Stories were sent to us in different formats—Audio, video and written. If you’d like to view stories for any of these formats, use the links below.
Pass It On®
The values we live by are worth more when we pass them on to others. Throughout this site, you can pass things on to your friends, family or co-workers—anyone who might enjoy our site.
Use the red Pass It On® arrows or the easy-to-use social networking links below. Thanks for passing it on!
Your Inspirational Stories
These stories were written by people like you. Read how their lives were changed for the better by adopting positive values. Be inspired by them.
The following stories have been tagged with Determination
23 Years of Searching...
In 1985 I was adopted from Seoul, South Korea. I was 3 months old and was given to Caucasion parents. Every family gathering I was reminded that I was different even though nobody wanted to tell me why. Finally my parents told me what it means to be adopted and my birthmother was from Korea.
I spent so much time looking on the internet for ways to find my mom, without spending money. Ever s... MORE
Values:
DETERMINATION
Believe
Believe... Believe... Believe. That is the one word that I told myself everyday. If I could do this, lose the weight on my own, it would be the biggest accomplishment of my life. You see, my story is worth reading because I did the impossible... or I thought it was impossible. I was over 130lbs overweight, 45 years old and in poor health. I became a type two Diabetic due to my poor eating habi... MORE
Values:
DETERMINATION
A Simple Life Project
In 9th grade I was assigned a "Life Project." During this project we had to interview a person whom we hoped to be like later in life. Then we had to give an oral presentation to the class about how it went. I wanted to become an entertainment lawyer. Most of the students in my class really did not want to do this project. In my eyes I felt this was a way to open doors to places I never dream... MORE
Values:
DETERMINATION
Going to the Eleven
My family was getting ready to sit down to dinner. My son was hopping on one foot and counting to ten. He had me count three times. 1, 2, 3, ...10. He stayed balanced each time. Then he tried his left foot. 1, 2, 3, ...10. He did it again. Then he paused... "This time Mommy. let's go to the..." He thought about it for a long time, "to the eleven." At first I laughed. What gr... MORE
Values:
DETERMINATION
Illumination
A beacon of light over a grey world, a little warmth when chillness pricks, the moon’s illumination over the dark sky, a candle glow in the darkest night, a bud blooming with each drop of rain…Certain things that are more felt than touched give us reasons to think that life is all the more beautiful. Still there are certain things that go unnoticed, and yet noticed: thorns on rose... MORE
Values:
DETERMINATION
Dreams Do Come True
As a child, my parents, by their example, instilled in me a love for reading. I dreamed of being a writer but the pursuit of dreams was never discussed or encouraged - leaving me to write in secret in my room. Life progressed, however, and an interest in interior design surfaced in my teens. However, at my parents’ insistence, I enrolled in secretarial school and worked in that area con... MORE
Values:
DETERMINATION
I Promise You...
I strive for the highest ideals. I have outstanding passion, motivation & enthusiasm to constantly improve what I expect from myself. I don't take the easy way out. I don't accept defeat. I pick myself up quicker than anyone else. I learn not only from my mistakes, but also the mistakes of others. I have no space for excuses in my life. I am committed to developing the necessary skills, att... MORE
Values:
DETERMINATION
My Friend's Determination
My best friend is Ellice T. Without her determination, she would probably still be studying at a primary school. She's in secondary school this year and it is because of her determination. She used to be a rebel; never listening to her parents and never bothering to finish her homework. Last year as her exam to pass primary school was approaching, she couldn't care less. But with support and en... MORE
Values:
DETERMINATION
Compassion
My husband, Sam, has shown me a lot of great Values throughout our five years together, but the most telling of his personality was when, at the age of 31, he decided to donate his kidney to a complete stranger! He had a friend that died from complications from diabetes and kidney failure, and he wanted to do something...When he contacted local hospitals, he was told they would not accept a ki... MORE
Values:
DETERMINATION
My Generous Sister
My sister Jane talked me into training for a marathon even though I was in terrible shape, and not athletic like her. I often wanted to quit, but she spurred me on, and always had a positive attitude. She was very disappointed that she couldn't go to the New York More Marathon with me, but, as is typical of her, she phoned me during the run with all kinds of encouragement and praise. This past... MORE
Values:
DETERMINATION
My Little Determination
I was seventeen, pregnant and scared there was no help that was going to come from the father. And I still had to graduate high school. My mother and father had lost all hope in me in graduating or even being a mother. That year I found my strength through my child. After 15 hours of labor she was here and I was determined to show her, even in her birth, that I am worthy of being her mother ev... MORE
Values:
DETERMINATION