Q&A With Mark

Mark E. Smith’s Books & Talks

From Facing the Insurmountable to Accomplishing the Impossible

Topic: Mark’s Book, Making the Most of It

What inspired you to write Making the Most of It?

MES: From an early age, I realized that the physicality of disability, no matter how profound, is ultimately a very small part of our lives. What truly governs successful living with disability is our perspectives, how we view ourselves, our disabilities, and the world around us. In this way, I've spent the past twenty-five years learning from among the most successful people with disabilities, identifying the commonalities among them that have allowed them to not only turn tragedy into triumph, but to consistently succeed beyond wildest imaginations. As I practiced these principals in my own life, I recognized that so many others with disabilities, their families, and friends could benefit from these remarkable tools, as well, where life is less about the seeming tragedies that we've experienced, and more about the successes that we can achieve.

What's the theme of Making the Most of It in one sentence?

MES: We didn't choose our disabilities; however, we can choose how we live with them.

Who can benefit from reading this book?

MES: Of course, Making the Most of It is firstly an inspired guidebook for those with disabilities, taking them hand-in-hand on an empowered journey through disability experience, where there's an outcome of tremendous hope, optimism, and understanding. Additionally, it's a must-read for families, friends, and professionals who wish to understand disability experience at an intimate level. When you read the chapter on relationships, for example, it not only speaks to individuals with disabilities, but their families, spouses, and friends – and such candid conversations occur throughout the book, reaching all who are affected by disability, not just those who physically experience it.

Is there anything controversial in your book?

MES: Controversial, no. However, surely some may find a few chapters provocative. After all, Making the Most of It, in its purest form, is a book about personal accountability and taking responsibility in our lives – and, if someone isn't prepared to do that, he or she will almost certainly disagree with my positions on independent living, education, employment, and relationships, where I empower the reader to strip away any and all excuses. And, to look at it another way, any time that we are bold and courageous enough to better ourselves and defy our presumed limits, certainly some will see us as provocative!

What do you wish readers to take from the book?

MES: I wish my readers to realize that, no, we can't control the world around us – change occurs, life can knock us down, and sometimes the weight on our shoulders feels too great to overcome. Yet, with perseverance, resilience, faith, and passion, we can prove every day that any seeming obstacles in our lives are really opportunities for us to rise even higher.