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Resilience isn’t a birthright; it’s forged in the crucible of adversity. I learned this after a motorcycle accident left me paralysed from the chest down. In an instant, my world, once filled with the thrill of racing, contracted to the confines of a hospital bed.
It was October 30th, 2007. I was lying second in my class for the championship. Winning felt paramount. But as I rounded the first corner, another rider clipped my back wheel, sending us both tumbling. I awoke hours later in a spinal unit in Pretoria, facing a broken back, shattered teeth, and a crushed spinal cord.
Yet, even in the darkest hours, defiance flickered within me. I refused to be defined by my limitations. I clung to Viktor Frankl’s words, “Those who have a ‘why’ to live, can bear with almost any ‘how’.” My “why” became a refusal to surrender, a commitment to chase my dreams, even if it meant learning to walk, to ride again.
Small victories, big Triumphs
This journey wasn’t about grand pronouncements or heroic feats. It was about the small victories, the daily triumphs that paved the path to recovery. It was about focusing on the present, on taking things one day at a time.
When the enormity of the challenge threatened to overwhelm me, I’d remind myself, “Just get through today.” Some days, that meant enduring the excruciating pain of physiotherapy, pushing my battered body to its limits. Other days, it was the simple act of willing my big toe to move, a tiny flicker of life returning to my paralysed limbs. These seemingly mundane tasks became my daily battles, my personal victories in the war against paralysis.
Beyond physical healing
But my journey wasn’t just about the physical healing; it was about the mental and emotional battles I fought within. It was about learning to live with my limitations, to adapt to a new reality.
Resilience isn’t just about gritting your teeth and pushing through. It’s about adapting, evolving, and finding new paths when the old ones are blocked. It’s about embracing the darkness, not as an ending, but as a catalyst for growth.
The importance of mindset and healing
I discovered the power of mindset, the importance of staying positive and focused on my goals. But I also learned that it’s okay to acknowledge the darkness, to grieve for what was lost. It’s in those moments of vulnerability that we find the strength to rise again.
And I learned the profound importance of connection, of having a support system to lean on. My wife, Meredith, was my rock, my unwavering pillar of support. She was there through the tears and frustrations, the setbacks and triumphs, always encouraging me to keep fighting. My daughters, too, were a constant source of inspiration, their love and laughter a balm to my soul. Their unwavering belief in me fuelled my own determination.
A winding path to resilience
But the path to resilience isn’t linear. It’s filled with twists and turns, setbacks, and unexpected challenges. Years after my initial accident, as I was pushing towards my Dakar dream, I had another major crash. This time, it was a high-speed collision. I broke ribs, separated my collarbone, tore open my forearm, and shattered my elbow.
It was a brutal reminder of how quickly life can change. Lying there, doubts gnawed at me. Was this a sign? Was it time to give up on the Dakar dream? But then I thought of all the battles I had already overcome, the setbacks I had endured. I thought of the promise I had made to myself in that hospital bed, the vow to never surrender. And so, I chose to fight again.
More about Joey Evans
Adventurer and in-demand speaker, Joey Evans, refused to let a paralysing injury derail his dream of competing in the Dakar Rally. Through sheer determination, he overcame immense challenges to achieve the impossible. In 2017, Joey lined up at the start of the Dakar Rally, completing the gruelling 9000km race. He went on to conquer the Africa Eco Race and continues to push boundaries on his motorbike. A Certified Speaking Professional and Hall of Fame inductee, Joey inspires audiences worldwide with his story of resilience. He is also a dedicated husband and father.
