I Lost Half My Body But Gained My Purpose: David Smith MBE
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- čas přidán 31. 05. 2024
- “Paralysis taught me how to live”
In 2010, David Smith was given a life changing diagnosis: a rare, cancerous tumour was found in his neck. A focused athlete, previously competing in karate, running and bobsled, David aimed to put all of his energy into competing in the 2012 Olympic games as a rower; “I didn’t have time for a tumour”. But, after having surgery, David suffered a stroke. This was the start of a new life for David.
After multiple surgeries and a number of complications, David is now fully paralysed on his left side. Despite winning gold for Rowing with Team GB at the 2012 Paralympics, what really stands out is David’s appreciation for every moment, his resilience, and his deep understanding of what it means to really live. In the face of battling cancer and living with paralysis, David's unwavering commitment to his purpose and daily philosophy shines through. He shares the importance of embracing vulnerability and the preciousness of time.
We’re left with the core of David’s message: “I’m not scared of dying, I’m scared of not living.”
This was recorded in front of a live audience at Happy Place Festival, there may be some background noise.
0:00 Trailer
0:23 Start
0:53 Wanting to perform
6:57 My tumour
10:23 Rowing in bed
15:53 Cycling
17:06 Tumour & paralysis
24:44 The rude waiter
30:00 The difficult days
34:13 Appreciation for time
37:02 I don't want to die
41:16 End
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I was in this live audience. It was a privilege to listen to this man. Such an inspiring talk that will bring you to tears. Thank you 🙏
I’ve listened to numerous podcasts, but this one came from a place of true meaning and heart. A conquest to not chase the material things society leads us towards and the enjoy living in the moment and showing gratitude where you can. Thank you David and never give up.
I've cried, I've laughed...what an incredibly inspiring man. Thank you so much David for sharing your life journey, you really are an amazing person, who has taught us so much about resilience and how to appreciate all the little things in life that we often take for granted.
My life love had slow growing spinal cord and brain tumors, was an athlete, and died. Those years were so full of love, frustration, hope, dreams, brokenness, pain, grace, and beauty. It was always good to come home, leaving "hospital land" behind us. I have so much respect and gratitude for you all, his vulnerability, curiosity, compassion, and courage.
What an incredible ly strong human being David is. Thank you for sharing your pain. Sending love your way ❤
What an inspirational man! A champion in more ways than one
I’ve been on the High Performance journey since day 1 and this has to be the most inspirational episode yet. Being also a proud Scotsman David has shown heart bravery to deal with his situation. Living for every breath you take is sometimes lost in busy lives, being truly with friends and reliving memories is a must. David thank you for your honesty and I hope you enjoy that bottle of Fiddoch and sharing those stories with friends. You are a remarkable man.
Amazing strength he is such an inspiration for people.. such a great guy what a lot he has been through 😢💙
What a guy so brave to share his story in particular his most recent diagnosis
Such a powerful conversation, brought me to tears
What a privilege to hear David speak and his words will stay with me ….what a champion in every way! ❤
Such an inspiring story so braver this is the best podcast I’ve listened to in years!
What an inspirational man! A champion in more ways than one... Never heard of him prior to listerning but Wow what a story ...Thank you David the trur meaning of Never giving up!!!
Very inspirational.
Such an incredible episode. Please share however you can. Help please - two books mentioned - I caught the first (man’s search for meaning) but can anyone help me identify the second?
The power of now - eckhart tolle
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Powerful and inspirational - everyone should listen to this podcast. David is beyond amazing and courageous. I listened to this on a drive up the M6/M74 and couldnt see the road for tears. I've never been as affected and touched by a podcast and person as I am with this one