Positivity in the hardest moments can make the difference. | Chris Khouri | TEDxHotelschoolTheHague

The motor cross accident that left Chris paralyzed from the chest down 10 years ago has changed his life in more ways than he ever imagined.
Whilst leaning to cope with his new physical limitations and the constant pain; he discovered the importance of determination, and the contagious power of a positive attitude.
Having decided early on that although he was broken, he was not beaten, Chris Khouri, worked very hard to go back to all the things he loved: being fully independent, working, traveling the world with his wife Silvia and their two young children, and experiencing new thrills through sports.
Although Chris knows that his life would have been very different without his injury, it would not necessarily have been better.
So he now seeks to make a meaningful impact on people's lives by showing them that adversity can be overcome, and that only a positive attitude and perseverance can ensure that limitations do not become a handicap. The motor cross accident that left Chris paralyzed from the chest down 10 years ago has changed his life in more ways than he ever imagined.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@candykandy]

“It will be easier but not better” - I am crying!! One of my fav Tedx talks about positivity and never giving up. Hang on if you’re going through stuff. We got this!

[@ckhouri1]

Whilst I would probably not hold the same talk today , I strongly believe that this statement is what kept me going. Today. 16 years later… with a body that is letting me down at every corner, with complications that often overwhelm my daily life… I have managed to befriend some of my differences and have used them as the foundation for the new me: a me that looked deep into my life, into my process, into my journey… and have become a better person, despite, in spite, and thanks to my disability. Thank you for your kind comment.

[@JGalegria]

The trouble with these statements is they're merely sentiments and not based on facts. Simply saying 'you got this' doesn't make it so. Many or most people need something factual to grab hold of that they can be positive about. In fact people who have a lot of support, financial security and belonging are more likely to report positive mood when dealing with a serious diagnosis. So it's actually real tangible things that make life bearable and allow room for positivity.

[@JGalegria]

This is great but it's also important to understand the struggle to be positive in the face of huge trials and physical illness and forgive people for not being bright and bubbly and outgoing every day just to inspire you all.

[@ckhouri1]

I am with you. 100% and with the years I have learnt that befriending my chronic pain and truly dealing with it - truly and completely- is more important than simply brushing it over with over-positivity. Physical activity and positivity were the tools I needed in the first 10-12 years following my accident. I would not give the same talk today that’s for sure. I would focus more on mental health, on assimilation and internalising my journey. The path I have followed over the past years has been a different one - even harder, even more difficult Thanks for your commen.

[@Catmom2004]

VERY well said!!! 👍👍👍

[@shafeequekottakkal5273]

the comfort zone is a safe place,but nothing grows there....

[@carnagezone4268]

This guy. Just wow. I have never felt this much respect for a stranger.

[@alexabenitez7643]

This is glorious, I've been looking for "what are the benefits of positive self talk?" for a while now, and I think this has helped. You ever tried - Piyameron Singular Preeminence - (do a google search ) ? It is a great one of a kind product for ending your limiting beliefs minus the headache. Ive heard some unbelievable things about it and my neighbour got excellent success with it.

[@danielgarcia9945]

I wish I had your kind of attitude everyday day I felt lonely and depressed,but watching your video make me a little feel better now I learned from you that everyone has opsitcles you just have to be positive even your darkest time

[@Chloe-ef6vq]

Chris, you're awesome. Plain and simple. Thank you for sharing your moving and touching story with the world. Your speech has already helped me feel better, and I'm going to take what you've said to heart. Wishing you all the best this life has to offer.

[@mgmail7279]

How fortunate that this person has the financial ability to have the best and do all that he wants, not to mention his good fortune to have a loving family. I wonder about those who've had similar injuries but lack those resources.

[@candykandy]

They are still positive...it’s just a bit harder to achieve, hence we watch these videos and it inspires us to keep going 😊

[@mgmail7279]

@@candykandy I'll accept your point of view and imagine that you are very tactful because having been through a lot alone, I'd say positivity is quite hard and "a bit harder" was/is for me quite an understatement! My hat is off to you though if you are one of the less fortunate and still that positive and/or young!

