Latest news with #overcomingAdversity
The Guardian
31-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Falling: A Disabled Love Story review – clever comedy provokes our prejudice for happy endings
Stories will be everywhere in the coming weeks of the Edinburgh fringe. Some we will want to hear, others to dismiss. Perhaps we will yearn for the kind of uplifting tale given to us initially by Aaron Pang – about a tragic accident and his overcoming of adversity to find true love. Or perhaps we will demand something grittier. In his sweet and clever one-man show, Pang offers to give us both. First, he leads us into a happy-ending trap; a story that is not what it seems. Then, he questions our need to see him, a disabled man who walks with leg supports and a cane, as the conquering hero of his own story. Would we think less of him if the dice had not rolled in his favour? To demonstrate how programmed we are, he shows us a diagram of a classic story arc, mirroring the tale he has just told. Even then, with our eyes wide open, we still want a narrative in which everything works out. He gives us the option of two endings, Choose Your Own Adventure style, and smiles wryly when we vote for the most comforting. Connie Chen's simple, chatty production sits somewhere between standup and spoken word, framing the actor as charming, cheery and self-aware as he describes with humour and not a little poignancy the mismatch between his erotic desire and physical capability. What starts as a standard coming-of-age tale about a boys' school chorister making fumbling approaches to the girl he fancies turns into something sharper and deeper. Pang is brave in his willingness to talk about a sex life that deviates from the social norm and gently provocative in his needling of the audience: what prejudice lies behind our impulse for the perfect story in an imperfect world? At the Pleasance Courtyard, Edinburgh, until 25 August All our Edinburgh festival reviews
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bills' Damar Hamlin Announces Plans to Write a Book
Bills' Damar Hamlin Announces Plans to Write a Book originally appeared on Athlon Sports. During the Buffalo Bills' Week 17 game in 2022-23 season against the Cincinnati Bengals, the sports world froze in fear and disbelief as Bills safety Damar Hamlin unexpectedly collapsed during a play. Advertisement The then 24 year old lay motionless as medical personnel rushed to help. Hamlin was carted off the field and rushed to the hospital where it was revealed that he had gone into cardiac arrest mid-game. The young Bills starter then became the talk of the sports world with millions worldwide offering prayers and well wishes, as well as beginning serious conversations about health and safety in the NFL. Thankfully Hamlin recovered back to full strength and was granted the opportunity to continue his NFL career. He appeared in just five games the following season, but last year was a regular contributor for Buffalo. He started all 14 games he played in and recorded the first two interceptions of his four-year career. Now 27, Hamlin has announced to ESPN that he plans to write a book about beating the odds and overcoming adversity. Advertisement He broke the news to writer Tim McManus after revealing what books he's been reading recently, likely finding inspiration from his two picks. Hamlin said he is reading "Can't Hurt Me" by former Navy Seal David Goggins and "Fear Is a Choice: Tackling Life's Challenges with Dignity, Faith, and Determination" by Arizona Cardinals running back and cancer survivor James Conner. Goggins' book is about "being able to wire your brain to where situations that are going on around you or happening to you, can't necessarily have that much hold over how you go forward," Hamlin said. Hamlin also explained that reading allows him "to use time I'm wasting on stupid (expletive) productively." Advertisement Ahead of the 2025 season, Hamlin signed a one-year, $2 million contract to stay in Buffalo. He is, once again, expected to play a big role on the Bills' defense to reach their ultimate goal of playing in a Super Bowl. Off the field, Hamlin may make an even bigger impact by inspiring fans across the globe with his storytelling of one of the league's most traumatic moments and brave comebacks. Related: Bills Saddled With 'Super Bowl Or Bust' Expectations In 2025 Related: Bills Coach Details James Cook Improvement; Key To New Contract? This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
RNZ News
27-05-2025
- Health
- RNZ News
Feature interview: How to overcome a victim mindset
Newsflash. No one's life is perfect. But we've managed to turn everyday suffering into social currency and being a victim into a competitive sport says renowned psychologist Dr Scott Barry Kaufman. In the age of TikTok therapy, typical difficult feelings are treated like a diagnosis. Dr Kaufman says that while some adversity is real, it can be the start of the story not the end of it. His new book offers insights about taking personal responsibility and embracing the idea that our greatest challenges can result in our greatest victories. The book is called Rise Above: Overcome a Victim Mindset, Empower Yourself, and Realize Your Full Potential. To embed this content on your own webpage, cut and paste the following: See terms of use.
