How to Heal a Broken Body and a Broken Spirit | Janine Shepherd | Goalcast

Summary

The speaker recounts their journey from being wheelchair-bound after a spinal injury to becoming a pilot. Despite initial despair, a transformative moment watching an airplane inspired them to pursue flying. With determination, they overcame physical challenges, passed medical exams, and obtained various pilot licenses. They eventually became an instructor, teaching others to fly. The narrative emphasizes the power of letting go of past identities to embrace new possibilities and the resilience of the human spirit.

Takeaways

• 🦽 'After almost six months, it was time to leave the spinal ward.' - The speaker had to leave the spinal ward after a significant period of time.
• 🏃‍♂️ 'I wanted my life back. I wanted to put my running shoes on, and run out the door, but I couldn't.' - The speaker yearned to regain their mobility and previous lifestyle.
• 🚁 'If I can't walk, then I might as well fly.' - A moment of inspiration led the speaker to consider flying as an alternative to walking.
• 👨‍✈️ 'I'm here for my flying lesson.' - The speaker began taking flying lessons despite their physical limitations.
• 🌏 'They lifted me up into the aircraft.' - Assistance was required for the speaker to participate in the flying experience.
• 🛫 'As the wheels lifted off the runway, I felt the most incredible sense of freedom.' - The act of flying provided the speaker with a profound sense of liberation.
• 📚 'I went on with my theories study.' - The speaker continued their education and preparation to become a pilot.
• 🎓 'I passed my pilot's medical.' - Despite initial doubts, the speaker was able to meet the medical requirements to become a pilot.
• ✈️ 'I got my commercial pilot's license.' - The speaker achieved multiple pilot certifications, including a commercial license.
• 👨‍🏫 'I found myself teaching other people how to fly.' - The speaker transitioned from learning to teaching others, sharing their knowledge and passion for flying.
• 💪 'My real strength never came from my body.' - The speaker emphasizes that inner strength and spirit are more significant than physical capabilities.

Q & A

What was the speaker's condition after leaving the spinal ward?

The speaker had no feeling from the waist down after leaving the spinal ward.

What was the turning point for the speaker that changed their perspective on life?

The turning point was when an airplane flew over the speaker's house, prompting them to shift from asking 'Why me?' to 'Why not me?'

How did the speaker's family and friends support them in their desire to fly?

The speaker's mom and friend Chris bought them baggy overalls and drove them to Bench Town Airport for their first flying lesson.

What was the speaker's initial experience like when they first attempted to fly?

The speaker's initial experience was exhilarating, as they felt an incredible sense of freedom when the airplane lifted off the runway.

What was the speaker's reaction when they were asked to take the controls of the airplane?

The speaker was excited and complied, taking the controls and heading towards the mountains, which marked the beginning of their journey to becoming a pilot.

How did the speaker's physical condition affect their ability to walk and pursue their pilot dreams?

The speaker had to practice walking extensively, going from needing two people to hold them up to walking with the aid of furniture around the house.

What was the sequence of licenses and ratings the speaker obtained on their path to becoming an instructor?

The speaker obtained their private pilot's license, then an unrestricted private pilot's license, followed by an instrument rating, a commercial pilot's license, and finally an instructor rating.

How long did it take for the speaker to go from leaving the spinal ward to becoming an instructor?

It took just over 12 months for the speaker to transition from leaving the spinal ward to teaching others how to fly at the same school where they had their first flight.

What lesson did the speaker learn about the human spirit from their experience?

The speaker learned that their real strength did not come from their body, but from the defiant human spirit, which remains steadfast and cannot be lost in life.

What message does the speaker convey about the importance of self-improvement in the context of building a better world?

The speaker emphasizes that building a better world starts with building a better self, suggesting that individual growth and change can contribute to a larger, positive impact on the world.