22 Responses to “Bouncing Back when you Hit Rock Bottom Feedback”
Joe Piovesan said...
On first hearing his story found it hard to imagine that a human being could go through such a traumatic event and still survive, what appears to the naked eye, rather well. However on reading this book I was blown away by some of its contents and the effect they had on me.
I was amazed at the feelings I had when I read about the bullying. I discovered that those feelings that I had when I was a child at school were still there and continued to resurface as I read through the book. I became quite angry at times that these feelings were still present and though I was tempted to put the book aside I could not stop. It will always be a reminder to me that others have done it tougher than me and that my bullying experiences, or for that matter any other mishaps, were not a scratch on yours.
I was also struck by the severity of the recovery process and the many stages of pain and suffering you went through. It also serves as a reminder to what the human body can endure though I wonder if I would have had your faith and determination to get back to as near as normal life as possible as you have done. This was truly an amazing story written in a very engaging way. Congratulations and best wishes Stephen- you have truly deserved it.
Steve. What an amazing read. Having been the recipient of some pretty severe bullying at school, as a result of my Mum teaching at the same school, you managed to bring a lot of life and realism into the thoughts and reactions I had at the time. Your book should be compulsory reading for school bullies, and their victims.
Sometimes the best coaches are the ones who have had the biggest journey, and thats why I know your story and book will be a huge inspiration to a lot of people. I know you will keep sharing your journey, because thats what happens when you find your life purpose. Cheers Steve, and I look forward to your next book.
Ewan said...
Congratulations on a great read. A must to any one from all backgrounds, professions and age groups. If you were the bully or the bullied or the disadvantaged or just the 1 who didn't quite fit in, this book is a must. Steve seems to have experienced everything, yet through all things he kept his resilience, persistence and a weird sense of humour to conquer each obstacle as he experienced it. Well done.
Matt said...
Steves' story of life "AD" truly shows that belief, determination and hard work can take you anywhere, however long it takes. I first heard Steve's story several years ago, and have heard Steve several times since but I never fully comprehended the extent of the injuries and recovery until I read his book. I will be reccomending this book to my friends and family.
Steve I'm proud to call you my friend dispite your unwavering support of the Maroons.
This book shows that persistence and willingness to move forward regardless of difficulties and obstacles put in our path does enable good things to happen. Steve yours is a truly amazing and inspiring story. Your style of writing, although confronting, gives your readers the experience of being there with you.
Your insights into bullying are illuminating for the many people in our society who have been victims, whether it is at school or at work, who feel isolated and alone because of their experience.
Your willingness to overcome the obstacles you faced is an inspiration and challenges all of us to be willing to do more with our lives.
Karen Phillips said...
Steve, I have just finished your book after meeting you at a Key Business Network breakfast 2 days ago.
I became totally engrossed in your story, and your style of writng made me feel as f I was right there – which was very emotional at times! Thank you for having the courage to put your life into words so effectively, and the grace to share it.
Darren said...
A great account of a tremendous battle – written in the first verse it is very confronting but at the same time enthralling – you just dont want to put it down. I cant believe how descriptive it is – still gagging from the the part of the book when Steve has his body plaster removed. Could almost sense the freedom!
This book has a special place for me – and for anyone who has ever lacked 'willingness' due to physical, psychological or experiential situations.
The best part was reading it after hearing you speak – I am loaning it to everyone around me and they are enjoying it also
Jen
Julie Bragger said...
I can't put words to this book. Or should I say I can but it just doesn't seem to explain adequately what Steve's life was like up until now. I have spoken to many people about this book and I sound like a raving lunatic.
I found myself reading at stop lights. I even parked my car next to construction site knowing i was blocking a concrete truck and I thought he will just have to wait until I have finished the chapter.
Steve, you have jolted me into gear. Wasn't that your purpose??? Thanks for writing the book, I am very happy that you found the confidence and had the strength to finally write it. You are one inspirational guy!
Determination and persistence are the cold steel rails on which Steve achieves some lofty goals. With strong focus, Steve manages to overcome massive obstacles and proves that the human spirit can be supremely resilient.
Winston Churchill's cry comes to mind – "Never, never, never give up! "
Steve himself is living evidence, that we actually can reshape the person we falsely believe ourselves to be and behind it all, of the incredible power of praying parents.
I finished the book in a day even though I was cross-eyed at 3am, it is compelling reading.
I am using Steve's encouragement and mantra and creating the evidence I needed to bring about change personally and at my business..
