Don’t Give Up on Your Dreams, even when Broken

Everyone has a dream. It doesn’t matter how old a person is. Some may dream of the perfect job. Others simply seek overall success. I’d argue that everyone has a dream of some sort. As John Lennon said, “You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one.”

Pursuing one’s dream is important. Often, though, people’s life goals get derailed. Things happen in life. Circumstances cause setbacks. But that doesn’t mean one should not continue pursuing their dreams.

Nicole Marquez

Nicole Marquez is a motivational speaker/performer from Madison, MS. She currently lives in New Orleans, Louisiana. Marquez revealed how she got involved in dancing at age two. “I was born with a bad pigeon toe,” she said. “My doctor recommended that my parents put me in a ballet class.”

By the time she was 13, Marquez’s interest in dancing began to wane. However, things changed when she was a college freshman. Marquez was in the theater department at the time. She had to stage manage the dance department’s fall concert. Marquez explained how this reignited her love of dance. “Watching those dancers inspired me all over again; I doubled my major in theater and dance,” she said.

Following Her Dreams

A renewed love of dance inspired Marquez to follow her dreams. She moved to New York City after she graduated from college. Marquez explained why she made this move. “Part of the reason I moved to New York is that, my entire life, I had this goal of one day performing/dancing on Broadway,” she said. “I didn’t want to be a star; I just wanted the credit to say that I did it.”

Unfortunate Accident

In New York City, Marquez had a freak accident. She fell six stories and broke her neck and back in three different places. Marquez had fractures in both her lumbar and cervical spines. She underwent two 10-hour surgeries.

While in the hospital, Marquez had a ventilator in her throat. She couldn’t say anything to people. However, Marquez explained how she could vaguely hear the doctors around her. “It wasn’t verbatim, but what I heard was something along the lines of ‘they did not know’ if I would walk again or even dance,” she said.

Nicole Marquez’s Dancing Future

Marquez revealed the concerns she had after the accident. “I had no backup plan,” she said. “I thought, “What am I going to do now?”

Recovery

There were doubts about Marquez’s future mobility. However, a step-by-step process brought her back.

After the accident, Marquez received rehabilitation. “I was at New York-Presbyterian Hospital initially,” she said. “When I came back to Mississippi, I got some more rehabilitation at Select Specialty Hospital, then at Methodist Rehabilitation Center.”

It was an intense process. However, Marquez was able to recover one step at a time. Several months would pass. But, eventually, Marquez would be able to get around with the help of a walker. After two years, she was able to move out of her parents’ house and live more independently.

Words of Encouragement

 Julie Turner is a Pilates instructor, dancer, and choreographer. Turner and Marquez knew each other from undergrad in the dance department. Marquez considers her a mentor, friend, and colleague.

After Marquez’s accident, Turner provided her with words of encouragement. Marquez provided the details of this exchange. “Julie Turner told me, ‘You’ll never be the way you were, but you still have movement in your ligaments,’” she said.

Redeeming body movement

Marquez commented on the type of assistance that Turner provides. “She calls it her own specialized movement therapy practice,” she said. Julie Turner was able to help Marquez adapt to familiar dance movements. This was essential to her healing process.

As Marquez revealed, Turner’s assistance inspired her. “Working with her brought me to a place of understanding with my body,” she said. “I did not realize I had trauma inside of it that I could utilize and work with.” Most importantly, Turner’s help made Marquez aware that her dancing dream could still flourish.

Marquez and Turner still continue to work with one another. The two maintain a long-distance friendship. Marquez and Turner still collaborate on both their work and movement.

Keeping Strong

Marquez revealed that she still faces difficulties. “Even though I can walk, I just want to make it clear that it isn’t smooth sailing and steady,” Marquez said. “I walk with a bit of a limp, but I can walk.”

Nonetheless, Marquez is now more physically active than ever. She revealed that she has been able to return to physical therapy a few times. “My body’s like a car; you got to take it to the shop for a tune-up,” Marquez said. She now works out at Split Second Fitness in New Orleans. This is a gym that is specifically designed for individuals with disabilities.

State of Mind

As mentioned, Marquez’s initial reaction to the accident involved self-doubt. She thought that her dancing career was over. Also, intrusive thoughts became an issue.

Marquez’s husband, Joe Gravier, and Julie Turner influenced her to see someone. By talking to a therapist, Marquez realized some things. “It brought me to this mindset that I’m still living life, even if it’s different than before,” she said.

Updates

Marquez has been involved in many endeavors. She even wrote a book called “Falling Isn’t Failure.” Additionally, she is known for her motivational speaking. Marquez revealed where this endeavor of hers stands now. “My motivational speaking career has turned more towards this performance piece where I can really be my authentic self,” she said. “I can tell and show my story through words and movement.” Recently, Marquez and Julie Turner created a theater and dance piece. “The Mask of Joy” is based on Marquez’s story.

Nicole Marquez’s Advice to People

Intrusive thoughts can be counterproductive. It’s important not to let them overtake you. Even Marquez admitted that she is continually working on this.  Arguably, if you let thoughts overtake you, you may give up on your dreams.

As a motivational speaker and disability advocate, Marquez provides much inspiration. “I didn’t think I’d ever be able to lift a leg again,” she said. “Now, I can balance on one foot for a few seconds.” Many people feel like giving up on their goals. Others think it’s too late. Marquez has great advice for them. “Anything is possible if you try.”

More on Presence: