Do it with passion

307.870.6764

 Do it with passion or not at all...

What did you do today? Did you do it with passion? Was it worth doing? Rosa Nochette Carey says to "Do it with passion or not at all."  

What do you think about that? Webster's defines passion as: a strong feeling of enthusiasm or excitement for something or about doing something. It's a great definition and it makes me wonder as I sit on the patio at the coffee shop enjoying the beautiful Las Vegas Spring afternoon, who really lives that way? Are the people around me living with passion? Am I living that way? 

After some reflection, I decided, I just as most of us, still have some fine tuning to do. And it's a daily work in progress. Keeping passionate about what we do is easy when life is going well and flowing naturally, I think when things start getting rough is when we can loose focus and loose the passion for what we are doing (whatever that may be) based on our commitment to it. Rather it be a daily exercise routine or commitment to a relationship or our careers, we get to choose to find passion in it each and every day. I find it's about looking internally and making small adjustments that allows me to keep the passion and some days it comes easier than others. 

I look at the challenges that Dustin overcame after his car accident and the small adjustments he had to make every single day once he woke up from the coma, and then again after her was released from the hospital, and again once the epidural stimulator was implanted inside of him. And today, just a few years later, he continues to make adjustments based on his surrounding and obstacles both minor and major that get in the way of a free flowing day, but yet he keeps going. Dustin focuses on "what he is gonna do now" and shares a powerful message during the speeches he delivers to encourage us to go after what we want- that passion. Dustin wanted to stand again (and now he can.) Dustin wants to walk again. To dance. And keeping his focus and passion on his goals is how he will achieve it. "What are you gonna do now" to find and keep the passion alive? Afterall- it's about doing it with passion or not at all...

-Nickel

Take a look at the new clothing line Dustin had designed to help people in wheelchairs, and order your DSF Gear Now!

Check out my video and learn more about what The Dustin Shillcox Foundation is all about. It's about improving the moment.

I can Turn Myself on... Watch the  video to see how the stimulator implanted inside of me works.

 Dustin Shillcox’s life drastically changed when he was in a car accident August 2010 and sustained major spinal cord damage, a broken upper arm, collapsed lungs, broken ribs, cracked sternum & mild brain injury. Dustin’s complete T-5 spinal cord injury (SCI) left him with no feeling below his mid-chest, causing paralysis from the chest down.

Now paralyzed, and living his life in a wheel chair, Dustin was told he would never again be able to move below his waist again, but after participating in a cutting edge SCI research project, at the University of Kentucky in Louisville, he is now able to move his legs and stand once again. Dustin is living his life to the fullest, sharing his story, journey of overcoming obstacles, and faith while raising funds for spinal cord research. Through his motivational speaking and the Dustin Shillcox Foundation, he is helping to improve the lives of people in wheelchairs.

Dustin delivers an inspiring message about never giving up, and the power of a positive attitude in his speech "What Are You Gonna Do Now?" Inquire about Dustin's availability to speak at your next business meeting, conference, charity event, school, church or graduation event. If you are looking to inspire your crowd to overcome personal challenges, and motivate into action, Dustin needs to be your next call! 307.870.6764

written by Nickel Lowman

What are you running from?

What if you were to run to make a difference?

Do you find yourself running from something? Maybe it's getting out and taking the next step towards a healthy lifestyle. Maybe it's taking the next step in your relationship or in mending a relationship. Maybe it's asking for the raise that you have been working so hard for.  Maybe it's nothing specific and you are running away from your life? Maybe it's that you are running away from reality?

Well, what if, I were to challenge you to do something different today? What if you were to just take one step towards one of your goals. It doesn't have to be a big step, but what if, you just took one step closer. What if, you sent a quick message just to let someone know you are thinking of them, or are sorry because of how something went down in the past. What if, you sent your boss a request to take time to sit down with you and finally get around to your annual review that has never happened in the past 5 years. What if, you took a step towards improving your life and making a new commitment to be better. What if, you stood up and faced reality and asked for help?

