Skip to main content

Action Man




When I was sixteen I almost died and as soon as I woke up from that coma, I knew if I was to achieve anything before I die action must be taken.

I’m always telling my wife nothing changes unless you take action. That's why I make action my number 1 life principle.

A lifetime of pain has forced me to spend months in bed but when I am fit I act, whether through performing, writing or social advocacy. My life is proof you only achieve when you take action.

The issues raised on Humanity Platform are big and some might think they are impossible but history is  full of amazing things because people took action.

My family taught me just because my disability means I can’t do something the conventional way, it doesn’t mean I can’t do it. All I have to do is take the action I can and see what happens. 

There are many things in this world that need action like ending world conflict, saving our environment, equality for all and an end to global poverty but the good news is if we take action every day the world will change.

That’s the big picture stuff but the formula for all of us to accomplish our goals ... all it takes is a dream plus action.

Now I might not get everything I want but at least people will be able to say “He took action man!”

Chris Van Ingen   

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Together Project

This blog post is the third in the series inspired by my reflections on the abuse and neglect suffered by people with disabilities. The Together Project is an art collaboration designed to create a safe place for people to discuss their experiences. For me watching people's creations has made me reflect on my own life experiences. I know statistically between 85 to 90 % of people with disabilities may experience some form of abuse in their lifetime. Until recently I would have said that I do not fit into that category but I am speaking up in this blog to demonstrate that abuse can be severe or subtle. Please read my poem 'Lock Box' to discover my true experience. For anyone that is interested in getting involved the exhibition will have a space at the 'Having A Say' Conference 2019 because together we can find a way. Lock Box A moment in fear all I hear is the ticking of the clocks.  I have an unhealthy obsession with security; I hide everything...

More Than Politics

 Every election our vote is about more than politics; it says I am part of this nation and my voice will be heard.  This election is about Team Australia. Which leader has a plan to build Australia's future and who wants to divide us? This election is about more than politics; it is about stable leadership. It is about aiming high, looking forward, and thinking big.  My life has been about disability rights. I am living proof that disability rights is more than politics and this election people with disabilities' votes matter.  If I was American I would die. Medicare is the envy of the world. No less than two American presidents have tried to bring in an Australian Medicare style system. Universal healthcare is a human right.  All leaders have been saying that we live in uncertain times and as a result, thinking about acting in Australia's defence becomes about more than politics. We need to make Australia impenetrable to anyone that wishes to do us harm. We nee...

Day One

 Another year has begun, I am determined to make it a 22 caliber year. I plan to do this by going back to my first principles.  Educate, motivate, protect, and lead with courage.  Over the past years, I believe I have been making things too complicated. When I have been my most successful is when I have followed these first principles.  I am going back to day one with my acting where my goal is simply to be the best student of acting there has ever been. By doing this I hope to achieve my remaining acting goals within the next five years.  I am going back to day one with my speaking and disability advocacy as I have recognised while many people consider me a leader in this area, I know myself that I’m still not the best I can be and I am determined to join my voice to the many brothers and sisters with a disability who are trying to make a difference for our community.  I am going back to day one with my poetry. I am going to join as many poetry groups as I...