We will all come up against situations in our lives where we simply cannot do something we really want to do. I grew up not being able to play Mary Poppins with my siblings, or ride a bike, or do needlepoint. Living with a disability puts limits on what you can do, but if you’re creative and persistent, you can break barriers. You can learn to run, jump, and fly in a different way. Listen to the full episode to hear: How finding the right tools can help you show your whole self Why changes in physical abilities are just a different path, not the end of the road How using the gifts you do have helps you lead a fulfilling life, even with challenges Why it’s vital to find your community and your allies Learn more about Molly Kennedy Molly Kennedy Consulting Resources: A Brief History of Time , Stephen Hawking My Brief History , Stephen Hawking…

What is to be disabled? Every day, I’m confronted with the reality that society thinks people with disabilities don’t matter and can’t contribute. People with disabilities live with being constantly judged against stereotypes that create real barriers to our being able to live a full life. The theoretical legal protections of the Americans with Disabilities Act are not enough when negative attitudes and assumptions about us persist throughout our culture. But I have always wanted to play a meaningful role in my community and to give back. Today, I want to talk about what it’s like to do that on my own terms, regardless of others’ judgments. Listen to the full episode to hear: How I’ve navigated shaking off other people’s assumptions about what I can contribute Why it feels like I’ve had to work twice as hard and I’m not allowed to make mistakes The physical and emotional toll of constantly having to prove myself A key thing able-bodied people can do to be more inclusive of people with disabilities in their lives Why knowing that I matter and am contributing starts with me Learn more about Molly Kennedy Molly Kennedy Consulting…

As I’ve shared some of my backstory, what I’ve accomplished, the goals I’ve yet to achieve, and how I became the person I am today, I’ve mentioned a number of supportive people from my life. I’ve been fortunate to have people in my corner my whole life as I’ve determined my goals and achieved my dreams, but no one has been more influential than my mother. My mom was always my champion, encouraging me to take chances and try, even when things didn’t work out. Today, I want to talk about my mom, Rita Rose, and the gifts she gave me. Listen to the full episode to hear: How my mother modeled determination and resilience even in difficult times How we made the most of one-on-one time in my large family Why my mom never told me I wasn’t capable of doing things Learn more about Molly Kennedy Molly Kennedy Consulting…

How do you balance being optimistic with being realistic? A lot of people make resolutions for the new year with unqualified optimism and wind up feeling like they’re failing when they don’t meet their unrealistic goals. But realism doesn’t have to equal pessimism. It simply means you’re acknowledging that you’re not perfect while still being willing to try. And that glass half-full perspective can go a long way to staying positive and building connections in your life. Listen to the full episode to hear: Why optimism needs a dose of realism Strategies for cultivating a glass half-full attitude Why your goals should build on your past experiences and achievements Why having the right supports can be key to meeting your goals The importance of allowing yourself to fail, and giving yourself grace Learn more about Molly Kennedy Molly Kennedy Consulting Resources: Admiral McRaven addresses the University of Texas at Austin Class of 2014…

Who hasn’t made a New Year’s resolution that they abandoned almost immediately? Whatever stalled your progress–whether it was overly ambitious, a goal you didn’t feel that connected to, or maybe it meant so much you were scared to fail–it’s happened to nearly all of us. As we get into the swing of the new year, I want to talk about setting meaningful goals based on your dreams and vision for your life, and strategies for taking action toward achieving them. Listen to the full episode to hear: Why setting goals requires real self-reflection about what you can reasonably commit to Why learning and building a foundation is a key step for any goal in a new area or field How setting and sticking to priorities helps you bring in the right help and support when needed How my core values and motivations guide my goal-setting What hitting barriers to my goals has taught me about failure and growth How a long-term vision for your life helps you set goals, not just short-term resolutions Learn more about Molly Kennedy Molly Kennedy Consulting…

The holidays can be hectic. And it’s a time of year when many of us feel called to reflect and be grateful for what we have and what we’ve achieved in the last year, and to turn towards the future with new determination and goals. The holidays can also be a tough season when you’re struggling for any reason. Today, I’m sharing some advice and coping strategies for getting through the holidays. Listen to the full episode to hear: Why I love Thanksgiving’s emphasis on togetherness, food, and gratitude How to remember what you’re actually in control of in the face of uncertainty and overwhelm How to look for small moments of joy even when you’re having a hard time Why the priority should be what you do, not what you give The importance of taking care of yourself and maintaining perspective Learn more about Molly Kennedy Molly Kennedy Consulting…