What if, you were to wake up one day and realize you could not stand up or walk. What if, the doctors told you that you would never walk again? What if,  life ended as you know it? Would you continue running from your reality, or would you start to do something different and hope that slight changes could change your reality? When you make these small shifts, you start to gain momentum and start moving in a different direction. Dustin chose to do just that and now works everyday to help make a difference in his life as well as the lives of others. 

Dustin has been implanted with the Epidural Stimulation Device that allows him to once again stand. Something once thought impossible.  Dustin participates in marathons and is an advocate and ambassador for the upcoming WINGS FOR LIFE WORLD RUN on May 8th.  Dustin believes this will "further his efforts to elevate awareness of sufferers of spinal cord injuries, and to help raise money to expand and extend the epidural stimulation study to more people. With 100% of Wings for Life World Run entry fees going directly to fund spinal cord injury research, you can help make that dream a reality." Dustin is doing this run to help make a difference. What could you do make a difference? What if, you were to run for those who can't? What if, you were to run to make a difference? What if, today you made a choice to make a difference, what then? 

-Nickel

Dustin wants to make a difference. So he started his own clothing line. Take a look at the new gear and order your DSF Gear Now!

Check out my video and learn more about what The Dustin Shillcox Foundation is all about. It's about improving the moment.

I can Turn Myself on... Watch the  video to see how the stimulator implanted inside of me works.

 Dustin Shillcox’s life drastically changed when he was in a car accident August 2010 and sustained major spinal cord damage, a broken upper arm, collapsed lungs, broken ribs, cracked sternum & mild brain injury. Dustin’s complete T-5 spinal cord injury (SCI) left him with no feeling below his mid-chest, causing paralysis from the chest down.

Now paralyzed, and living his life in a wheel chair, Dustin was told he would never again be able to move below his waist again, but after participating in a cutting edge SCI research project, at the University of Kentucky in Louisville, he is now able to move his legs and stand once again. Dustin is living his life to the fullest, sharing his story, journey of overcoming obstacles, and faith while raising funds for spinal cord research. Through his motivational speaking and the Dustin Shillcox Foundation, he is helping to improve the lives of people in wheelchairs.

Dustin delivers an inspiring message about never giving up, and the power of a positive attitude in his speech "What Are You Gonna Do Now?" Inquire about Dustin's availability to speak at your next business meeting, conference, charity event, school, church or graduation event. If you are looking to inspire your crowd to overcome personal challenges, and motivate into action, Dustin needs to be your next call! 307.870.6764

written by Nickel Lowman

Can you have Sex??

For paralyzed men, sexual function just as important as walking...

A few months back this article was published through CNN and I wanted to share it again as many questions come up as I sit in my wheelchair. 

(CNN)While practicing for a national motocross competition in 2009, Kent Stephenson's motorcycle suddenly locked up and crashed, leaving him paralyzed from the chest down. He was just 21 years old and would never walk again.

He was also devastated to learn that he would never have sex again.

Or so he thought. Read more here...

Uncomfortable Questions Answered

As I've been working out at my new gym in Texas. I've had people ask me questions. Well when you see someone who's in a wheelchair people think that they just can't walk or often wonder, how does that person use the bathroom? Or if they can or even do, how's it possible for them to have sex?

Being in a wheelchair things are a little different like when I use the bathroom, I know when I need to go, but the problem I have is holding it. I have the sensation but after about 5 to 10 minutes I can't hold it back. (In fact at age 31, i have peed my pants- it's embarrassing to admit.) I still have to use a catheter because I can't void everything out and if I don't get everything out I can get a UTI. Just because your in a wheelchair doesn't mean you can't sex, you might have to do things a little different or it might get a little uncomfortable at times but it doesn't mean it can't happen. It helps having a partner in your life that is understanding and willing to figures things out for however you have have to do things.

I know talking about bowel, bladder, sexual function is an uncomfortable subject for a lot of people, but don't be afraid to ask because it's reality! Being open and willing to talk about theses things is important, it helps raise awareness and understanding of someone who has to do things a little different.- Dustin

Take a look at the new clothing line and order your DSF Gear Now!

