Facing death taught me how to truly live with David Smith MBE (E215)

“Paralysis taught me how to live”

This emotional conversation is an honest and vulnerable discussion about life, death and understanding our purpose.

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 Paralympic games as a rower; “I didn’t have time for a tumour”. But, after having surgery on the tumour, 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.

A total of 6 major life-threatening spinal surgeries in 13 years, 6 weeks of radiotherapy and learning to walk after each operation meant his sporting career became more about staying alive than winning medals. David shares his profound wisdom with Jake and Damian, exploring how he is attempting to come to terms with death and how he finds strength in vulnerability.

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.

Follow David's journey here: https://www.instagram.com/davidsmithmbe/?hl=en

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# Summary: Paralysis Taught Me How to Live

## Introduction:

- David Smith, a former athlete, had a life-changing diagnosis in 2010: a rare, cancerous tumor in his neck.
- Despite multiple surgeries and complications, David is now fully paralyzed on his left side.
- David's unwavering commitment to his purpose and daily philosophy shines through as he shares his profound wisdom with Jake and Damian.

## Embracing Vulnerability and the Preciousness of Time:

- David emphasizes the importance of embracing vulnerability and appreciating every moment.
- He reflects on his journey through cancer and paralysis, highlighting the significance of waking up and breathing as one of the best gifts in life.
- David acknowledges the challenging days when he struggles with his condition and contemplates giving up, but his unwavering determination to live prevails.

## Accepting Mortality and Finding Strength in Vulnerability:

- David explores how he is attempting to come to terms with death and finds strength in vulnerability.
- He emphasizes the need for acceptance of mortality and acknowledges that everyone comes into this world on an inhale and leaves on an exhale.
- David believes that every breath is defining and encourages people to appreciate the gift of life and the beauty of the world around them.

## Key Insights and Perspectives:

- David's story highlights the power of the mind and the importance of visualization and imagery in achieving goals.
- He emphasizes the value of having a clear purpose and personal philosophy to navigate challenging times.
- David's journey inspires others to find strength in vulnerability, embrace the preciousness of life, and appreciate the beauty of every breath.

## Conclusion:

- David's message resonates with the audience, leaving them with a powerful reminder: "I'm not scared of dying, I'm scared of not living."
- His story serves as a reminder to cherish life, embrace vulnerability, and find strength in the face of adversity.

# Podcast Episode Summary: Paralysis Taught Me How to Live

**Key Points:**

- David Smith, a former athlete who competed in karate, running, and bobsled, was diagnosed with a rare, cancerous tumor in his neck in 2010.
- Despite undergoing multiple surgeries and complications, David remained resilient and focused on competing in the 2012 Paralympic Games as a rower.
- After suffering a stroke during surgery, David became fully paralyzed on his left side.
- Despite these challenges, David won a gold medal for Rowing with Team GB at the 2012 Paralympics.
- David's journey taught him the importance of embracing vulnerability, appreciating every moment, and finding purpose in life.
- He emphasizes the significance of accepting mortality and finding strength in vulnerability.
- David's coping strategies include getting into nature, moving his body, and spending time with friends.
- He believes that true strength lies in vulnerability and that it is okay to cry and express emotions.
- David highlights the importance of savoring the moment, being present, and making the most of every second.
- He encourages individuals to be curious, compassionate, and courageous in their daily lives.
- David emphasizes the value of connecting with others, being present, and putting away distractions when spending time with loved ones.
- He shares his experience of receiving a terminal diagnosis and his determination to live life to the fullest.
- David's message is one of resilience, gratitude, and making the most of every moment.
- He encourages listeners to embrace life, connect with others, and find purpose and meaning in their existence.

**Memorable Quotes:**

- "I'm not scared of dying, I'm scared of not living." - David Smith
- "In strength is vulnerability." - David Smith
- "The quality of Mint Mobile's wireless service in comparison to providers that we've worked with before is incredible." - Advertisement
- "I think back to the younger David and what the older David knows now and what he as if I see would give him but also I tried to look forward and say you know what if I'm I do a lot of memento mori which is not for everyone, the meditation of your own mortality, I think in my situation I have to be connected to that." - David Smith

**Overall Message:**

David Smith's journey through paralysis and terminal diagnosis serves as a powerful reminder to embrace life, appreciate every moment, and find purpose and meaning in existence. He encourages listeners to connect with others, be present, and make the most of every second.