"Storyteller" is a label that fits John Robinson well. "By sharing multiple stories we'll be able to reach multiple people," said Robinson, founder of Ourability.com.
What he is sharing through his website are the obstacles people have turned into opportunities.
Robinson knows that to be a good storyteller, you first have to understand your own.
"For me the label is, I'm short," said Robinson. "Born without the extension of my arms or legs. But, it's beyond that. I spend my whole life getting you to forget what I look like."
Robinson's life has been about problem solving.
"I've spent a lifetime of trying to figure out how am I going to jump in the truck, how do I write with a pen, how do I hold a fork, how do I get dressed," said Robinson.
But what looks difficult, Robinson says is actually the easy part. His biggest challenge comes from within.
"It's taken a long time for me to be able to look in the mirror, a long time to be able to watch a video of myself," said Robinson.
Robinson took a big leap of faith by allowing a camera into all aspects of his life. The documentary that came out and his autobiography were a way to share his story with the world. The title of both is, "Get off your Knees." That phrase has become his brave motto.
"We were edging our way out of this party one night and someone was coming in and she screamed if I'd get off my knees the line would move a lot faster. She didn't realize I was short," he said. "It's become my mission statement, only because the truth in it is I need to stand up, stand up to whatever the problems are ahead and have courage to be able to do that."
His courage led to a successful career in business, then to motivational speaking.
"If there's a room of 900 people, if one person gets something out of it then it's worth me standing on stage feeling uncomfortable," said Robinson.
The reaction he received made him think. If his story was making a difference, what could dozens of stories do?
"If we can pull a collection of stories together and put together a vibrant website where people start talking with one another, eventually we'll create a mentoring site for people with disabilities," he said.
A storyteller's job is to share. The stories Robinson is sharing, showcase something we can all understand.
"We should be ok with who we are. It's not a weakness that I'm three foot nine, it's a strength. If I can portray that to the world, they will ultimately see that," he said.
Robinson says he is always looking for stories to share.
