Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rey Grandoit. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Rey, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
Since I became paralyzed at the age of 14 due to bacterial spinal meningitis, my resilience is rooted in adversity from my upbringing in the inner city. As a result, I faced a lot of trauma, which led me on a journey to discover myself. Layer after layer were new chapters of pain that led to growth with each lesson learned. It is an experience that embodies grit, authority, peace, and authenticity. I know I am on healing journey which strengthens my mind, body and soul. The foundation of my life and faith is God, the principles and values that I learnt from the bible has propel my life beyond limits I could imagine. The source of my resilience is Jesus and his story however it’s a partnership where I am the vessel open to be used and delivery my whole self in excellence in every area in my life.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I believe that my experience of incurring a SCI in my early teens and later going on to play wheelchair basketball in college provides a unique perspective that I can share with the world. I was an avid and strong athlete who benefitted in so many ways from keeping my body in shape to play a sport at an elite level, though I did find that I too struggled with maintaining an active lifestyle after college when my exercise routine was not scheduled and scripted by a coach and that I had to figure out how to make it a priority within my busy life as a young adult.
My role on in this world is a great complement to the work I do professionally as an inspirational speaker. My experience with leading persons with disabilities and students to a state in mind of resilience through storytelling, great imagery and being passionate about my topics. I am a strong believer in being the message that I bring to the disability community and beyond. I have worked hard my whole life to educate myself, strengthen my skillsets and promote awareness around exercise, mental wellness and having a positive mindset.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Clarity, Communication, and Consistency ! I have done the best thing I can in my journey by not giving up and continuing on my God-given purpose. Despite the fact that there is nothing new under the sun, the way I deliver it is new, different, and unique for the audience that needs it. As in music, everything can be remixed and improved. However, the foundation remains the same at its core. Amazon is a robust improvement of eBay, just as Facebook was to MySpace.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When I get overwhelm now I’ve learn to relax and breath deeply for at 5 minutes which regulates my emotions. Also, singing worships songs, humming, and rocking back/forth helps tremendously. One of my best stress relievers is going to the gym and working out next to prayer and listening to God’s word!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ownyourinspiration.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ownyourinspiration/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ownyourinspiration12
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reygrandoit/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/OwnYourInspiration
Image Credits
Mark Hunt Alex Grandoit
