You are not your body: Janine Shepherd at TEDxKC

Summary

Janine Shepherd, an Australian cross-country skier, faced a life-altering accident that left her partially paralyzed. Despite the prognosis that she would never walk again, she embraced a new dream of flying. Through determination and resilience, she became a pilot and aerobatic flying instructor, demonstrating that true strength lies in the spirit, not the body, and inspiring others to transcend physical limitations.

Takeaways

• 🏆 Janine's Olympic dream as a cross-country skier was shattered by a tragic accident that left her with severe injuries, including a broken neck and back.
• 🚑 She was airlifted to a spinal unit in Sydney and underwent extensive surgeries to address her life-threatening injuries.
• 🛌 After waking from a 10-day coma, Janine grappled with the reality of her body being severely broken and the decision to either return to her body or leave this world.
• 💪 Choosing to fight, she faced the challenge of potential paralysis and the daunting prospect of a life with significant physical limitations.
• 🏥 During her recovery, Janine formed deep, judgement-free friendships in the spinal ward, learning the value of authentic connections.
• 🌟 Despite being told she would likely never walk again, Janine's determination led her to regain some movement and eventually pursue a new dream of becoming a pilot.
• 🛫 Janine's journey to becoming a pilot was filled with challenges, but she persevered, earning multiple飞行 certifications and even teaching others to fly.
• 🎓 Her story is a testament to the power of letting go of past identities and embracing new possibilities, even in the face of adversity.
• 🌱 Janine's experience taught her that true strength comes from within and that our spirit is unstoppable, regardless of physical limitations.
• 🌐 She encourages everyone to connect with their inner light and to live life as a creative expression of their true selves, focusing on the virtues of the heart.

Q & A

What was the speaker's initial dream and how did it define her?

The speaker's initial dream was to be a cross-country skier and a member of the Australian ski team, heading toward the Winter Olympics. This dream defined her as it represented her bliss and was a significant part of her identity.

What tragic event occurred during the speaker's bike ride in the Blue Mountains?

The speaker was hit by a speeding utility truck while on a bike ride in the Blue Mountains, which resulted in extensive and life-threatening injuries.

What were the severe injuries the speaker sustained in the accident?

The speaker broke her neck and back in six places, five ribs on her left side, her right arm, collarbone, and some bones in her feet. Her right side was ripped open filled with gravel, and her head was cut open exposing the skull underneath. She also had head injuries, internal injuries, and massive blood loss.

How did the speaker describe her experience of being between life and death after the accident?

The speaker described drifting between two dimensions, having an awareness of being in her body and also being out of her body, watching from above as if it was happening to someone else.

What was the turning point for the speaker in deciding to return to her body after the accident?

The turning point was when she was at a crossroads, realizing that if she didn't return to her body, she would have to leave this world forever. It was the fight of her life, and after 10 days, she decided to return to her body.

What was the medical prognosis given to the speaker regarding her ability to walk again?

The medical prognosis was that she was a partial paraplegic with permanent damage to her central nervous system. She had no feeling from the waist down and at most might get 10 or 20% return. She would have internal injuries for the rest of her life and would need to use a catheter.

How did the speaker's experience in the spinal ward influence her perspective on life?

The speaker's experience in the spinal ward allowed her to form friendships based on spirit rather than appearance, and it gave her a sense of connection and authenticity. It also made her realize that life's challenges are universal and that she had a choice in how to respond to her situation.

What significant decision did the speaker make after being told she would never walk again?

The speaker decided to learn how to fly, which led her to become a pilot and eventually an aerobatics flying instructor, despite her physical limitations.

How did the speaker's mindset change from asking 'Why me?' to 'Why not me?'

The speaker's mindset changed when she realized that her pain and challenges were not unique but part of the human experience. She chose to accept her circumstances and saw being at rock bottom as the perfect place to start rebuilding her life.

What philosophical insight did the speaker gain from her journey?

The speaker gained the insight that her real strength never came from her body but from her spirit, which remained unchanged despite her physical limitations. She learned that it's not until we let go of our preconceived notions of ourselves that we can embrace new possibilities.

What message does the speaker convey about the human spirit and collective connection?

The speaker conveys that the human spirit is unstoppable and that we are all connected. She encourages embracing the virtues of the heart and living our lives as a creative expression of who we truly are, beyond physical limitations.