A life-changing injury is traumatic by definition – but it doesn’t mean the end of the road.
Chyone Harris suffered a spinal cord injury in an accident 2015, meaning he lost the ability to walk at 22.
He recalled how, at first, emotions hit in waves; in the long-term, however, he has been able to embrace a prosperous and fulfilling life.
Mr Harris, now 32, shared his emotional journey in the hope of inspiring anyone else going through such an ordeal that life will get better.
“First comes shock, because it doesn’t feel real,” Mr Harris said.
“Then anxiety creeps in as you wonder what life will look like from here. Sadness follows for everything you’ve lost, and it often comes with guilt or shame for needing help.
“Isolation can feel overwhelming, as if no one truly understands what you’re going through.”
Over time, however, acceptance began to take root.
“You start discovering new ways to live and, little by little, moments of hope return. You become deeply aware of how fragile and precious life really is, and you start to celebrate the small victories that once felt impossible.
“It’s not an easy journey – far from it – but it teaches you something profound: just how strong you really are.
“Each day, each step forward, is proof of your resilience, your courage and your capacity to keep moving forward, no matter what life throws your way.”
Mr Harris, whose education and career plans were severely disrupted by his accident, said adjusting to life with a severe disability was extremely emotionally challenging.
“I never imagined it could happen to me,” he said.
“I was forced to see life through a lens I hadn’t known before. Life humbled me in ways I never expected and taught me one vital lesson: you can’t take anything for granted.
“What helped me cope was constantly reminding myself that, despite my condition, I’m still alive – and my life still has purpose.
“Staying faithful through prayer and meditation, maintaining a positive outlook and leaning on a strong support system gave me strength even on the hardest days.”
You should never underestimate the power of joy.
“Smile whenever you can, and laugh. Laugh uncontrollably if possible. It’s healing!
“I’ve learnt not to take myself too seriously all the time, and those moments of lightness have been just as important as the moments of resilience.
“Life may have changed, but it’s still full of reasons to hope, to grow and to find happiness every single day.”
Mr Harris’s quiet sense of courage has helped him earn a degree and strive towards a career in social work. He also advocates for people with disabilities and mental health challenges.
“The past decade has revealed that my strength is not just surviving,” he said. “It’s thriving, creating impact, and inspiring hope for others along the way. And this is just the beginning.”
He urged anyone undergoing the trauma of a life-changing injury: “Don’t look at what happened to you as a misfortune or a life sentence.
“What you’ve been through doesn’t define your limits, it simply reshapes the path ahead. You can still accomplish everything you dream of, even if it has to be done differently.
“Your journey might look nothing like what you once imagined, but if you were strong enough to survive this, then you are strong enough to thrive beyond it.
“Remember, your strength didn’t disappear – it’s just waiting for you to trust it again.”
People should give themselves grace, patience and space to heal, prioritise self-care and surround themselves with uplifting people.
“Above all, protect your peace,” he said.
“Avoid negativity at all costs, and hold on to hope, even when it’s just a flicker. Because that small spark, nurtured over time, will grow into something brighter than you ever imagined.
