This week I had the great pleasure of being on Bruce Van Horn podcast radio show. It’s the first time I’ve done anything like this online and putting aside how nervous I was it didn’t turn out too bad.
I talk about my accident and many other experiences that have shaped my life.
Anyway, rather than reading please listen below and let me know your thoughts in the comments.
Quotes from the Show:
- I’m paralysed, why read a book about marathon running?
- In the Summer of 1991, Steven dove into a swimming pool and never walked again.
- After 12 months in the hospital, I came home with a pretty different perspective on life.
- I had a zest for living and an appreciation for all the things I had.
- It’s so easy to judge someone when they’ve hit rock-bottom and say “you’ve been through so much in life, what’s wrong with you?”
- I realized that I was responsible for everything. How I react to what happens to me is what causes my life to go good or bad.
- I was able to focus my mind on what was important. On gratitude and appreciation as opposed to all the bad things.
- I discovered tolerance for other people. We’re all on different levels. Everyone’s got their own problems.
- We see everything the way we are, and if things aren’t the way we are, we get frustrated.
- I didn’t let my disability get me down. I focused on my ability.
- It never occurred to me people saw my wheelchair, because I didn’t see it as part of me.
- My body is not who I am.
- If you see yourself as a victim, or in a negative way, that’s the way other people will see you.
- After a few encounters, people stop seeing “Steven in a wheelchair” and start seeing Steven.
- The subconscious mind doesn’t care if a habit is right or wrong. It just cares if you are used to doing it.
- People don’t care what you say. They remember how you made them feel.
- The moving road: there are no straight roads; it wobbles; it moves; that’s life.
Mentioned in this show:
- Bruce Van Horn
- My review of Bruce Van Horns book: “I’m paralysed, why read a book about marathon running?“
Couple links from Bruce Van Horn
Bless your heart! This is so inspiring to me and I’m in the beginning stages of letting it all go, no longer feeling as just a victim from all I’ve endured during the past 40 years of my life, including chronic pain. I truly am letting go of all that has happened in my life that’s hurt me. I appreciate SPECIAL people like you! You are a man who has touched many peoples lives and will continue to do so as you have touched my heart deeply tonight. God Bless you for the work you are doing to inspire those who have been or are much weaker a person!
Hi Debra,
Thank you, I really appreciate your comment.
Congratulations on letting go, it is a long difficult process. It comes down to believing in yourself, you are no more weaker than the next person it’s just something you have learnt to believe to perhaps make you feel better. Like you say, the victim.
If we can learn to enjoy what we endured for what it gives us in character and strength, it enables us to see we are strong and we are our own hero.
Again, thank you for your time.
Steven
Thanks for sharing your story. Your positive attitude is inspiring.
Thank you, appreciate that.
You are a strong man, your positive attitude and high spirits make you an idol not only to people with disabilities, but also to all humans. You proved that the inner strength is much important than the power of muscles. We must be proud of you and of all similar inspiring people. God bless you.