To experience 'The Smiling Tiger' is to get a kick in the pants and an injection of steel in the backbone.
Thanks Steve – I really needed that !
Steve, I just want to congratulate you on your book.
It was in parts inspiring, confronting and quite emotional. I have heard you talk about willingness but I think your story goes beyond that. It describes a level of determination and resilience in overcoming rejection and setbacks that can only be imagined by those of us who have not walked in your shoes. For those people that supported you through your long rehabilitation process they are to be admired, but I think you have done them a wonderful service in making the most of your life and writing this book.
The book goes beyond a story of recovering from a brain injury and is a handbook for those suffering in their lives, and should be a wake-up call to those who have led blessed lives. Some people leave footprints in their lives for others to follow and I believe you, and your story, will be amongst that group of special people.
All the best.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write this book Steve! It is an incredibly personal story that must have been extremely difficult to write.
I found "Bouncing Back" a really easy and enjoyable read and I loved hearing from other people's perspectives as to what they were experiencing at the same time as you.
I am not usually a non-fiction reader, but would highly recommend this book to anyone. It is so much more than a story about your accident, it is more about life and lessons learnt. There are passages at the end of the book that are particularly relevant to everyone. I have highlighted them and know that I will read them again and again.
Congratulations Steve, I look forward to hearing you speak!
David Smith said...
I was so honored to be sent a copy of Bouncing Back that I was determined to devour its contents immediately; fortunately time permitted and less than half a day later it was completed. As the last page was turned all I could think was “wow”! Steve, your book took me on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Many times I found myself close to tears as I tried to associate with your pain, only to be inspired a few pages later by your doggedness and determination. You are indeed a stubborn bugger (of the best kind), that much has NEVER changed; you clearly showed what can be achieved by simply not giving in to your circumstances. I thank you for writing this book and now understand why it has taken so long to come to pass. It must have hurt to reflect on these issues, but I am sure that many people will be helped and inspired by your thoughtful words. What I appreciated most was the openness, honesty and candid nature of the book – nothing fluffy just to glorify a story. Whilst I will never suggest that falling off a cliff is a good way to change your life for the better, I am just so proud of what you have become and your journey of getting there. Phillip Island still haunts me, but after reading your book, I am glad that Robin and I did everything we could to keep you in this world. Yes … I am the David Smith of chapter eight
Stephen – thankyou for your courage, honesty, and willingness to keep putting one foot in front of the other. I have long believed that the fortune is always in the follow-through, and you are living proof of that.
Your book is about to appear on my required-reading list in the office!
After listening to Stephens amazingly spellbinding chat at a morning business breakfast, i had no hesitation in getting 5 copies of his book for some special people in my life – friends, family and clients – and for me.
As soon as i got home, i opened it up with a cuppa. Many cuppas later … i had to put it down for a while to absorb some issues that it addressed. It sits on my lounge for my cuppa breaks! Each break brings a new aspect to think about. I will post another comment when i have finished … but so far … the inspirational aspect it has brought to me is that no matter how fatigued or defeated, just keep putting one foot forward in front of the other.
Lorraine Day said...
Steve' book takes the reader through his emotional and painful journey so one can understand where his motivational techniques were based on. A very interesting and hard to put down book. Iwould highly recommend it.
David Stock said...
Wow!! I congratulate you Steve on writing such a thought provoking book. I feel it has been a previlage to get to know you better through this book. You are an inspiration to all who are searching for answers on how to move forward in their lives, either in business or their personal life. You have given me clarity, direction and a willingness to persue my goals with a dogged determination. I can't thank you enough.
Everybody should read this book and learn that if you put your mind to it, you can achieve all your hopes, goals and dreams.
Steve I heard you talk at a breakfast meeting and was inspired by your story. I bought your book and couldn't put it down it only took me a couple of days to read. Even waking during the night to read another chapter. A very inspiring story. When I am having a bad day I will take inspiration from your story and courage you have showed.
I have been waiting eagerly for this book to come out and read it in 2 days. Having finished it, I now have a far greater respect for the man who wrote it.
Steve’s book is confronting. There are parts that, if I’m honest, I didn’t read all the way through because of the level of detail he included. There were other parts where he left out details and invited the reader to fill in the blanks for themselves. Both were highly effective methods for getting his message across. Steve really does make you think about what you are willing to do in your own life to be successful and reach your goals, whatever they are.
