3 years as a paraplegic - how would I do it different?

This year has been challenging and very rewarding. What can we learn from looking back at 2021?
I think it’s a nice reminder to see how far we’ve come, to zoom out, and see how the compound effect of small steps can accumulate into wild dreams.
I could never imagine the life I live now being so “easy” when I first got injured 3 years ago, but through trial and error, making mistakes and pushing through fear, I have achieved a lot.
This year has provided me with incredibly tough challenges, most notably ending a 5 year relationship in the most loving and supportive way, pushing out of my comfort zone and becoming even more independent, flying in a plane, visiting the UK, keeping a daily practice of meditation, stretching and gratitude.
I’ve been creating artwork & writing songs for people, cultivating friendships that have been priceless, mentoring others with mental health issues, I even saved a life ❤️
I’ve created 36 KZread videos & 28 podcasts, improved my french speaking skills & so much more
My only real regret is that perhaps I’ve looked at my phone a bit too much 🤦‍♂️
I live a great life, I try not to take it for granted, I try to stay present, be grateful & mindful, I have my health and I’m content.
Moving forward, I feel I will experience more personal growth and life will continue to be challenging and rewarding, and I hope to share it all with you guys this time next year.
The one thing I’m most grateful for this year is my health, both physical and mental.
There is a beautiful saying that goes: “the healthy person has a thousand wishes, the sick person, only one” - So what are YOU grateful for this year ?
#wheelchair #spinalcordinjury #paraplegic
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Пікірлер: 36

  • @FreddotheWheelchairGuy
    @FreddotheWheelchairGuy2 жыл бұрын

    Hey friends! If you've scrolled down this far then here's a treat for you, a song I wrote for Lou's 30th birthday, enjoy 😁 kzread.info/dash/bejne/Y2mMqtqaiMyZntY.html

  • @dazza70smith
    @dazza70smith2 жыл бұрын

    So awesome to watch your personal growth not just through 2021 but from those very first very personal hospital videos post accident. You’ve helped so many mate including myself an 11year quadriplegic. So continue to embrace your amazing life and sharing your new life journey with us all through the world of KZread. No matter whether we are a paraplegic or a quadriplegic we are all so incredibly blessed getting a second chance at life. Stay strong buddy, sending love and prayers always 👍🙏🤗♿️

  • @FreddotheWheelchairGuy

    @FreddotheWheelchairGuy

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Darren, thats real nice of you to say. Appreciate your kind words, especially to do with the early vlogs. Makes me happy to know that you find them so helpful ❤✌

  • @macrovigilance
    @macrovigilance2 жыл бұрын

    I'm new to your channel and just wanted to congratulate you on such a positive mindset despite adversity and the downs of the roller coaster. Your videos are very candid and real, great content man!

  • @FreddotheWheelchairGuy

    @FreddotheWheelchairGuy

    2 жыл бұрын

    Why thank you, that’s such an awesome compliment! ❤️✌️

  • @jakemiller5407
    @jakemiller54072 жыл бұрын

    WHat a great video mate! Really proud of you man and this has to be one of my favourite videos yet I reckon. Really, really must have a zoom call ASAP! Take care dude! x

  • @FreddotheWheelchairGuy

    @FreddotheWheelchairGuy

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks man! Much appreciated ❤️ Is it one of your favourites because of the psychadelephant soundtrack? Haha 😆

  • @juliarobinson2527
    @juliarobinson25272 жыл бұрын

    Hi Freddo. I loved this video, you are so wise in your words. This has helped me to remember to focus on the positives and to be present and to love myself and others. Sometimes we/I need reminding of this. Thank you.

  • @FreddotheWheelchairGuy

    @FreddotheWheelchairGuy

    2 жыл бұрын

    Aww thanks 🥰 I really appreciate it when people take the time to write comments like these. It really inspires me to keep creating when I’m in a lull. Thanks 😊 ❤️✌️

  • @maureensmith2162
    @maureensmith21622 жыл бұрын

    Onward and upward always positive , always honest, always smiling, and making every day count. We are so proud of you Son, and all your achievements, 2022 a new year, make it extra special with all your accomplishments, love you so much xxxx

  • @rretana79
    @rretana792 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for sharing your life with us. Awesome context and amazing tips and motivation for Paras and quads alike. Keep up the great work!

