Pain and grief have increasingly become universal experiences. How can we change our attitude and find hope in seemingly insurmountable situations? In moments of strife, we typically respond in ways that reflect our desperation. We then cry out, only to feel no one is listening. We lash out, only to hurt others. In these confusing and difficult times, hope is dislocated, while pain becomes our immediate reality. A family reels from the trauma of a shooting at their home, as a father and mother fight to keep their family together. A young woman watches her mother succumb to drug abuse, as she wrestles with how to break this vicious and life-threatening cycle. H.O.P.E.: Helping Others Pursue Excellence delivers Keith B. Wheeler's personal accounts of heartbreaking adversity paired with evidence that excellence can be achieved, even during challenging circumstances. The book provides self-reflective strategies that can be studied, shared, and replicated in order to start your own radical transformation process. We all battle challenges that can keep us from attaining what we are capable of, and our reactions can either change us for the better or lead us deeper into despair. Not every story ends with a positive conclusion, but unfortunate circumstances can still lead us to greater change. The message of H.O.P.E. is that if we are willing to engage in a positive and self-reflective process of change, we can make the choice to persist and become our most powerful self, no matter what happens in our lives. We are responsible for continuously evaluating our hardships, while making the conscious decisions to advance and evolve beyond them. Raised on the south end of Seattle, Washington, many of the teenagers Keith grew up with were experienced criminals before they entered high school. The streets of his community, coupled by a significant street gang presence, served as the primary guardian for many youth in the area. Social and economic circumstances for most were depleted, leaving little to no hope for many. After spending flashes of his adolescence in juvenile detention, combined with several suspensions and expulsions from schools, a personal revelation started Keith on a path to total life transformation, which has led to a prosperous and emerging career as a teacher, school administrator, researcher, consultant, motivational expert, and mentor to many. Searing and powerful, Keith tells the stories that have served as pain and motivation for rising above the suffering of his own life, in order to inspire others to do the same. The Revised Edition reveals more about Keith's personal struggles and his near demise. Depression. Fear. Trauma. Pain. Guilt. Remorse. Keith reveals it all in this book. Through many of the powerful stories and activities, the reader will be sure to walk away with several thought-provoking ideas, boldness and a physical example that success and change are possible--even while in the midst of the most traumatic circumstances.
About the Author: No stranger to life's near-tragic endings, Keith B. Wheeler, celebrated author, accomplished educator, distinguished speaker, multi-degree holder, mentor, and spiritual leader, identifies with how personal decisions can either lead to devastation or to triumphant growth. "The gifted teacher," as many now refer to him, has taken the nation by storm with his piercing messages, openness, and aptitude to inspire. Meager beginnings and a chilling life journey become the backdrop to a purpose of motivation and personal empowerment fulfilled. Born in Seattle's South Side, Keith was challenged by the ills of society at an early age. The teenagers he grew up with were the products of broken families and poor education, and many were experienced criminals before they entered high school. However, Keith was able to overcome the many negative influences that surrounded him by enrolling in an accredited institution and graduating with honors. He then went on to pursue a career in education, where he continues to excel-quickly moving up the ranks-in an effort to teach, nurture and motivate the next generation. A speaker's journey: A petite woman from New York City, by the name of Dr. Evelyn Rothstein, noticed Keith's voice during a presentation he provided as a classroom teacher. Rothstein said, "The moment was surreal-as if he placed an influence upon us all that forced us to remove the mentality of complacency. He was so young, yet his words felt beyond experienced and believable..." She reflected on his truth, spirit, and pain, all presented in stories of determination, fully aware that one day, if he took this art form seriously, the world would be inclined to hear his story. In September of 2012, Keith responded to his gift to inspire and speak life into the ears and hearts of audiences of all kinds. After forming his consulting firm, Keith B. Wheeler, LLC, Keith, with his team have set out to make a significant impression on every aspect of what he refers to as, "the human condition." Whether it is in education, business, athletics, faith-based factions, or service-oriented organizations-Keith aims to transform lives. Thus, with his sharp focus, Keith is leading his team and company ahead and making a noteworthy difference. With a greater online presence, Keith aims to reach the world, committed to his purpose to spring forth hope in all people, desiring real motivation that commands real change in their lives.