The World’s First Armless Pilot!

We celebrated International Women’s Day yesterday, and I had to double-check what I was reading when I came across this incredibly inspirational story of a woman born without arms who is a qualified pilot. Just think about this for a moment.
 
Flying a plane with just your feet! This seems impossible, but this amazing woman was the first person without arms to qualify as a pilot.
 
This staggering achievement makes you wonder how someone would even consider this a viable option—something that seems impossible, yet with the right mindset and incredible mental resilience, she achieved this remarkable feat.
 
 
Jessica Cox
 
Born without arms, Jessica is fascinated by how the human body can adjust to various circumstances. To adapt, she has utilised dormant physical traits and uses her feet like people use their hands.
 
As she learned to conquer physical barriers, she developed mental skills that allowed her to go on to achieve the seemingly impossible in her unique way. Jessica is best known for becoming the first armless pilot in aviation history.
 
Her achievement earned her a Guinness World Record medal. It has been a trending topic on Facebook and featured on TV programs like Ellen, Inside Edition, Fox and Friends, Oprah Winfrey Network, CNN, CBS Evening News, and the BBC.
 
Jessica’s other accomplishments include earning or becoming: – The first armless black belt and a state champion in ATA Martial Arts – A certified scuba diver – A sought-after YouTube and social media influencer – One of Plane and Pilot Magazine’s “Top 10 Pilots,”
 
Jessica is the author of the self-help/autobiographical book Disarm Your Limits. Jessica’s unconventional views on how to overcome a challenge have earned her international invitations from companies such as Boeing, GE, Oerlikon, Nestle, State Farm, AT&T, NASA, US Air Force, Johnson & Johnson, IBM, JP Morgan Chase, Smithsonian, AXA, and Mahindra.
 
Jessica is also the subject of the award-winning documentary Right Footed, which was aired on National Geographic in over 80 countries. She enjoys taking on new challenges, the latest of which is slacklining and rock climbing.
 
She gives back to the global disability community as the Goodwill Ambassador for the Nobel Prize-winning NGO Humanity and Inclusion. As a personal passion, she mentors children with limb differences and their parents.

 
Mind Blowing 

I am still reeling from what this amazing woman has achieved. She stretches her boundaries and is living an exciting, fulfilled life. It makes me think about how I respond when I get down, when things aren’t going well, or when I hit a roadblock. My problems dissolve into insignificance compared to the challenges she faces every day.
 
 
Thoughts for the week 

1. Think about Jessica and imagine what she went through growing up and how she decided a limited life wasn’t for her.
2. She chose to challenge what was possible for her, and as she achieved specific targets, she grew in confidence.
3. This resulted in striving for bigger targets until she achieved the ultimate goal of flying a plane. I still can’t believe she did this!
4. Think about your personal life and your challenges. They may seem impossible right now, but with the right mindset and strong mental resilience, you can achieve far more than you currently believe you can. 

 
Weekly Blog
 
Finally, due to the fantastic feedback I received, I will continue to write these blogs weekly. I may miss the occasional one when I am on holiday or over Christmas, but I thoroughly enjoy writing them and bringing new information to you. Thank you to every single one of you who took the time to respond; it means a great deal to me. 
 
Well, that’s it for this week. Have a wonderful weekend, and keep believing.
 
Warm regards
 
John