大象传媒 Scotland - 大象传媒 Scotland - 鈥楧ance as hard as you can鈥� 鈥� 5 inspirational pieces of life advice from a woman who was left paralysed in a horse-riding accident

鈥楧ance as hard as you can鈥� 鈥� 5 inspirational pieces of life advice from a woman who was left paralysed in a horse-riding accident

19 March 2019

In 2010, journalist Melanie Reid fell from a horse near her home in the Stirlingshire countryside. The accident left her paralysed from the chest down and changed her life completely.

Speaking on Woman’s Hour, Melanie revealed how ‘losing her body’ has helped her reflect on what is really important, and she offered advice to those who still have the ability to use their bodies to live life to the full.

1. Dance

“Dance as hard as you can, every opportunity you get. When you sit and watch other people doing it and can’t join in, that really, really hurts. Nine years on from my accident, I find watching people dancing the hardest thing to do.”

2. Don’t waste time in front of the mirror

“Your body works and it is beautiful. Get out there and enjoy it — because when you can’t move and your body doesn’t work, that’s when you realise what real beauty is.”

3. Don’t moan: do something about it.

“If your body works, don’t moan: do something about it. Change your job, ditch your partner, find someone you really love. Instead of moaning about the rain, go out and walk in it and realise how wonderful it is. It’s only when you really have something to moan about that it puts everyday moans into perspective.”

4. Don’t take for granted getting out of bed

“I can’t do that. I know everyone takes a normal life and a healthy body for granted, but the ability to sit up and get out of bed is kind of primary.”

5. Appreciate golden ages

“The thing about golden ages is that you don’t know you’re in one while you’re in it. You need to seize them at the time and think, ‘This is great, everything is so good; I’m working with wonderful people, I’m in a fantastic relationship’. Think golden age, think ‘Am I in one?’ And, if I am, relish it.”