He talks about five areas that helped him overcome fear and anxiety in order to rebuild his body, mind and spirit.
• Focus on the joys in life: When you realize it’s not all about you, the annoying voice that tells you to be afraid begins to shrivel and loses its poison. While still reeling from his diagnosis and its effects on his life, Platt heard the carefree laughter of a severely handicapped girl being pushed in her wheelchair by her mother. “‘Listen to the birds, Momma,’ I heard her say – she was just so happy to experience that simple pleasure,” he says. “That, more than anything, sent me on a positive path.” His family, friends and those to whom he donates money through various charities gives Platt strength.
• Spiritual preparation: Just as Platt trains physically for his feats, he finds it essential to work out spiritually in order to stand up to the fear and anxieties that life’s trials bring. To that end, he surrounds himself with positive messages and positive people, including his friend Les Brown, the influential author of the self-help book, “Live Your Dreams.”
• Use setbacks as a motivator: When something bad happens, one of the most common responses is fear—fear that it will happen again; fear that you’re less than you used to be; or irrational fear. Platt always knew he’d be a Marine; when he was forced to retire early, he had to recalibrate his entire life. “One of my favorite quotes is ‘What are you doing now?’—It doesn’t matter what you used to be,” he says. Platt is always looking forward to achieving his next goal.
• Remember a greater good: When he started experiencing complications from VHL, which first manifested in his left eye, Platt promised God that he’d devote his life to others if he got through the scare. He has kept that promise – his Appalachian Trail hike alone raised $109,000 for charity. “Staying true to a promise might be the most emotionally solid aid to overcoming fear,” Platt says.
For more information, visit www.LivingUnstoppable.com.
