Jason Morris overcomes life’s challenges by Sandra Smith
When Jason Morris lost his hand in an industrial accident at the age of 19, his life changed overnight. His dream of being a professional footballer was over, and his future was uncertain. He had to learn to cope with one hand quickly, because three months after the hand amputation his firstborn child, Jazzi, was born.
Jason lives at Mountain Creek with his new wife Topaz, and his teenage children – Jazzi (16) and Izzak (14). He is a motivational speaker, a didgeridoo performer, a life coach, an artist and writer.
Helping people realise their dreams is Jason’s passion, and he visits schools, sporting clubs and hospitals around South-East Queensland, speaking to troubled youth, sports professionals, employees and parents. Jason’s educational didgeridoo show, Didge for Kids, visits childcare centres and schools in Southeast Queensland performing for over 10,000 children each year.
What’s your greatest achievement so far?
After losing my hand, my greatest achievement would be turning an obstacle into an opportunity. My mother and father were a great inspiration. They basically told me – you’ve got another hand, don’t worry about it…get out there and do something with your life. Mum made me peel my own mango when I first got out of hospital, with one hand.
Also, I was a young parent at the time, with Jazzi. I had to bathe her, I had to clothe her and I had to feed her and do all the things that come with a newborn and the challenge was I only had one hand.
When I first had my hand amputated most of my mates told me to go on the dole – take the government’s money – sit back, relax and never work again. I didn’t take their advice because I had a life to live, and ever since that accident, I’ve lived my life to the fullest. I’ve had some of the best times in my life since I lost my hand. So many doors have opened for me. I’ve met some fascinating people and I’ve helped thousands of people to stay positive, to keep going.
What do you enjoy most about being a motivational speaker?
Seeing people’s reactions after I give a talk and having them come up to me and say that their son or daughter has been going through a hard time (whether it’s drugs or alcohol or depression), and seeing that I’ve made a little bit of a difference. That’s what I like about it – that I’ve given them some hope. Don’t give up on your kids, or don’t give up on yourself. It doesn’t matter how big the problem or hurdle is, you can overcome anything that you set your mind to.
How did it all start?
My dad died seven years ago and I gave a talk at my dad’s funeral about his life. People came up to me and were inspired and said I should be a motivational speaker. So I thought, if I can inspire someone at a funeral, I’m going to give this a go. So then I started advertising myself as a motivational speaker. I’ve lost a part of my body, I’ve got over it, I’ve set up three successful businesses by myself, I’ve lost a brother, I’ve lost a father, I’ve come through a marriage breakup, and I’m raising teenage kids. That’s all you need. You have to have that life experience.
What does a typical day involve?
A typical day would involve interviews with people like Anthony Mundine, Alan Langer or Ian Thorpe, and when I’m not interviewing, I’m driving down to Brisbane or the Gold Coast and doing didgeridoos shows or speaking shows. I’m usually home by 1-2pm so I’ve got the afternoon to myself. If I’m not working, I’m around the kids. It’s a bit different now they’re a bit older – I don’t see them as much, because they’re out with their friends.
Who inspires you and why?
Ordinary people that have been through hard times and risen above it.
Tell us about your family.
Jazzi’s left school and now she’s working two jobs until she works out what she wants to do. It might be modelling or fashion – she’s naturally beautiful, but she doesn’t believe it. I’m trying to encourage her to do things that you love. Izzak’s a real scholar at school – he’s a very, very smart kid. He gets As and Bs in most subjects. He’s got a really good reputation at school… he’s good at sports and he’s a positive kid.
Soon after my marriage broke up (three years ago), Topaz and I got together and we’ve been together ever since. It’s been a big change for her because she had no kids herself, so there’s been a lot of adjusting…but she’s helped stabilise the family. The kids really bonded with Topaz and it has helped out. She cares for them like a mother which has helped in keeping that family atmosphere going with a new partner.
How did you end up with a shared parenting situation?
At first it was three days on, three days off, because the kids really couldn’t handle any more than three. It wasn’t working – living between the two houses and going to school at different times. It got a little bit hard so we thought, if we can handle it, let’s do it for seven on and seven off. It’s Monday to Monday, which works really well. It’s a good routine – they know what’s going on. They know they get their bags ready on a Sunday night, they get dropped off and there are no issues for the week, which makes it really good – a stable routine for everyone.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of shared parenting?
The kids have had to learn to adjust to new sets of rules and new standards and new ideas, and they’ve had to accept that. People would say it’s a disadvantage not having their natural mother and father, but I think that Jazzi and Izzak have responded just as well to Topaz as they have for their own mother.
The kids like it because they get two different ways of life, two different birthdays from two families, two different Christmases. They both get twice what they’d normally get from one family, which is a good thing, for them to view it that way.
What has been your biggest parenting challenge and why?
Probably with Jazzi, because she’s a girl and she’s beautiful. I reckon it all starts in Grade 9 – I’ve noticed that’s when they start to get a bit rebellious. They’re out of your control and they’re out of your house and you don’t know what they’re doing 100%. You don’t know what the parties are like or if they’re looked after, or if they’re allowed to do what they want. That’s probably the hardest thing to deal with – knowing what’s going on.
What leisure activities do you enjoy most as a family, and why?
We like just going down to the beach and hanging out, and getting a bit of sun. We go for picnics. Topaz makes special little baskets up, and we go out and talk, laugh and just hang around together and spend a bit of time.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years – personally and professionally?
Hopefully, travelling around Australia with my wife and manager, Topaz, and giving talks at different venues. Seeing Australia and also making money while I’m doing it. Having a leisure lifestyle, but also paying my way as well.
What advice can you share with our readers about parenting? My kids are my best friends. I’m a father, but also their mate. Even today, they will both come up and give big cuddles and talk to me as a best friend. Being their best friend has worked for me so far. Deal with the little things along the way and as a parent, try not to be too full-on with them. Give them a little bit of leeway but try to keep a balance.
Jason’s favourite things
Rainy day activity:
Having a home day and watching a box office movie, playing a game of pool, making some nice nibblies and just hanging around.
Fine day activity:
The beach or a bushwalk – if I can get Jazzi to do that!
Holiday destination:
The kids always like going back to my home town of Scone, NSW. It’s a country town where they go out to the dam and go out in a boat, or go to barbeques with family.
Restaurant:
Thai Frenzy at Buderim – we like Thai food.
Beach:
Mooloolaba, because it’s so handy and it’s beautiful, relaxed and laid back.
Food:
Anything that Topaz cooks because she’s the best cook ever! She cooks a lot of spicy foods. Thai’s our favourite: anything with lots of flavour and spice.
To find about more about Jason’s programs phone: 5477 6861 or 0401 607 463.
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