Heart and sole

Last February 22, I met an extraordinary individual who taught me (along with the crowd of 5,000 gathered at SMX Convention Center that afternoon) that indeed, behind every hardship lies the opportunity to develop new capacities. “Walls are only there to stop those who don’t want it badly enough,” declared Jessica Cox, the world’s first and only armless pilot during a talk she gave as part of the 14th Asia Pacific Life Insurance Congress entitled “I Will. I Can. I Do.” organized by Life Underwriters Association of the Philippines and Asia Pacific Financial Services Association.

I’ve always been inspired by the 30-year old Guinness Record holder from Tucson, Arizona who, aside from flying planes with her feet, is also a double black-belter in taekwondo (believe it or not she spins nunchucks with her toes) and enjoys playing the piano, scuba diving, surfing and snowboarding. I wrote about Jessica in an article last June with with pro-surfer and shark-attack survivor Bethany Hamilton and Nick Vujicic, who’s set to visit Manila this May to give a series of talks on how he was able to go from no limbs to no limits.

I’m glad I was able to go to her talk. In addition to having the pleasure of sharing a foot-bump with the half-Filipina, I went home armed with profound inspiration which I’m certain will last a very long time.

Creativity is key

“How do you think I get into my pilot’s harness, or accomplish something simple like tying my shoelace? I’ve learned to think outside the shoe,” Jessica narrated as her nimble toes fastened two loops together, first quite loosely so her foot could still slip inside the shoe, which then tightened into place. She also shared how she once “stole” a TV from her parents’ house as she didn’t have one in her apartment at the time.

“My dad was out and I knew I only had 30 minutes before he’d get back. I looked around until I saw the perfect tool: a computer chair with wheels.” However, by the time she was finally able to wheel the TV to her car (yes, she drives without any restrictions or modifications), guess who was standing there? “My dad,” she said cringing. “My point is, there’s never just one way; exercise creativity in any challenge and you’ll always find new ways of doing things,” she affirmed.

No special treatment

You know how sometimes the best way to help someone is by not helping? That way, you’re actually providing that person with the chance to learn to help oneself. The thing about Jessica’s upbringing is that her parents never saw or treated her as a disabled person. Born sans arms, she doesn’t consider herself a victim at all which is why she’s been able to succeed in things most people with all four limbs wouldn’t even dare to try.

I’ll drink to that

Jessica attributes her success to courage, persistence and her drive to challenge the impossible. She believes, “A shot glass of desire is better than a pitcher of talent.” Her next adventure: working with Emmy-winning filmmaker Nick Sparks in the making of Rightfooted, a documentary about her life.

* * *

For more on Jessica Cox, visit www.rightfooted.com. Follow her on twitter (@jess_feet).