How do you find your place in the world? Many people find it challenging to make connections that give us a sense of meaning and that we’re fulfilling our purpose. People with disabilities often face additional obstacles to making a place for themselves in the world, whether they’re situational, structural, or rooted in stigma and assumptions. So how do we change the attitudes that underpin the policies and programs that frequently limit the ways in which people with disabilities are able to take their place in the world? It starts with empathy, respect, and self-determination. Listen to the full episode to hear: How stigma and assumptions form obstacles for people with disabilities to make meaningful connections How existing support programs and policies disempower people with disabilities from achieving their potential and desires Why people with disabilities need to advocate for community needs beyond just their own How making self-determination visible could help change the narrative of what people with disabilities can achieve Why a seat at the table isn’t enough if disabled voices aren’t centered Learn more about Molly Kennedy Molly Kennedy Consulting…

All of us encounter change in our lives. And we all have to find ways to cope and adjust so that we can thrive. I’ve experienced many changes in my life that required me to alter my course and chart a new path. Today, I want to share about a change in my life that limited the independence I’d been used to, and required me to make significant alterations in my day-to-day life. Adjusting to my new normal took work and a few tears, but with support from my family, and advocating for my needs and autonomy, I got through it by investing in my work and community. Listen to the full episode to hear: Why I had to grieve for the loss of independence I experienced when I could no longer walk How getting involved in a large-scale community support project helped me feel like I was surviving and thriving again How resiliency and creativity help us forge ahead through changing circumstances Why it’s key to be honest with yourself when it’s time to make a change The importance of finding humor in challenging situations How accepting change opens the door for new possibilities Learn more about Molly Kennedy Molly Kennedy Consulting…

I have always wanted to make an impact in the world through my life and work. Facing and overcoming adversity is necessary for any leader to build resilience, but there are additional challenges that having a disability has put in my path. Yet every time I felt knocked down by an obstacle, there was a core of strength in me that knew I could get back up. Today, we’re talking about the strength and resilience that grow from overcoming adversity and how it has shaped me as a leader. Listen to the full episode to hear: How growing up with both a desire to have an impact and a disability nurtured the tenacity and courage to be a leader The importance of empathy and compassion for anyone in a leadership position Characteristics to nurture that make an effective leader in the face of adversity What my mom taught me about meeting difficult times with grace and humility Reflecting on three figures whose journeys through adversity inspire me Learn more about Molly Kennedy Molly Kennedy Consulting Resources: Malala Yousafzai Tammy Duckworth Howard Schultz…

Life is full of challenges—some we choose, and others we don’t. But it’s through facing these challenges that we uncover our resilience, strength, and purpose. In this episode, we dive into the experiences of individuals with disabilities, exploring how they navigate both the expected and unexpected hurdles in life. We’ll discuss the power of perseverance, the importance of community support, and how these challenges profoundly shape identity. We’ll also reflect on the unique gifts that come from living in a world not built for you and how finding purpose in adversity can inspire us all. Whether it’s through personal drive or leaning on others, these stories remind us that hope and strength are always within reach. Listen to the full episode to hear: How I learned to ignore other people’s perceptions of my abilities How social attitudes have lagged behind legal wins for people with disabilities How every challenge I’ve faced has built my strength and determination, even when I didn’t succeed How setting goals, having a purpose, and cultivating a positive mindset help me meet challenges Learn more about Molly Kennedy Molly Kennedy Consulting…

Self-determination is the principle of a person using their abilities to make their own decisions about their life based on their preferences, values, and interests. This principle has empowered me to define my life, determine what I want to achieve, and envision success as a person with a disability. However, self-determination is applicable to all individuals. In today’s episode, we will discuss what self-determination means, how it has shaped my life, and how the pursuit of liberty, happiness, and equality has shaped our society. Listen to the full episode to hear: Defining self-determination How I was determined to live a purposeful life from an early age How my family’s support and encouragement helped me pursue my dreams to my fullest ability How the concept of self-determination calls back to the founding principles of the U.S., how far we’ve come, and how far we have to go Learn more about Molly Kennedy Molly Kennedy Consulting…

People with disabilities often live in a world that isn’t built for us. But we are still determined to find ways to thrive. I’m Molly Kennedy, your host on Be Determined, and I’m excited to share how I live a self-determined life with cerebral palsy. Despite barriers and challenges, I’ve led a full and impactful life where my disability is a part of me and how I experience the world, but it does not define me. I am defined by the kind of person I am, what I’ve achieved, and the impact I’ve had on my community. On Be Determined, I’ll share stories from my own life and experiences, thoughts on the meaning of self-determination, and conversations with other people with disabilities, offering their perspectives on how they live and thrive because everyone’s experience of disability is unique. Be Determined is a podcast for everyone. Whether you have a disability, you support someone with disabilities, you want to know more about what life is like living with a disability, or you’re interested in what it means to live a determined life, you’re welcome here. Share the show with a friend or colleague who sees differences and determination from a different lens, and let's grow our community together. Learn more about Molly Kennedy: Molly Kennedy Consulting…