If nothing else, I hope this book is a catalyst for everyone to take a good look at the issue of bullying, both in schools and workplaces.
Since finishing Bouncing back I have been recommending it to friends and clients because it is so powerful.
I can’t wait for his next book to come out . . .
I saw Steve speak and invited him to speak at my Qld Real Estate Agents Summit. He blew us all away with his talk but I had no idea…
I have bought dozens of ebooks, actually I would suggest hundreds, and I never have finished a single one. It just is a pain in the butt to read them on your computer screen….all except Bouncing Back.
I read it from virtual cover to virtual cover, in two sittings, in my bed, as uncomfortable as anything, both from having my laptop in bed with me, and from the amazing content in the story.
What a book. I was laughing, in tears and everywhere in between. I told my seminar in the days following my reading that book, that they simply had to buy it. IT wasnt a request, it was a demand.
I feel like when I meet with Steve now, I want to be a better version of myself, and Im a little embarrassed that over the years I haven’t always been the best version of myself that I could be. Daily I try to improve however, and Steve’s book was a wonderful way to hold a mirror up to myself to continually be a better me.
From the bottom of my heart Steve, thank you. To anyone reading my words, here, stop, buy his book, and start reading Stephen Dale’s words. Truly inspiring,
Glenn Twiddle
Matt said...
Steve's book is absorbing, sometimes tough, often very funny and occasionally jaw-dropping. It's an inspiring read for anyone who thinks that it might just be all too hard. Because Steve is brave enough to expose his doubts, his failures and his shortcomings, we come to understand the full meaning of his successes. His book offers wisdom we can all relate to, and it's one helluva story. Highly recommended.
Andrew S of Brisbane said...
It is not a book you can read once. I think it's one I'll revisit again and again. There are so many instances in it where a particular mental outlook led to a particular result for Stephen that, rightly or wrongly, taught him lessons that readers can share and take for themselves.
I would highly recommend "Bouncing Back When You Hit Rock Bottom" to anyone who wants to think in a way that shields them from self defeat and mental habits that hold us back.
Andrew S
Brisbane
Comments
22 Responses to “Bouncing Back when you Hit Rock Bottom Feedback”
Joe Piovesan said...
On first hearing his story found it hard to imagine that a human being could go through such a traumatic event and still survive, what appears to the naked eye, rather well. However on reading this book I was blown away by some of its contents and the effect they had on me.
I was amazed at the feelings I had when I read about the bullying. I discovered that those feelings that I had when I was a child at school were still there and continued to resurface as I read through the book. I became quite angry at times that these feelings were still present and though I was tempted to put the book aside I could not stop. It will always be a reminder to me that others have done it tougher than me and that my bullying experiences, or for that matter any other mishaps, were not a scratch on yours.
I was also struck by the severity of the recovery process and the many stages of pain and suffering you went through. It also serves as a reminder to what the human body can endure though I wonder if I would have had your faith and determination to get back to as near as normal life as possible as you have done. This was truly an amazing story written in a very engaging way. Congratulations and best wishes Stephen- you have truly deserved it.
Bruce Cook said...
Steve. What an amazing read. Having been the recipient of some pretty severe bullying at school, as a result of my Mum teaching at the same school, you managed to bring a lot of life and realism into the thoughts and reactions I had at the time. Your book should be compulsory reading for school bullies, and their victims.
Sometimes the best coaches are the ones who have had the biggest journey, and thats why I know your story and book will be a huge inspiration to a lot of people. I know you will keep sharing your journey, because thats what happens when you find your life purpose. Cheers Steve, and I look forward to your next book.
Ewan said...
Congratulations on a great read. A must to any one from all backgrounds, professions and age groups. If you were the bully or the bullied or the disadvantaged or just the 1 who didn't quite fit in, this book is a must. Steve seems to have experienced everything, yet through all things he kept his resilience, persistence and a weird sense of humour to conquer each obstacle as he experienced it. Well done.
Matt said...
Steves' story of life "AD" truly shows that belief, determination and hard work can take you anywhere, however long it takes. I first heard Steve's story several years ago, and have heard Steve several times since but I never fully comprehended the extent of the injuries and recovery until I read his book. I will be reccomending this book to my friends and family.
Steve I'm proud to call you my friend dispite your unwavering support of the Maroons.
Cheryl Simons said...
This book shows that persistence and willingness to move forward regardless of difficulties and obstacles put in our path does enable good things to happen. Steve yours is a truly amazing and inspiring story. Your style of writing, although confronting, gives your readers the experience of being there with you.
