We hope you’ve been enjoying our monthly Forward Favourites series as much as we’ve enjoyed creating it! Here’s the April instalment of our top media picks of the month.
Image via: Netflix
What we’re watching:
Penguin Bloom
This month, we’re watching a heart-warming Australian story “Penguin Bloom” starring Naomi Watts; A 2020 biographical drama film based on the true story of Sam Bloom, a young mother who suffers devastating injuries to her spinal cord and becomes paralyzed from the waist down after a fall while on vacation in Thailand. The film follows Sam’s struggles with depression and her journey towards finding hope and purpose after she adopts a magpie named Penguin, who helps her and her family heal and rediscover the joys of life.
The film features stunning cinematography, heart-warming performances, and is a touching tribute to the resilience of the human spirit. You can watch “Penguin Bloom” on Netflix or rent it online.
Image via: PUSHLiving Podcast
What we’re listening to:
PUSHLiving Podcast #23: Happiness and Disability with H’Sien Hayward, PH.D
In the PushLiving Podcast #23, host Deborah Davis talks to Hsien Hayward, a clinical psychologist who specializes in counseling individuals with disabilities. Hayward shares her personal journey of becoming a wheelchair user after suffering a T4 injury and how it influenced her decision to pursue a career in psychology.
The podcast delves into the concept of evidence-based care and how it sets Hayward apart in her style of counseling. She discusses the unique counseling issues faced by individuals with disabilities and the psychological differences between wheelchair users and non-wheelchair users.
Hayward also addresses the greatest barriers to psychological well-being in today’s society and the roadblocks faced by people with disabilities to achieve spiritual and emotional happiness. The podcast ends with Hayward’s advice to those who are newly injured and looking to find purpose in their lives, as well as recommendations for a more positive life.
You can listen to the entire podcast here.
Image via: Amazon
What we’re reading:
Spinal Cord Injury: A Guide for Living
This month, we’re recommending “Spinal Cord Injury: A Guide for Living” by Sara Palmer, Jeffrey B. Palmer and Kay Harris Kriegsman. This book is an invaluable resource for anyone living with a spinal cord injury, as well as their family members and caregivers.
The authors draw on their own experiences and expertise to provide practical advice and guidance on managing daily challenges, staying healthy, and finding joy and fulfilment in life after injury. The book covers a wide range of topics, including medical treatments, rehabilitation, emotional well-being, dating, etc. and is written in a clear and accessible style.
We highly recommend “Spinal Cord Injury: A Guide for Living” to anyone who is looking for guidance and support on their journey towards recovery and independence. You can purchase a copy of the book online, at a local bookstore or library, or as an e-book.
Don’t forget to send your recommendations via Instagram or Facebook so we can include your suggestions in next month!