“Recovery is Inspirational, and Inspiration is Contagious” captures the transformative power of personal growth and resilience

When someone goes through a journey of recovery—whether it’s from illness, addiction, trauma, or any challenge—their strength can inspire others.

That inspiration, in turn, spreads like a positive force, motivating those around them to pursue their own paths of healing, self-improvement and change.

It’s a reminder that one person’s courage and determination can ripple outward, creating a chain reaction of hope and encouragement. This contagious inspiration helps build a supportive community where everyone lifts each other up, reinforcing the idea that no one is truly alone on their journey.

My recent experience at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games was nothing short of awe-inspiring. For ten days, I witnessed exceptional athletic performances that left me profoundly moved. But it wasn’t just about celebrating the medallists; it was the sheer commitment and determination of every single athlete that struck me. Watching these athletes overcome their challenges has forever shifted my perspective, especially as I reflect on my own journey with cancer, which is now thankfully in remission.

The resilience and grit displayed by the Paralympians resonate deeply with me. As a boy growing up in the 1950s, I remember a surgeon standing by my hospital bed, telling my father, “Elwyn, your boy may never be able to enjoy physical activities.”

The idea of being a Crippled?…… No chance!

I refused to accept that fate and worked hard to recover. Looking back, I can’t help but think of all the incredible experiences I would’ve missed had I accepted that doctor’s grim prognosis.

Life has been an unpredictable roller coaster, filled with challenges and demons I’ve had to face. Necessity and chance took me from a violent, criminal past and turned me into an entrepreneur, adventurer, and what some might call an eccentric. More than half a century later, at 71 years old, I found myself on Mt. Everest, playing in the two highest rugby games ever recorded. That achievement secured me a place in the history books—a far cry from the dire predictions made about my future all those years ago.

The journey to that moment, and many others, wasn’t easy. I’ve battled through dark times and personal demons, evolving from a violent criminal and alcoholic into an adventurer, entrepreneur, charity worker in Africa, and a self-proclaimed eccentric. But I’ve always lived for extraordinary experiences. From hauling a sled across 650 kilometers of barren ice from Resolute Bay to the North Pole to enduring the altitude challenges of the Himalayas, and pushing myself through the punishing heat of the Sahara, I’ve never shied away from a challenge.

And then there were the extreme rowing challenges, including a brutal and ultimately tragic attempt to break the world record by rowing across the unforgiving North Atlantic in what’s often called the World’s Toughest Rowing Race.

Through it all, I’ve faced each challenge with humor, commitment, and an unrelenting enthusiasm for life. None of it would’ve been possible without staying clean and sober, one day at a time, since 2nd February 1981.

So when I watched the Paralympians this summer in Paris, I saw in them a reflection of my own journey—the determination to rise above what others expect of you and to refuse to be defined by your limitations. Just as I’ve pushed the boundaries of what I thought was possible, so do they, every time they compete. Their resilience has reminded me of my own battles and victories, developing a Mindset to keep moving forward, no matter the odds. For me, the only true failure is not making the attempt.

Now, as I continue my own life in remission, the inspiration I’ve drawn from these incredible athletes strengthens my resolve to keep pushing, keep adventuring, and keep defying expectations. Their resilience is contagious, just as I hope my story might inspire others. Watching the Paralympics wasn’t just a thrilling experience—it was a powerful reminder that we are all capable of extraordinary things, no matter the challenges we face.

**I want to tell you more about my extraordinary journey.

#livealifetodiefor #MoreThanMyPast #lymphoma_action #Lymphoma #LymphomaCancer #itsrogerx

When problems arise – Clear the Mind

How Stillness and Patience Calm Swirling Emotions

A head full of swirling emotions is like a glass of muddy water.
Fear manifests through the “3 F’s”: Fight, Freeze, Flee.
Anger brings about a fight response and can blind us to reason.
Shame often leads to freezing, paralyzing action.
Flee is to withdraw within, shut down.

Just as muddy water eventually clears when left to settle, so can your mind.
Place the glass (your thoughts) on the shelf, allowing ‘time’: your most valuable resource, to do its work.
With time, the mud will slowly sink to the bottom, and the swirling emotions in your head will calm.
As the water clears, so will your thoughts, and you’ll regain clarity.

Worry, a blend of these emotions, resolves nothing—only stillness and patience allow the mind to clear.

**I am excited to share the captivating story of my extraordinary journey with you.