He was a two-year-old in a 31-year-old body.
That's how Forrest Willett describes himself after a tragic car crash changed his life forever, launching him into a deep depression and a long, difficult recovery from a catastrophic brain injury.
The Tiny Township man shares his story of challenge and triumph today, changing lives of others and encouraging positive thinking and "action".
Willett was the keynote speaker Tuesday evening at the Simcoe County District School Board. His presentation ‘Forrest Willett: The Journey from Hopelessness to Happiness’ also captivated students at Terry Fox Elementary School earlier in the day.
"You're not stuck," he told the crowd. "You're just afraid of the unknown. In life, we have to take action."
I was Oct. 6, 2002 when Forrest’s life was turned upside down. He was in the passenger seat of his vehicle on a test drive with a potential buyer when the crash happened, leaving him with a catastrophic brain injury. Doctors said that a return to a productive life was very unlikely.
The ensuing depression and anxiety took over, destroying hope and devastating his family.
"I spent more time with my depression and negative thoughts than I spent with my son," he said.
Once a successful business owner, he now struggled with the simple tasks.
He stuttered and struggled to find the right words when he tried to talk. He couldn't remember familiar faces and couldn't read or write.
"Avoidance was the problem, not the solution," he said. "I dug myself into a deep emotional hole."
"I chose fear."
Then there was a moment that turned everything around.
When his son received a baseball for his seventh birthday and tossed it onto the ground, expecting the ball to bounce, a light went on for Forrest.
When his son's young friend yelled "Baseballs don't bounce." Willett realized all the moments he was missing while he focused on his depression and self pity.
"I hadn't ever thrown a ball with my son. I hadn't taught my son baseball."
It was such an inspiration moment that Willett used "Baseballs Don't Bounce" as the title of his now best-selling book - the story of his life transformation.
It was also the beginning of a personal transformation and Willett, a journey that takes him around the world, assisting author Jack Canfield with training programs and sharing his inspiration with audiences of all ages.
He talks about being "100 per cent responsible for my life" and remembering that while events can sometimes be out of your control, the response never is.
"To get a better outcome, the only think I could change was my response," he said.
Sharing his challenges and triumphs with the group of educators, parents and students, Willett had strangers hugging each other and the room was filled with laughter and tears during his hour-long presentation.
"So many opportunities pass us by when we focus on depression," he said. "We all need to give up our blaming and complaining."
His second book ’12 hugs per day’ is about a theory he likes to practice to reduce depression and improves overall mental health.
Now a public speaking veteran, Willett's campaign to inspire others has taken him around the world.
In November, he travelled to India, where he spoke at the Global Leadership Summit. Previously, he delivered a speech to an audience of 1,100 people in Dubai.
"Life just keeps getting better and better," he concluded.
For more information, visit forrestwillett.com.
