Singer-songwriter Mandy Harvey lost her hearing at eighteen, but that doesn’t keep her from singing.

Refusing to give up, Mandy found her way back to performing with muscle memory and by using visual tuners and trusting her pitch. She continues to write and sing even though she can’t hear the music she creates. In her own words, “Music now isn’t about the sound. It’s about the feeling.”

If you watch America’s Got Talent or spend much time on social media, you likely saw her AGT audition last week. (If not, the video is below. Still can’t watch it without crying.) The judges and audience were stunned at first. You can see it in their faces before they stand and cheer her on.

Mandy’s story made me think, because some days, I come up with reasons that slow down my writing:

• I’m tired
• I’m in a bitchy mood
• The house needs cleaning
• The words aren’t flowing today
• I’m going out in an hour, and thirty minutes isn’t enough time

Can you hear the whining? 😉 These are all ridiculous excuses and it’s time to toss them. Better to make like Mandy Harvey, who is grateful for each opportunity. Even when things were at their worst, she pushed through. She’s an inspiration.

Who are your inspirations? If you have a minute, leave a comment below.