Check out my video and learn more about what The Dustin Shillcox Foundation is all about. It's about improving the moment.

I can Turn Myself on... Watch the  video to see how the stimulator implanted inside of me works.

 Dustin Shillcox’s life drastically changed when he was in a car accident August 2010 and sustained major spinal cord damage, a broken upper arm, collapsed lungs, broken ribs, cracked sternum & mild brain injury. Dustin’s complete T-5 spinal cord injury (SCI) left him with no feeling below his mid-chest, causing paralysis from the chest down.

Now paralyzed, and living his life in a wheel chair, Dustin was told he would never again be able to move below his waist again, but after participating in a cutting edge SCI research project, at the University of Kentucky in Louisville, he is now able to move his legs and stand once again. Dustin is living his life to the fullest, sharing his story, journey of overcoming obstacles, and faith while raising funds for spinal cord research. Through his motivational speaking and the Dustin Shillcox Foundation, he is helping to improve the lives of people in wheelchairs.

Dustin delivers an inspiring message about never giving up, and the power of a positive attitude in his speech "What Are You Gonna Do Now?" Inquire about Dustin's availability to speak at your next business meeting, conference, charity event, school, church or graduation event. If you are looking to inspire your crowd to overcome personal challenges, and motivate into action, Dustin needs to be your next call! 307.870.6764

written by Nickel Lowman

Dustin Shillcox’s life drastically changed when he was in a car accident August 2010 and sustained major spinal cord damage, a broken upper arm, collapsed lungs, broken ribs, cracked sternum & mild brain injury. Dustin’s complete T-5 spinal cord injury (SCI) left him with no feeling below his mid-chest, causing paralysis from the chest down.

Now paralyzed, and living his life in a wheel chair, Dustin was told he would never again be able to move below his waist again, but after participating in a cutting edge SCI research project, at the University of Kentucky in Louisville, he is now able to move his legs and stand once again. Dustin is living his life to the fullest, sharing his story, journey of overcoming obstacles, and faith while raising funds for spinal cord research. Through his motivational speaking and the Dustin Shillcox Foundation, he is helping to improve the lives of people in wheelchairs.

Dustin delivers an inspiring message about never giving up, and the power of a positive attitude in his speech "What Are You Gonna Do Now?" Inquire about Dustin's availability to speak at your next business meeting, conference, charity event, school, church or graduation event. If you are looking to inspire your crowd to overcome personal challenges, and motivate into action, Dustin needs to be your next call! 307.870.6764

written by Nickel Lowman

My First Massage

Are You "Ready" To Take Time For Yourself?

I’m 31 years old and in my entire life, I’ve never had a professional massage. Because I’m in a wheelchair and I "live" off my shoulders and arms, they get sore a lot. Recently, my left shoulder has been bothering me a lot. A friend om mine said, “you should go and get a massage.” After dealing with the pain for two more weeks, it was time for me to do something;so I decided to set an appointment for a massage.

When I arrived, I sat in a waiting room until this lady came out and called my name to come on back. We walked down a dark hallway with candles burning, light music playing, and she was asking me about the pain in my shoulder. As we walked down the hallway we came to a door that led into a private room. She opened the door and we went inside to talk about what kind of massage I wanted and then she said, “Take your clothes off and get onto the table I’ll be back in a minute.”

Remember this is my first time getting a massage, so I took my clothes off and got on the table, like she said. I was laying on back (naked) waiting and then the door opens and she comes into the room. She said, “Sir you supposed to be underneath the blanket!” She leaves the room to give me time to get under the blankets. How did I know- that's not what she originally said.

During my hour long massage she and I continued to talk and she said, “You are not the only person to ever do that, AND usually most people leave there underwear on.” Anyway it was a great massage and next time I’ll be ready!- Dustin

Have you Checked out our DSF Gear yet?

Take a look at the new clothing line and order your DSF Gear Now!

Check out my video and learn more about what The Dustin Shillcox Foundation is all about. It's about improving the moment.

I can Turn Myself on... Watch the  video to see how the stimulator implanted inside of me works.

