Limitations . . . what good are they?

Aimee Mullins knows a little about limitations. Amputated from the knee down on both legs at age one, Aimee could have let these limitations define her life. Instead, she chose to embrace the possibilities of freedom that these amputations allowed her. I haven't heard much of Aimee's story through the years, but I do remember her getting attention for the prosthetic legs she had constructed to help her run more effectively. She's been a leader in pushing prosthetics to a new level because she didn't want to be held back by the status quo.

Aimee recently spoke at the 2008 Art Center Design Conference in Pasadena, CA. The conference "is a three-day international gathering of entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and innovators from many fields and disciplines" that explored "the essential role of play in business, the arts, science, storytelling, technology, and more." Aimee gave an incredible speech about the power we have to tap into our differences:

"The idea of being different [is often viewed] as a negative, or as a challenge we must overcome. But—in this crowd [of creatives]—we know it’s inherently powerful. Diversity leads to diversity of ideas and problem solving, collaboration to help us to connect. It’s actually in each other’s differences that we see ourselves. We’re more alike than we are different."

. . . and the power we have to inspire ourselves to do great things:

“I often get questions of bravery, [but] I do not have any special powers. I am equipped with the same magical powers that you are, and it’s your thoughts. At some point you have to recognize the amazing engine that is the way you think. Whether you think you can or can’t, you’re right. I’ve met so many more people who are so much more disabled in their heads than I ever was by having to put prosthetics on. I think you should set wild and improbable goals."

It's inspiring speech that was transcribed by Tango, Katy, and Doug over at the conference blog. Check out Aimee's speech now. The transcript of Bruce McCall's speech is first, so you'll have to scroll down to after the second picture to read Aimee's speech. You'll be happy you did.