Your insights into bullying are illuminating for the many people in our society who have been victims, whether it is at school or at work, who feel isolated and alone because of their experience.
Your willingness to overcome the obstacles you faced is an inspiration and challenges all of us to be willing to do more with our lives.
Karen Phillips said...
Steve, I have just finished your book after meeting you at a Key Business Network breakfast 2 days ago.
I became totally engrossed in your story, and your style of writng made me feel as f I was right there – which was very emotional at times! Thank you for having the courage to put your life into words so effectively, and the grace to share it.
Darren said...
A great account of a tremendous battle – written in the first verse it is very confronting but at the same time enthralling – you just dont want to put it down. I cant believe how descriptive it is – still gagging from the the part of the book when Steve has his body plaster removed. Could almost sense the freedom!
Jen McCauley said...
This book has a special place for me – and for anyone who has ever lacked 'willingness' due to physical, psychological or experiential situations.
The best part was reading it after hearing you speak – I am loaning it to everyone around me and they are enjoying it also
Jen
Julie Bragger said...
I can't put words to this book. Or should I say I can but it just doesn't seem to explain adequately what Steve's life was like up until now. I have spoken to many people about this book and I sound like a raving lunatic.
I found myself reading at stop lights. I even parked my car next to construction site knowing i was blocking a concrete truck and I thought he will just have to wait until I have finished the chapter.
Steve, you have jolted me into gear. Wasn't that your purpose??? Thanks for writing the book, I am very happy that you found the confidence and had the strength to finally write it. You are one inspirational guy!
Anthony Willis said...
Determination and persistence are the cold steel rails on which Steve achieves some lofty goals. With strong focus, Steve manages to overcome massive obstacles and proves that the human spirit can be supremely resilient.
Winston Churchill's cry comes to mind – "Never, never, never give up! "
Steve himself is living evidence, that we actually can reshape the person we falsely believe ourselves to be and behind it all, of the incredible power of praying parents.
I finished the book in a day even though I was cross-eyed at 3am, it is compelling reading.
I am using Steve's encouragement and mantra and creating the evidence I needed to bring about change personally and at my business..
To experience 'The Smiling Tiger' is to get a kick in the pants and an injection of steel in the backbone.
Thanks Steve – I really needed that !
Wayne Jones said...
Steve, I just want to congratulate you on your book.
It was in parts inspiring, confronting and quite emotional. I have heard you talk about willingness but I think your story goes beyond that. It describes a level of determination and resilience in overcoming rejection and setbacks that can only be imagined by those of us who have not walked in your shoes. For those people that supported you through your long rehabilitation process they are to be admired, but I think you have done them a wonderful service in making the most of your life and writing this book.
The book goes beyond a story of recovering from a brain injury and is a handbook for those suffering in their lives, and should be a wake-up call to those who have led blessed lives. Some people leave footprints in their lives for others to follow and I believe you, and your story, will be amongst that group of special people.
All the best.
Jo Hall said...
Thank you so much for taking the time to write this book Steve! It is an incredibly personal story that must have been extremely difficult to write.
I found "Bouncing Back" a really easy and enjoyable read and I loved hearing from other people's perspectives as to what they were experiencing at the same time as you.
I am not usually a non-fiction reader, but would highly recommend this book to anyone. It is so much more than a story about your accident, it is more about life and lessons learnt. There are passages at the end of the book that are particularly relevant to everyone. I have highlighted them and know that I will read them again and again.
Congratulations Steve, I look forward to hearing you speak!
David Smith said...
I was so honored to be sent a copy of Bouncing Back that I was determined to devour its contents immediately; fortunately time permitted and less than half a day later it was completed. As the last page was turned all I could think was “wow”!
Steve, your book took me on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Many times I found myself close to tears as I tried to associate with your pain, only to be inspired a few pages later by your doggedness and determination. You are indeed a stubborn bugger (of the best kind), that much has NEVER changed; you clearly showed what can be achieved by simply not giving in to your circumstances.
I thank you for writing this book and now understand why it has taken so long to come to pass. It must have hurt to reflect on these issues, but I am sure that many people will be helped and inspired by your thoughtful words. What I appreciated most was the openness, honesty and candid nature of the book – nothing fluffy just to glorify a story.
Whilst I will never suggest that falling off a cliff is a good way to change your life for the better, I am just so proud of what you have become and your journey of getting there. Phillip Island still haunts me, but after reading your book, I am glad that Robin and I did everything we could to keep you in this world.