 Dustin Shillcox’s life drastically changed when he was in a car accident August 2010 and sustained major spinal cord damage, a broken upper arm, collapsed lungs, broken ribs, cracked sternum & mild brain injury. Dustin’s complete T-5 spinal cord injury (SCI) left him with no feeling below his mid-chest, causing paralysis from the chest down.

Now paralyzed, and living his life in a wheel chair, Dustin was told he would never again be able to move below his waist again, but after participating in a cutting edge SCI research project, at the University of Kentucky in Louisville, he is now able to move his legs and stand once again. Dustin is living his life to the fullest, sharing his story, journey of overcoming obstacles, and faith while raising funds for spinal cord research. Through his motivational speaking and the Dustin Shillcox Foundation, he is helping to improve the lives of people in wheelchairs.

Dustin delivers an inspiring message about never giving up, and the power of a positive attitude in his speech "What Are You Gonna Do Now?" Inquire about Dustin's availability to speak at your next business meeting, conference, charity event, school, church or graduation event. If you are looking to inspire your crowd to overcome personal challenges, and motivate into action, Dustin needs to be your next call! 307.870.6764

written by Nickel Lowman

Stand Up Sunday.. Stand Up For What You Believe In

Stand Up Sunday... No Days Off!

It's been an exciting week...

Today we are 8 weeks into the new year, and Dustin posting his commitment to show there is no such thing as a day off!

This past week has been fun and started off with the completion of the Cupid Chase 5K Fun Run Walk to help make a difference for people with disabilities. I finished within 30 seconds of my goal! Not bad. The week ended on a very exciting note- with the launch of my new clothing and wearable gear line. DSF is the line and it's made by my friends at Riven/ Fresco. You can get shirts, tanks and hats and a part of the proceeds go towards those affected by spinal cord injuries. I'm super excited to launch this new line and support such a great cause. Riven interviewed me  a few months back and it was a lot of fun sharing my story. 

It's Sunday, and I continue to work with my stimulator so that others can one day have access to the same medical technology. - NO Days Off!

I'm excited for the coming week and what the new clothing line will do to help others. I'm scheduled to visit with and share my story at Facebook Headquarters, so stay tuned to learn more about what takes place there. Take a look at the new clothing line and order your DSF Gear Now!

Every Sunday I'm going to post a picture or video of me standing up. It's because of cutting edge spinal cord research and technology, I can do this. Currently, I only one of 4 people in the world implanted with this spinal cord stimulator. I work with my stimulator everyday, not only to improve myself and quality of life, but more importantly, to provide the best information I can for the research. By doing this, it will become a treatment that everyone (paralysis patients) can get!  Together we all can work towards our dream, to walk again! The pictures of me standing on Sunday are to show that I work everyday with the stimulator 7 days a week no days off!  -Dustin

Check out my video and learn more about what The Dustin Shillcox Foundation is all about. It's about improving the moment.

I can Turn Myself on... Watch the  video to see how the stimulator implanted inside of me works.

 Dustin Shillcox’s life drastically changed when he was in a car accident August 2010 and sustained major spinal cord damage, a broken upper arm, collapsed lungs, broken ribs, cracked sternum & mild brain injury. Dustin’s complete T-5 spinal cord injury (SCI) left him with no feeling below his mid-chest, causing paralysis from the chest down.

Now paralyzed, and living his life in a wheel chair, Dustin was told he would never again be able to move below his waist again, but after participating in a cutting edge SCI research project, at the University of Kentucky in Louisville, he is now able to move his legs and stand once again. Dustin is living his life to the fullest, sharing his story, journey of overcoming obstacles, and faith while raising funds for spinal cord research. Through his motivational speaking and the Dustin Shillcox Foundation, he is helping to improve the lives of people in wheelchairs.

Dustin delivers an inspiring message about never giving up, and the power of a positive attitude in his speech "What Are You Gonna Do Now?" Inquire about Dustin's availability to speak at your next business meeting, conference, charity event, school, church or graduation event. If you are looking to inspire your crowd to overcome personal challenges, and motivate into action, Dustin needs to be your next call! 307.870.6764

written by Nickel Lowman