memoir, Business & Money, Career & Success, Cookbooks, Food & Wine, Health, Fitness & Dieting, History, Journalism, Politics & Social Sciences, Religion & Spirituality, Science, Society & Culture, Sports & Outdoors, Technology & the Future, Travel Worldwide |
Hi Everyone,
Two weeks in and we are almost halfway to my goal! Thank you so much for being a part of this project!
I wanted to …
Dear Friends,
WOW!!! I am shocked and humbled by your support and generosity! We were able to achieve 25% of our goal in under a …
Looking forward to reading it. Congrats!!
Proud of you and humbled by you
You're awesome & inspiring! .....oh!, & loved!
I am so proud of your accomplishments. I knew you were very special when I had the pleasure of working with you at RHS. I am looking forward to your book. Blessings to you, Blake.
I'm can't be more excited about this book! Blake's story is amazing and his writing is fantastic. I'm really looking forward to reading this, and encourage you to grab a copy for yourself.
Excited for the read!
Thank you, I look forward to reading your book.
SO thrilled to see your progress on the book. Can't wait to read it and share it. Love your spirit.
Mary Jane Erwin
can't wait to read!
Proud of you.
on April 4, 2016, 10:46 p.m.
xoxo...