Our determination is a driving force that keeps us focused and empowers us to bounce back from setbacks. It’s through unwavering dedication that major breakthroughs are achieved and seemingly impossible dreams become reality.
Even in the face of adversity, we have the power to choose our response and harness new opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive.
“The greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it.” — Molière
Let’s look at a few stories that inspire us to unleash the power of determination.
- A man’s unyielding enthusiasm inspires others
- A global art movement is bringing people together
- A young man with a drive to help others is now in a position to make an even greater impact
- A woman’s lake rejuvenation efforts are bringing great results
Positively Uplifting Stories | September 29 2025
A man with a spinal cord injury is inspiring others to live courageously.
Alejandro Labrada became wheelchair-bound after a devastating accident.
However, he remains determined to live life to the fullest. He has gone skydiving, kayaking, and even drives his own car.
Alejandro now works as an outreach coordinator for the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis. This organization is the world’s largest spinal cord injury research center, dedicated to improving the lives of those with spinal cord injuries.
“How we respond to situations is completely 100% under our control,” said Alejandro.
Sketching movement encourages people to step out of the hustle and notice the beauty in the ordinary.
Urban Sketchers is a community of people who meet regularly to draw together and share their sketches with others around the world.
The goal is to slow down, observe everyday life, and capture the natural landscape to appreciate it in a more meaningful way.
Through urban sketching, participants are learning to develop new perspectives on their own city.
“I owe everything to this. Finding this group has completely changed my life,” said Matt Wills, a participant.
Teen who once saved a man’s life has now built a career in emergency medical services.
Ever since he was a kid, Riley Pollock knew he wanted to help others. At just 17 years old, his quick actions saved the life of Tom Geislinger, who went into cardiac arrest at an auction.
Using an EMT first aid kit he kept in his car and drawing on skills he had learned online, at school, and through his part-time job at a nursing home, Riley was able to save Tom’s life.
Now, seven years later, Riley Pollock is an EMT with the ambulance services in Granite Falls and Olivia, Minnesota. His passion for serving others continues to inspire people in his community.
“As far as I’m concerned, he was an EMT seven years ago,” said Tom.
Woman harnesses the power of community to save dying lakes.
Many parts of rural Karnataka, India, suffer from acute water scarcity. Locals often have to walk several kilometres each day just to fetch drinking water.
Asha S is the founder of Arohana Grameenabhivruddi Samsthe, an organization dedicated to reviving lakes and empowering women.
So far, they have revived more than 13 lakes, increasing water storage capacity by nearly 130 million litres!
The organization promotes community-led conservation efforts, enabling women to earn equal wages and reinvest their income.
“We have a concept. We will support women economically. We have done desilting work in 4 villages. In these 4 villages, most of the participants have been women. If money goes to women, they spend it on their family, children’s education, health, etc.,” said Asha.
Photo by Greta Hoffman