Yes … I am the David Smith of chapter eight
Cathy Singleton said...
Stephen – thankyou for your courage, honesty, and willingness to keep putting one foot in front of the other. I have long believed that the fortune is always in the follow-through, and you are living proof of that.
Your book is about to appear on my required-reading list in the office!
You're doing great work, Stephen.
Ian Coombe said...
After listening to Stephens amazingly spellbinding chat at a morning business breakfast, i had no hesitation in getting 5 copies of his book for some special people in my life – friends, family and clients – and for me.
As soon as i got home, i opened it up with a cuppa. Many cuppas later … i had to put it down for a while to absorb some issues that it addressed. It sits on my lounge for my cuppa breaks! Each break brings a new aspect to think about. I will post another comment when i have finished … but so far … the inspirational aspect it has brought to me is that no matter how fatigued or defeated, just keep putting one foot forward in front of the other.
Lorraine Day said...
Steve' book takes the reader through his emotional and painful journey so one can understand where his motivational techniques were based on. A very interesting and hard to put down book. Iwould highly recommend it.
David Stock said...
Wow!! I congratulate you Steve on writing such a thought provoking book. I feel it has been a previlage to get to know you better through this book. You are an inspiration to all who are searching for answers on how to move forward in their lives, either in business or their personal life. You have given me clarity, direction and a willingness to persue my goals with a dogged determination. I can't thank you enough.
Everybody should read this book and learn that if you put your mind to it, you can achieve all your hopes, goals and dreams.
Bonnie Ries said...
Steve I heard you talk at a breakfast meeting and was inspired by your story. I bought your book and couldn't put it down it only took me a couple of days to read. Even waking during the night to read another chapter. A very inspiring story. When I am having a bad day I will take inspiration from your story and courage you have showed.
Karen Schmidt said...
I have been waiting eagerly for this book to come out and read it in 2 days. Having finished it, I now have a far greater respect for the man who wrote it.
Steve’s book is confronting. There are parts that, if I’m honest, I didn’t read all the way through because of the level of detail he included. There were other parts where he left out details and invited the reader to fill in the blanks for themselves. Both were highly effective methods for getting his message across. Steve really does make you think about what you are willing to do in your own life to be successful and reach your goals, whatever they are.
If nothing else, I hope this book is a catalyst for everyone to take a good look at the issue of bullying, both in schools and workplaces.
Since finishing Bouncing back I have been recommending it to friends and clients because it is so powerful.
I can’t wait for his next book to come out . . .
Glenn Twiddle said...
I saw Steve speak and invited him to speak at my Qld Real Estate Agents Summit. He blew us all away with his talk but I had no idea…
I have bought dozens of ebooks, actually I would suggest hundreds, and I never have finished a single one. It just is a pain in the butt to read them on your computer screen….all except Bouncing Back.
I read it from virtual cover to virtual cover, in two sittings, in my bed, as uncomfortable as anything, both from having my laptop in bed with me, and from the amazing content in the story.
What a book. I was laughing, in tears and everywhere in between. I told my seminar in the days following my reading that book, that they simply had to buy it. IT wasnt a request, it was a demand.
I feel like when I meet with Steve now, I want to be a better version of myself, and Im a little embarrassed that over the years I haven’t always been the best version of myself that I could be. Daily I try to improve however, and Steve’s book was a wonderful way to hold a mirror up to myself to continually be a better me.
From the bottom of my heart Steve, thank you. To anyone reading my words, here, stop, buy his book, and start reading Stephen Dale’s words. Truly inspiring,
Glenn Twiddle
Matt said...
Steve's book is absorbing, sometimes tough, often very funny and occasionally jaw-dropping. It's an inspiring read for anyone who thinks that it might just be all too hard. Because Steve is brave enough to expose his doubts, his failures and his shortcomings, we come to understand the full meaning of his successes. His book offers wisdom we can all relate to, and it's one helluva story. Highly recommended.
Andrew S of Brisbane said...
It is not a book you can read once. I think it's one I'll revisit again and again. There are so many instances in it where a particular mental outlook led to a particular result for Stephen that, rightly or wrongly, taught him lessons that readers can share and take for themselves.
I would highly recommend "Bouncing Back When You Hit Rock Bottom" to anyone who wants to think in a way that shields them from self defeat and mental habits that hold us back.
Andrew S
Brisbane