There’s never a “good time” for the world to face a pandemic, or for a region or community to deal with such a significant threat to our health and lives. I suppose we can do or could have done certain things to be better prepared. And I’m sure…
No Good Excuse — Sean Baumstark
Sean Baumstark lives with Friedreich’s ataxia and embodies the mantra “get stuff done.” Sean ran his first 10k three weeks after being diagnosed in 2007. He believes excuses hold us back from being our best. He is the founder of de:terminence, a nonprofit helping disabled individuals experience the beauty and power of physical achievement. He is a subject in the documentary film, “The Ataxian,” which chronicles a four-man team competing in Race Across America. He co-hosts the weekly podcast, “Two Disabled Dudes,” which encourages listeners to “live beyond circumstances.” He lives and works in Sacramento, California.
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I’m just a few weeks from crossing the five-year mark since writing my first column for Friedreich’s Ataxia News. With that milestone approaching, I went back and read some of my old columns. Many made me chuckle, bringing fond memories to the front of my mind, while…
I feel like I’ve recently made a huge decision. To some, my choice may be a no-brainer, but others may relate to the tug of war I’ve had with myself. Whether you can relate or not, if you know me and my get stuff done…
The podcast I co-host, “Two Disabled Dudes,” is celebrating a major milestone this week: We recently broadcast our 100th episode! It’s been a wild three years, and neither my co-host, Kyle Bryant, nor I expected to make it…
If you follow me on social media, you probably saw this column coming. In fact, I feel like I can’t write about anything else this week other than my recent travel experience. To be fair, I’m not writing out of frustration or anger, and I’m not…
I’m realizing that short-term disability insurance provides value beyond the financial benefit. Of course, the continued flow of income is important when it helps sustain your overall well-being and allows you to remain independent. My state-sponsored disability insurance helped me to stay on top of my recurring bills,…
Change seldom happens by accident or coincidence, especially when it involves other people, such as with rules, laws, policies, job promotions, and so on. The weather and the ocean tide will change no matter what we do or don’t do, but the rules of aviation and fishing will…
Those who know me know that I have little, if any, tolerance for poor service. I’m sure this is deeply rooted in my years of working in the service industry. I’ve worked in restaurants, hotels, and grocery stores. All three jobs put me face-to-face with guests and customers.
We are wrapping up the first month of the year. Are you glad to be moving forward, or are you wishing time would slow down? The saying “Time flies when you’re having fun” doesn’t seem to need the quantifier of “fun” for me. Time does…
I recently wrote a column about trying something new, and I challenged readers and myself to get out of our comfort zones. I’ve been trying many new things lately. Well, not brand new things, but things I haven’t…
I’ve been thinking about the “bare minimum” in the context of guest or customer service. Many companies would argue that their success, or a healthy amount of it, is due to the extraordinary service they provide their patrons. This makes sense. In a world of plenty…
The start of a new year always seems to bring new goals and commitments. I’m sure you’ve thought about a thing or two, or have created a long list of resolutions for 2020. Whether we’re talking about specific actions such as exercising three times a week, or vague…
I grew up as a picky eater. I was very “basic” in what I liked: graham crackers, mac and cheese, pizza, and popcorn. I didn’t dare venture out to vegetables or anything remotely green. And kettle corn is still nasty. If you were to ask me to share…
I’ve been contemplating a metaphor of sorts, inspired by festivities of my family’s holiday traditions. I’m not sure if this is a thought process I’ll cling to very deeply, as it’s still new to me. However, I wanted to write about it now and invite you along on…
I recently wrote about my gratitude for the people I’ve been privileged to meet and build friendships with since my Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) diagnosis. My frame of mind when writing that column was affected by the outpouring of love and well wishes…
I often struggle with two opposing principles of thought: I have a strong animosity toward Friedreich’s ataxia (FA), and I have a deep gratitude for life because of it. The animosity is easy to understand. Even for those unfamiliar with…
There is a first time for everything, right? That’s a phrase I often hear and it is true. A baby’s first words, a teenager’s first driver’s license, a first speeding ticket, a first kiss, a first house … the list is endless. A first broken bone…
The difference between determination and stubbornness is becoming more and more clear. With the recent fracturing of my hip and weeks of inpatient rehabilitation, I’ve found myself teetering on the thin line that separates the two. I’ve always thought of myself as a determined individual; someone…
If I didn’t know that the endgame for physical therapy is to be fully functional again, it’d be easy to come up with excuses to just stay in bed right now. Physical therapy isn’t fun or easy, but it is a necessary friction. Thankfully, I am…
The topic of this column might be my ultimate excuse for not writing. Before I explain, I want to remind readers that I am an advocate for taking care of your health and prioritizing rest. I’m…
As I write this, I want nothing more than to go home and crawl into bed. Today has been longer and more exhausting than usual. I don’t write about my job often, but I did mention how significant the company is…
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