Spread the Word

Yes, You Can!!!
by Janis Dietz, Ph.D
The book Yes, You Can!!! offers great motivational ammunition to those of us looking to break through that usual layer of doubt and uncertainty that often accompany everyday life when you have a disability such as MS. With that said, I must confess that when I was approached to write a review of the book, my first response was one of suspicion. We have all seen and read our share of motivational information that comes on too strong, pushing us to do things that go against our grain, and making us feel guilty when we chose not to comply. Yet, this offering is not at all like those books, and by contrast, it was a pleasure to read.

Dr. Dietz states in no uncertain terms that everyone has the responsibility to take control of his or her own destiny, and that life really IS what YOU make of it. The book is designed to explore the ways in which anyone can make the most of life, and includes real-world examples that help the reader understand that with perseverance, anything is possible.

The book is written in a straightforward manner, and reflects the perspective of a person who knows, first-hand, what it means to live with a disability. The author’s premise is that the sooner one begins to face the reality of his or her circumstance, and the sooner he or she decides to focus and use all the resources available to maximize one’s opportunities, the greater one’s level of satisfaction with his or her life will be.

Indeed, we must always remember the admonition of Winston Churchill: “Never, never, never give up.” This is an excellent book for those of us who need to be reminded from time-to-time that despite any challenges any of us may have, our individual responsibility is to live life to its fullest.

Reviewed by:
Dennis Harris
MSAA’s Director of Individual Giving