In this episode of Resilience Unravelled, Tom Shaw, a British-born resident of Kansas City, shares his life story, including his paralysis at 16 due to a car accident and his subsequent resilience and determination to overcome challenges. He also discusses his battle with addiction and trauma and his future plans to spread a message of hope and positivity through podcasts and public speaking.

Main topics
The challenges he faced during his rehabilitation, including the initial shock and fear of being paralysed
His resilience and determination to overcome his trauma, drawing on his experience as an athlete
How he regained the use of his left leg about five years later and now has partial use of his right leg
His gratitude for his three grown children, whom he was told he would never have due to his injury
The importance of maintaining a positive mindset and resilience in the face of challenges
Why small victories should be celebrated, especially during times of trauma.
The usefulness of humour in coping with difficult situations
The importance of seeking medical help during detox and the challenges of addiction
The alarming in suicide rates and other concerning trends in society, emphasising the need for a more positive outlook.

In 1985 when Tom Shaw was 16 years old, a car accident left him paralysed from the waist down. Since then, he has gained 100% use of his left leg and 50% of his right. He feels his mindset and attitude is one the strongest reasons for his success in overcoming the results of his accident. In 2018, he also detoxed from a 33 year opioid addiction and in 2018 write his book "The Ride to Victory: Surviving Trauma and Addiction".

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Tom Shaw - Maintaining a Positive Mindset

Resilience Unravelled