[@candykandy]

@@mgmail7279Oh I am still fighting through- some days are harder than others but I try to keep a good outlook. Sometimes it's all we have, ya know... Thanks for the kindness! Sending strength and love to you!

[@JGalegria]

​@@candykandy Are they? How do you know? Surely you haven't met every paraplegic. I don't think they have to be positive. They may feel all kinds of emotions and have all kinds of days and suffer from depression. I wonder what the statistics are on depression after a spinal injury?

[@JGalegria]

Agreed. Socioeconomic status matters. Around 50% of people will experience some form of depression following a spinal cord injury and for some of those people will be chronic. "Individuals may experience depression after spinal cord injury due to less functional independence, the development of secondary complications, and socioeconomic factors."

[@15minuteenlightenment41]

Imagine how happy we would all be if we were to awaken from a vivid hyper-realistic dream that made us believe we were this man for a day. Happiness is just having the right context sometimes.

[@ckhouri1]

Thanks for your comment. We are all this man. We all have this inside of us: the power to be us, to not be influenced by the judgement of strangers around us - however familiar they are- and to persue our own journey. One of healing, one of growing, one of accepting that what we are going thru- whatever that is, a disability, a pain, a divorce, a job that affects us, a family, doubts about our parenting skills, financial troubles… We all carry shame, doubts, uncertainty… we all deal with challenges. And we all have the inner power to overcome them. It took me 1 years to to accept my disability… and 15 to understand it… to befriend it. Thanks

[@rolf4960]

Chris you are a true hero, deep deep respect

[@killmydreamdorothy8800]

This is the most important video on KZbin.

[@edidiongekang5809]

Realism beyond just any motivational speech...being positive makes a huge difference...Thanks Chris.

[@diannecruz4079]

Wow. Listening to this man made me feel better from the pain i’m going through right now. Have so much respect for this man. Thank you for sharing this. 🖤

[@user-rw7tl7dx6m]

Am blessed with your story, and you've touched many lives by sharing this inspiring messages..hope and positive thinking are one of the keys to overcome

[@kiwi-mf2do]

Massive respect Chris. This was inspiring and hopeful.

[@cindyhalpern3187]

I understand because my two brothers died from Muscular Dystrophy. Their cure was living every day to its fullest. It didn't save their lives, but they had quality of life while they were alive.

[@ckhouri1]

I am so sorry for your loss and I am grateful that you were able to experience first hand their positivity and drive. Whilst I am certain you felt their pain and dispair… you also saw that their drive to live, to continue experiencing life , to have hope. Thank you for sharing

[@juanmeyer3798]

I, too, am fortunate to have a sister who always supports me, that is so important in life ... support from loved ones

[@pamengland7863]

Thank you Chris for being a positive force of nature! For your honesty in sharing your pain. Talking about being positive & still admit you aren’t always, shows the raw emotion you feel yet continue to persevere. Congratulations on killing it! And thank you for putting yourself out there & sharing the truth with the world.

[@wellbodisalone]

Massive respect for him.

[@siminam.michile4648]

This was so beautiful! A speech that I really needed to listen to right now. Your positive energy and amazing strength inspire ! Wishing you good health and a life lived to the fullest! God bless

[@rohitnair1791]

The fact that I could really see you as you and not even have the fact that you are paralysed is insane.

[@dunglam3165]

the smiles appeared during his speech. ..

[@arlinegeorge6967]

Chris handsome impressive courageous and inspiring great soul. Thank you, bless you.. All your dreams come true.

[@kristykimmons6684]

Your attitude is sooo inspiring! Thank you for sharing your story. You are amazing!

[@haniyounis3078]

Sharing your feeling positively from the beginning of the speech is great and unique . It is not classic and inspired

[@ishagupta8375]

I cried! I love this guy so much!

[@MahalakshmiTechTalks]

This is the most emotional and inspiring video I have ever seen! ❤️

[@d8457]

I was having a bad day. But you gave me a hope . Thank you 🙏

[@trafalgarlaw8373]

Very wholesome

[@ahmedb2559]

Thank you !

