Unbreakable Mind

Channeling Your Survival Instincts After Catastrophic Injury

By: Steven Quigley

Narrated by: Jessica Hazard

Throughout my life I have done things my way, and they have always worked out - as if I've had luck in my corner. Of course there were challenges along the way, but these were always dealt with head-on and produced great results. This approach brought me around the globe: living from Tel Aviv to London to Tokyo to Jakarta to Buenos Aires; from Wall Street to Main Street to Midaq Alley; from an apartment on Fifth Avenue to living out of my car. No matter what, I was “all in.” This approach has brought me both failures and successes, including a once-thriving business.

All of my optimism and bravado came to a crashing halt one cold December holiday night, when after an evening out with good friends, I suffered an accident. I was beaten with a pipe and later found under a moving train, resulting in quadriplegia. Given virtually no chance to walk again, I was devastated. But I also had hope, and lots of it. A fire that exists deep within, and has since childhood, burns on no matter the circumstances. I am here for a bigger mission. What would that mission now be?

Nothing could have prepared me for what was to come. Every part of my life - emotional, physical, mental, spiritual, financial, including family and friend relationships, suffered. Still, not 10 seconds of pity passed through me while I lay on that gurney in a cold, dark, sterile hall in the trauma center, with a priest's hand on my arm; I was determined to recover, to heal.

This sense of optimism was supported by a deep inner belief that all things in life are impermanent, and no matter how bad it was, it too would eventually pass. Having a background as an entrepreneur, I organized and operated my recovery as a business, down to a daily spreadsheet that had my time split into 15-minute segments. This process changed me in deep, introspective ways, allowing me to get in touch with my heart - with compassion for myself and others.

As a result, today I am a changed man; a new person, reborn into a new body. I embarked on a journey of recovery and healing that brought me through great pain and darkness, a result of looking deep within for the bigger answers related to who I am and what my purpose is here, only brought home through God’s grace and the sweet song of having touched my inner-self-soul. After years of grueling physical therapy, I am also now learning to take steps again. There is no doubt in my mind, I will walk and run again. My body is sure to follow.

If you or someone you know has suffered a life trauma, or if you are part of medical or support staff, a friend or family of someone going through a life-changing experience, then this experiential guidebook will help you to understand what questions to ask, the obstacles that the traumatized will face, and how best to proceed and support recovery and healing. Written as a narrative, the guidebook is in the form of a story you will very much share and enjoy along the way.

©2018 Steven Quigley (P)2018 Steven Quigley

Gran historia de superacion

Me ha gustado mucho , es una filosofia de vida ante la adversidad , digna de ser compartida , todos hemos pasado por momentos duros , me hubiera gustado haber leido antes para haberla podido sobrellevar mejor.
Sin duda , imprescindible . mi felicitaciones al autor.

I bought the book, I didn’t read the book, I gifted the book and listened to the audio version.

I found the book to be enlightening to Stevens life journey thus far. He delved into his early childhood, middle childhood, adolescence, early adulthood and to his current, middle adulthood. His memories, opinions and views offer insight to the man he is today. Steven is man who is confident, looks outside the box, takes control of his life in every aspect and in every decision he makes as told in his book. Maybe, just maybe his life journey paved the path that led him to a dark alley, to a train station, to becoming his greatest advocate, to writing a novel to help others be an advocate for themselves.

A must read - Inspiring & Informative!

This book broke all my preconceived notions of recovery and healing. The author of this introspective and pragmatic book focuses on we are preparing for the unforeseen circumstance. He lost the ability to walk one winter night. The Unbreakable mind tells the story of Steve’s preparation and execution required to overcome his traumatic event. He discusses pragmatic steps to be made while we have more options and time to develop the plans and resources. The author tackles many relevant aspects of life including prioritizing needs, developing social and financial support, and how to prepare before a tragedy. Obviously, we don’t know when such an event occurs.
I found the book enjoyable, teaching, and inspiring as Steve gives varied perspective from his diverse life experience. There is never a boring moment as he discusses his healing process. While he is teaching, he is specific in regards to his life, but also comprehensive in how it applies to our life and the healthcare industry which impacts all of us. He discusses possible changes and opportunities we have to improve our health and the healthcare in general. I’m inspired by his personal development, which he defines throughout the book. He keeps trying to learn and understand not just how to gain the ability to walk again, but how to use or improve the tools and systems around him.
Everyone will gain greater understanding on how to deal with life’s various problems reading this book. My favorite quote was near the beginning of the book, “it was time for me to get right with the universe, and soon; if I didn’t, the universe would take me off my feet for set period of time.” Let today be that day to get right. Pick up a copy today - your life will be changed.

100% Unbreakable

I am not a big reader but a friend told me about this book. My friend bought it because he had an accident and was injured, feeling bad for himself and the direction of his life. Unbreakable Mind helped change his life. He thought it might help me with being stuck in life - I am confused and unsure what direction to take in the future. I am feeling overwhelmed with sadness and emotion from my struggles. Well, he was right! This book is filled with many life lessons that all can learn from. Never have I ever read such a story, so inspirational for me, and I am sure others too. The wisdom he peppers throughout the book kept my mind churning with thoughts of how I currently live my life - such an insightful wise man. His perspective is refreshing, and much needed in the current world we live in. We need more healing and love and compassion and Steven exemplifies them all, and then some. An amazing read - thank you for sharing your story and thoughts with the world. It is better off because of people like you. Can't wait to listen to your Doing The Dirty Dishes Podcast. Looking forward to seeing what the future holds for you, no doubt it is bright. Namaste.

Lots of great ideas collected from around the world!

I love that Steven teaches people to be their own advocate! Everyone’s journey of recovery is unique, but many things are universal. Having a great team is a wonderful approach to recovery!

Wicked spectacular read that opens the mind.

This mans story really opens the mind and heart to all experiences life has to offer. He has been on wicked highs and the lowest lows and just keeps on kicking life's behind on the daily. I highly recommend this book if you need an eye opener and a different perspective.

Exceptional life story! A soulful book!

This is the first audio book I have ever listened and I enjoyed it. However, I read this book a year and half ago, listening it allowed me to see the deep soul of the writer.

Unbreakable mind gives you a new perspective on life. The author has a unique style of writing that makes you feel like a part of his life, his journey of healing from severe spinal cord injury. Excellent guide book for anyone trying to heal from physical or emotional trauma or just seeking a purpose of life. Great lesson on listening to your own body and get in charge of your health and well-being.

Great story of true willpower and struggle

A story about a ringbells that live gives us, about a great man and his strugle. Must read for everybody.

Amazing Story and alot of faith courage and love

The book is not only a very good read for anyone who experience such a catastrophic injury but it also reminds you to have faith and be very courageous and remember all the love and support you can get without even reaching out for it. My hat goes off to Steven who is a great author, friend but someone I can relate to in so many way of events in my life.

Inspiring

Quick read. Interesting story of overcoming adversity when faced with unforeseen circumstances and rising back up in a whole new way. New raw perspectives to those who may have just been cruising through life.