Confined to Align

Book excerpt: "Ten years after a car accident paralyzed my legs, a pressure sore infection escalated into a life-or-death scenario requiring emergency surgery, followed by an extended recovery in a nursing home. For weeks, I was confined to a special medical bed, where I was not allowed to sit up, but required to remain on my back 24/7. This is the story of my search for peace and sanity during that claustrophobic confinement, which subsequently led to a deeper understanding and alignment of my internal, eternal wellbeing." Author Ashley Lyn Olson "There has never been a more important time for healthcare to fully understand the patient experience and this book gave me greater insight into the journey. Along with some entertaining moments, the author's expressive reflections illuminate deeper themes that connect us all. Specifically, healthcare professionals and patients would all benefit from looking through the lens of her unique perspective." Allan "AJ" Johnson, MPT, Physical Therapist, Children's Hospital Director "As a person with a disability, I am in awe of Ashley's ability to choose light over darkness and embrace beauty in all aspects of life, no matter how difficult the circumstances. Her creativity and positive mind are articulated throughout the book, teaching us that our perception can lead us from adversity to a magnificent, spiritual path of appreciation." Wendy Crawford, Co-founder of RawBeautyProject.com "Ms. Olson's journey, as lovingly and humorously recounted in Confined to Align, artfully juxtaposes her rising and falling suffering with the beauty she finds in poetry, a joy list ("the smell of dirt"), a fleeting but necessary friendship (with Lola), and blissful slivers of nature. In these things she finds redemption, and her humanity becomes our own. Any physician or health care practitioner reading Ms. Olson's work will discover boundless empathy and compassion for themselves and the patients whom they serve." Jerome Bothe Deck MD, General Medicine "Ashley's blend of poetry, diary entries and reflection immerses the reader in her world. Her positivity and thoughtful approach provide a helpful template for any struggling with adversity." Ian Ruder, Editor, New Mobility; United Spinal Association "When one is paralyzed from a spinal cord injury it is so much more than just about not being able to walk. In Ashley's raw and intimate account of some of the other debilitating consequences of being paralyzed, we are taken on a journey that is simultaneously painful and up-lifting. What is thrown her way could have easily sent her into dark despair and been a depressing read, but instead we see a fierce, tenacious woman that is both samurai and mermaid (in her words), dive deep into her spirituality and choose to take control of her life. Her poetry is easily accessible and serves as a chiffon curtain to soften the harsh reality of her days in the hospital. The reader is left feeling confident that Ashley's life will be rich with possibilities. She's my rockstar!" Bonnie Lewkowicz, Founder, Access Northern California; Co-Founder, Dancer, AXIS Dance Company "In a time when we have all experienced isolation Ashley Olson recounts a slice of her life's journey when illness and isolation could have broken her. Instead through journal entries and poetry Ashley finds moments of hope and joy in unlikely places. This book can help others with spinal cord injury and/or disability embrace a different outlook when faced with long hospital stays and recovery. Additionally, we can all learn to look introspectively and take the time to get to know ourselves. Reveca Torres, www.BACKBONESONLINE.com