  • @FreddotheWheelchairGuy

    @FreddotheWheelchairGuy

    2 жыл бұрын

    Such a kind comment, thank you

  • @silkedavid8876
    @silkedavid88762 жыл бұрын

    Got distracted by Pete on the windowsill outside towards the end of the video, what did you say? Oh, love yourself and do not care what other say. Has always been my motto, but it is lovely to finally have found some people with my local Stand in the park group who are the same!

  • @FreddotheWheelchairGuy

    @FreddotheWheelchairGuy

    2 жыл бұрын

    Somehow I knew you'd be distracted by Frank when I was editing the vid. And I was right 😉

  • @silkedavid8876

    @silkedavid8876

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@FreddotheWheelchairGuy Sorry I got his name wrong! At first I thought the other cat was there, too.

  • @woodslisa4529
    @woodslisa45292 жыл бұрын

    this video has touched me deeply. thank you

  • @FreddotheWheelchairGuy

    @FreddotheWheelchairGuy

    2 жыл бұрын

    You're very welcome, thanks for commenting 😊

  • @music_strokes
    @music_strokes2 жыл бұрын

    Bro! I just found you on Struhless's "Drawing marathon" stream! You're amazing man! Keep it up! Love from Iran

  • @FreddotheWheelchairGuy

    @FreddotheWheelchairGuy

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks so much! Really appreciate it. I'm sure you can see the inspiration from the big man himself 😉

  • @music_strokes

    @music_strokes

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@FreddotheWheelchairGuy Hell yeah man hahaha! You can be "The big man" too! Keep up the great work dude!

  • @Jaggededge112
    @Jaggededge1122 жыл бұрын

    3 years wow. You’ve grown so much. You’ve been through a roller coaster and you came out the other side. I am very proud of you.

  • @larryknickerbocker3282
    @larryknickerbocker32822 жыл бұрын

    Love your attitude . Thanks for video . I have a personal interest as my nephew is paraplegic. 20 years. Love your dog.

  • @diehard4xhd
    @diehard4xhd2 жыл бұрын

    LETS GO!!!!

  • @eileenmcnamara3555
    @eileenmcnamara35552 жыл бұрын

    Another terrific video Freddo! Your warm heart and your gratitude are exemplary, and this fellow SCI always is thrilled to find that you have posted a new video.

  • @FreddotheWheelchairGuy

    @FreddotheWheelchairGuy

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you, that is such a kind compliment, so glad you enjoy the vids 😁

  • @PeteMansell
    @PeteMansell2 жыл бұрын

    about time :)

  • @cherylcalifornia125
    @cherylcalifornia1252 жыл бұрын

    I enjoyed your video as you looked back at last year. You have a very busy life with such a positive attitude. Awesome! I’ve been a wheelchair user for decades and I/we just learn to adapt in so many ways. It just becomes normal. I’m very blessed with my simple life but the struggles are real with what a spinal cord injury/injured (complete) person goes through on a daily basis but I/we just do what we need to do to move forward.

  • @FreddotheWheelchairGuy

    @FreddotheWheelchairGuy

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the comment, I'm glad you enjoyed the video 😊

  • @SniperApocalypse
    @SniperApocalypse2 жыл бұрын

    I'll never understand why people say i wouldn't change my injury ect like fuck that.. give me my old life back and not leaving the house worrying whether ill end up shitting or pissing myself and being stared at constantly for being in a wheelchair

  • @FreddotheWheelchairGuy

    @FreddotheWheelchairGuy

    2 жыл бұрын

    Everyone is different, I feel like I'm a better person since my accident, I wouldn't take back my ignorance and give up my personal growth. But we don't suffer in the same way, every life is unique.

  • @SniperApocalypse

    @SniperApocalypse

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@FreddotheWheelchairGuy thats fair i just personally wouldnt and im not even that bad off tbf i can walk and stand aswell as use a wheelchair but still rather have my old life

  • @tradenewscentre5010
    @tradenewscentre5010 Жыл бұрын

    You're doing some walking already!

  • @azukarzuchastux8066
    @azukarzuchastux80662 жыл бұрын

    ◄ Romans 10:13 New International Version for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.