Not everything that is faced can be changed. But nothing can be changed until it is faced. The first step toward change is acceptance. Once we accept, we open the door to change. That's all we have to do. Change is not something we do, it's something we allow.

Courage is about doing what we're afraid to do. There can be no courage unless we are scared. We are scared today, but when comes tomorrow, our heart will not know sorrow. We will not know fear, and cry no tears, tomorrow we will be stronger and happier. We could learn a lesson about fear and acceptance from the following article inspired by the writings of Peter Hughes.  

What's holding you back? What's keeping you from reaching your full potential? Patrick is a remarkable young man who was born without eyes and without the ability to fully straighten his arms and legs, making him unable to walk.  Additionally, two steel rods were surgically attached to Patrick's spine to correct scoliosis.

Despite circumstances that may seem overwhelming, Patrick has overcome these physical issues to excel as a musician, student, performer and public speaker.  Patrick started playing the piano at the age of only nine months, and also plays the trumpet and sings. He even participated in the University of Louisville Marching Band for five seasons with help from his father, Patrick John Hughes, who tirelessly maneuvered his wheel chair through the formations with the other 220+ members of the Cardinal Marching Band.

Patrick is usually a straight 'A' student, having received only 3 'B's' during his entire primary/secondary educational experience and graduated from U of L magna cum laude.  Patrick  is a Spanish language major and speaks Spanish fluently. 

A virtuoso pianist, vocalist and trumpet player, Patrick has won or finished very high in numerous competitions, as well as winning awards acknowledging the circumstances he has overcome to achieve these heights.  He has been featured on ESPN, ABC-TV, Oprah, CBS-TV, The Ellen Show, Extreme Make Over Home Edition, FOX-TV, CSV, NBC-TV, The Today Show, Million Dollar Round Table, The Grand Ole Pry, People Magazine, Sports Illustrated, Star Magazine, and many, many others.

Patrick has made appearances from California to New York and Chicago to Texas and Miami and countless points in between, even performing in Asia, Canada, South America and Europe. His first book, I AM POTENTIAL, is published and available around the country and world in different languages.  He has recorded 2 CD's. 

Are your obstacles real or imagined? Patrick's parents focused on their son's abilities. Learn how to accentuate the positives in your own life.

Are you willing to step out of your comfort zone? Patrick Henry Hughes (blind and a wheelchair user) became a full participating member of a 220-person college marching band. Learn how he takes everyday challenges in stride and seeks opportunities to excel. 

Patrick's extraordinary talent as a pianist and vocalist through his motivational musical the presentation has astonished millions of people around the world.

Patrick Henry Hughes came to be featured also on ESPN, OPRAH, ELLEN, Extreme Makeover Home Edition and many others.

Patrick Henry Hughes graduated from the University of Louisville magna cum laude with a BA in Spanish and his personal mantra (P.A.T.) which carries him through life's challenges. 

He has motivated millions of people around the world to reach their full potential and know why those who attend his presentation never forget his message

By Tim Pedrosa

Courage is not a lack of fear but the ability to act while facing fear.