[@lesetjalenoxkonaite4072]

Mental strength and the right support is power. You will walk again with all these researches 🙏🏽. Staying positive can be very difficult…I’ve just looked at my small problems and am feeling very unappreciative right now.

[@JGalegria]

Not true. Being positive doesn't cure spinal injury.

[@damson9470]

positivity makes room for change and new things to flow in, because you're not guarded from reality

[@deebak7861]

Thank you so much for sharing your story. I am so glad that you are surrounded with a loving and kind wife and family. May you all be showered with unimaginable blessings :-)

[@manuelrota6268]

Simply Inspiring

[@Trixu]

Incredibly inspiring! Wish you the best Chris

[@samanthacorrea6675]

I needed this thank you 🙏🏻

[@mmoore9438]

Thank you Chris. Shared on @OpenMediaOne Telegram channel.

[@flowerlove2985]

Chris, I really hope you see this. Last night I was wishing for something to help me be positive and suffer less during painful periods. It did help me very much. You know I think you're a talented speaker, I wonder if it would help youeven more if you spoke frequently. Hope you don't mind, I was also helped by Ekhard Toole in accepting my situation. A lecture called "What you have is enough" Thank you for being there for me. I'll think of you.

[@JonasAnandaKristiansson]

Namaste, let's enjoy the present moment.

[@ArtofWEZ]

yo wtf, this guy is amazing

[@ritubahri]

You are Mindblowing

[@apachewolfscout]

V. inspiring. I really appreciated the honesty about the difficult times and the greater context of friends and family. A really inspiring and uplifting, helpful gift to others. Thank you and good wishes.

[@1mmafrka]

Thank you Chris. Please watch the documentary the grounded.

[@taylorjohnson4943]

Very strong

[@vedp908]

why so less views/comments for this video; this guy is amazing

[@christianthecopywriter]

My hero

[@xscaped]

The sound of "Dubai" is enough positivity for one day. 🤗

[@ocrodger]

I am stunned by his positivity. Truly stunned. I wish I had the same outlook in life. God bless you Sir.

[@flowerpetals1396]

I am chronically ill, entirely on my own, have chronic pain, unable to eat much due to end Colon problems, have become disabled, my feet have rotted, my body is weakened. I am all on my own, wishing myself dead yet too cowardly to do the deed.

[@essiees3151]

Oh now I see this comment. I hope you get back to feeling better soon Please keep it up 🙏🙏

[@aidan2259]

Welp, there goes another excuse not to do my homework

[@LLAdy234]

My Alexa was really confused by this video😂

[@refuge33]

Just For Today... I'm going to wake, and just stop. I'm going to sit there and take everything in. Think about why I have another day of life, when so many will not. Focus on how I can show my appreciation to my God who has made this possible. Just for today, I will pause and think about not what I have to worry about this morning afternoon and evening, but instead focus and be thankful for everything I don't have to worry about this day. Just for today, I will forget all that is bothering me. Instead concentrate on finding another that has bothers greater than mine, and do what I can to make them go away, if even... just for today. Just for today, I'm going to pretend this is the last day of my life, and be thankful for all it brings, and doesn't. I'm not going to worry about tomorrow, just make the very best of today I can, for myself, and most importantly everyone I come in contact with. I know today is going to be a great day for all of you.The best thing is that tomorrow will be even better, if we just do the very best we can... just for today!

[@Gitohandro]

Why is there a whistling noise in the background?

[@lbvgnchv]

[@PerlaGMV]

Amazing! are you participating in any research? Is there a way to contact you? My boyfriend is in a very similar situation. Thanks!!

[@femboyairsoft1796]

third comment is the best

[@eins.wanderer4799]

i guess in the next 20 you can walk again ^^

[@brigspearman2171]

I kind of disagree because it sometimes is hard for the people you can’t judge hard people have heart problems like that I kind of disagree I don’t want I don’t want to feel that way I just want to die

[@legacy5040]

like