Welcome to the “We are the World Blogfest” (#WATWB ). The #WATWB was inspired by a simple conversation about how all the negativity on social media was weighing on us. Wanting to make a difference we decided to try to do our part to infuse social media with all the good stories that are out there. We hope to share the stories that show kindness, compassion, hope, overcoming challenges and in general, the impressive resilience of the human spirit. For every dark, negative story out there, there is a positive, heartwarming story that will add some light and lift the human spirit. The last Friday of every month bloggers will share their stories led by five co-hosts, this month’s co-hosts are Sylvia Stein, Susan Scott, Inderpreet Uppal, Shilpa Garg, Andrea Michaels and Damyanti Biswas.
Meet W. Mitchell a former US Marine, San Francisco cable-car gripman, small-town mayor and now a well-respected keynote speaker. W. Mitchell has endured a great deal in his life but lives and breaths his motto: “It’s not what happens to you, it’s what you do about it.”
In 1971 he had a horrific motorcycle accident, the first of two life-altering and tragic events. While driving home he was involved in a blazing motorcycle accident leaving him to cope with devastating burns to over 65% of his body. After a painful rehabilitation, a plane crash four years later left him with a spinal injury, unable to use his legs and confined to a wheelchair.
W. Mitchell didn’t let his challenges stop him, he was determined to gain control, adapt to his new situation, and thrive. Since his accidents, he has become an internationally acclaimed mayor, responsible for saving a mountain, a successful businessman, a highly respected environmentalist, an author and an international keynote speaker. He even continued to be a commercial pilot and a whitewater rafting enthusiast. Today, through humour and compassion his message empowers others to accept challenges, embrace change and take action and is living proof that life is what you make it.
Check out W. Mitchell on YouTube:
You can also visit his website: http://www.wmitchell.com
Belinda Witzenhausen 
Wow! I may have to watch the video a little later when I have more time. What you wrote about his history and what he chose to become, “blew me away”. Thanks for sharing and for being a part of #WATWB
LikeLiked by 2 people
He really is an inspiration. When you get a chance I recommend checking out his channel he has some great clips, all really motivating and humorous at the same time. Thank you so much for stopping by. 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend!
LikeLike
Makes me question what am I doing with my life! Why do I let fear stop me! What a courageous, inspiring individual!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know, I thought the exact same thing. Helps put things into perspective. Thanks for taking the time to stop by. Hope you have a fantastic weekend!🙂
LikeLike
Hi Belinda – I watched both clips and as you say he’s inspirational … it’s great to see and puts so many little silly things we struggle with into perspective … brilliant – we can do things .. cheers Hilary
LikeLike
I just loved the fact he could find humour no matter how challenging the situation. Thank you so much for stopping by. Wishing you a wonderful weekend! 🙂
LikeLike
What an amazing story of triumph over terrible circumstances. Thanks for sharing this.
LikeLike
He definitely is an inspiration! Thanks so much for stopping by! Hope you have a fantastic weekend!🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Those videos made me cry– man can overcome anything and triumph, if only he puts his mind to it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It really motivated me, I seem to find these when I need them them the most. Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by. Wishing you a wonderful weekend!🙂
LikeLike
You’ve done it again, Belinda!
‘W. Mitchell has endured a great deal in his life but lives and breaths his motto: “It’s not what happens to you, it’s what you do about it.”’ This sums up his life so well. What an inspiring man. It has implications for us all. Thanks so much for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Simon! He has such an incredible Outlook on life it really helps put things into perspective. Hope you are doing well and having a great weekend! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
People like Mr. Mitchell make me feel like such a slacker. I make excuses all the time for why I can’t do something, and this man has met so many challenges and refuses to allow them to define him. What a great motivator!
LikeLike
“Life happens. Stuff happens. It’s all part of the deal. It’s what you do about it that matters!”
A powerful message… and a wake up call for humanity!
Thank you for sharing this post, Belinda!
Writer In Transit
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree his message certainly puts things into perspective. Thanks so much for stopping by! Have a great week! 🙂
LikeLike
Wow! He is a strong person, an inspiration to this world of pain and sorrow. Thank you Belinda.
LikeLiked by 1 person
He definitely is an inspiration. Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by! Hope you have a fantastic week! 🙂
LikeLike