2. Josiah Seale:

My oldest brother, a severe brain injury survivor, and the most intelligent person I know.

I cannot think of any way to describe Josiah other than that he lives an entirely unique life to the fullest.

He just got his third degree from M.I.T. He has two tongue piercings and wears a bow tie almost everywhere he goes. His skull belt buckle clanks against the oven handle as he checks to see if his soup is ready and the onions are caramelized yet. He makes more commotion over a beautiful day than most people would about a pay raise.

From my observation, I would say that Josiah lives with full speed ahead, and that any and every accomplishment, setback, or neutral event in his life is a footstep rather than a monument on his ever unfolding journey.

Life Principles:

1. It falls to us to shape the world. We all have an idea of what we want the world to look like- society, interaction with nature, relationships. We must choose to pursue this idea. As our grandmother says, 'Someone has to do it, and it might as well be me.'

2. Find the balance between order and chaos. We live in a rapidly changing world, and what works today may not work tomorrow. We must be open to changes in the way we operate (which relates back to point 1).

3. Exist in dialogue. We should always try to learn from our own experience, but it is also important to learn from the experiences of others. My experience may not be representative of the world, so I should understand that people may not always see eye to eye with me. Listen, repeat back, reflect on what other people say and verify to get a clear understanding, even if you don't agree.

4. Operate with humility. Never discount out of hand what people are saying. We all have different life experiences and our conclusions are shaped by these circumstances. Everywhere, people are just people, putting their pants on one leg at a time. You can learn something from everyone, just as people can learn from you. No need to look down on others or, conversely, be afraid of people in power.

5. Push yourself because you can. We don't challenge ourselves because we have to, we do it because it's a privilege to get to grow. Seek more out of your life simply because you have the opportunity to make something of yourself.

6. In all things, behave like the person you want to be. Rather than simply "staying true to yourself," acknowledge who you are and what setbacks you have and act as you believe your ideal self would. 'Part of me wants to act in x way but I know instead I should and will act in y way instead."

7. The world doesn't owe us anything. Just because there are extraordinary success stories out there doesn't mean you are entitled to one, even with hard work and perseverance. The world doesn't always, or even usually, give ease for effort. So don't always expect success and when it comes, don't take it for granted.

(shared credit to Angela Kilby, Josiah's life partner, for numbers 6 and 7)