Diaries of The Unbalanced Paddleboarder: Crash and RISE
Mike Shoreman "the board man" is a fun and personable paddleboarder. On a trip to India, he stands before the Ganges River, and awakens to his passion of inspiring others on the water. He returns home, becomes a professional paddleboard coach, and soon, builds a successful paddleboarding business from the ground up. His dream of sharing his gift with students becomes a reality.
One morning, everything changes. A sudden neurological condition called Ramsay Hunt Syndrome wakes him in excruciating pain. With a collapsed face, extreme vertigo, and an inability to walk properly, Mike is devasted that his budding paddleboarding career has come to an abrupt end. Hopelessness and loss enfold him as he is left to grieve his old life.
In this heartfelt, raw, and humorous memoir, Mike channels his pain into purpose. Crash and RISE is a story about falling down, getting back up, and stepping bravely into a life that looks nothing like the one we have planned for ourselves. Mike demonstrates what it truly means to crash and rise again by transcending mental and physical limitations in order to share his light with the world. His story reminds us that it is always darkest just before the dawn.
Reviews (203)
What an inspiration!
Being a member of the Facebook Ramsay Hunt Syndrome group and a fellow sufferer of this nasty and debilitating condition, when Mike told the group his book was available, I jumped on it! Having been on the receiving end of his inspiring story in the group, I knew it would be a good one. Finding someone who can understand what we're going through is tough but finding someone who can put it into words is even tougher. We all have our own issues ...RHS is generous like that...but it's nice to know that there are people out there who have kicked this devil in the butt! As I write this review I am "celebrating" 10 years of having RHS . I can't think of a better way to spend part of this anniversary than being inspired by Mike! Paddles Up!
How do you get back up when life knocks you down over and over and over?
If you have ever plotted a path for your life, started to follow it, had events outside your control upend it and wondered what to do next, this is the book for you. I really rooted for Mike as he builds up his dream business, only to see it come to a crashing halt due to a devastating illness. Sometimes you can't go back to where you were before and the only path through is forward. This book perfectly captures the emotional and mental struggle of leaving the old behind and not only finding, but embracing the new path. I found this book deeply inspiring not only in my own battle with a life changing illness but also in having my life upended by losing a parent and later a child. I really appreciated how raw and honest Mike is about the pain of the crash and how hard it is to battle through that pain and find a way to rise again. And helping us see that there IS a way to rise again.
Truly Inspirational
Mike Shoreman “victim to survivor,”beautifully shares his first hand experience with emotional chaos.....fear, sadness, resentment, anger, isolation, anxiety, depression, rage, and uncertainty that accompanied his diagnosis with the rare disorder Ramsey Hunt Syndrome. He validated his own personal stages of grief that many feel when first diagnosed with a disease that challenges life as we have known it. Mike’s story highlights his journey of determination, resilience and hope and ultimately the understanding that in order to move forward and not allow the disease to define him, he had to “dig deep and do the heavy lifting.” He is a true inspiration to all who suffer with RHS but his story is a must read for others struggling with life-altering challenges and uncertainties.
A wonderful and inspiring book!
I found "Crash and RISE" to be a moving and inspiring book. A story of personal tragedy, crisis, and rediscovery that speaks to the crises and choices we all face, and that shape our lives. At turns funny, exhilarating, and heartbreaking, Mike Shoreman's story offers an intimate and vulnerable window into some of the brightest and darkest times in this funny, kind, dedicated young man's life. He takes us along on a roller-coaster ride of exciting discovery, and terrifying loss, into the light of a new day and the power of saying "Yes" to ourselves. I admire Mike's work to help raise awareness of Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, and of the critical importance that this rare condition be recognized and diagnosed quickly to help ensure that patients can make their best recovery. I applaud his work to help raise awareness, and money, to help those suffering from mental illness. I am impressed by the courage and energy he has shown in reinventing himself and building a bright future for himself that is so much different than the one he thought he would inhabit. Mike's is a story that reminds us that we all have the power to say yes to the best things in our lives, and in ourselves. As he writes in chapter nine of this excellent book, "It was time to say yes to myself again. To stop putting these limiting beliefs on myself and to say yes to life whatever that might look like. I think we all have a moment where we have to make a decision in our lives. Do we stay where we are, or do we choose to step bravely into something new?" I encourage you to read "Crash and RISE" for yourself, and to explore what you are ready to say "Yes!" to next.
Honest, heart-wrenching & beautifully written
I cannot say enough about this book! Mike Shoreman's "Diaries of The Unbalanced Paddleboarder: Crash and RISE" is a vibrant, heart-wrenching and authentically brave story of personal triumph, struggle and transformation. It gives the reader a raw and honest glimpse into one person's successes and heartbreak, and how a debilitating diagnosis ultimately led him on a path of healing, reawakening and self-discovery. I laughed and cried throughout reading this book; the rollercoaster of emotions was intense and real. This is a story I believe every person needs to read - at a time when the world is itself going through much hardship and transformation, stories like this can feed our minds, souls and hearts. Anyone struggling with any form of mental or physical illness will likely find comfort and solace in relating to Mike's story - it is truly a lifeline for the world. It teaches us that through suffering, we can find redemption and healing - that it is OK to not be OK, and that the struggle is truly a gift, and can lead us to a greater sense of purpose and self-realization. I am left with feelings of hope, and the overwhelming feeling that we are all responsible to create our own happiness in life. I am so grateful - thank you Mike, for you willingness to share your story in such a candid and courageous way. I absolutely loved this book, and highly recommend it to all! #PaddlesUp
Life changing read!
I was planning on saving this for the weekend but as soon as I received it, I read the first page and couldn’t put it down. I love opening a book and immediately getting hooked!! If you are living with Ramsey Hunt Syndrome like myself ( or any of life’s curveballs ) this book will help you realize that life is all about obstacles. Mike Shoreman was full of life and hits his ultimate low. It tells the story about how he ultimately decides to take his life back. Very inspiring! Paddles Up! ❤️
An Inspirational Triumph
Inevitably, we all encounter obstacles in life. But what happens when you have it all and then confront devastation? Written in an easy, conversational form, Mike Shoreman describes what it is like to go from the highest mountaintop to the deepest valley - literally to reach the last moment - and then rise back stronger than ever. If you have ever been in crisis, if you have ever thought you could not possibly go on another day, Mr. Shoreman's experience proves that yes, you can go on - and that new adventures and successes are possible. It may not be easy - Mr. Shoreman describes in some detail his challenges - but with hard work, determination, and the support of others, there can be a brighter tomorrow. You don't have to cheer at the end, but you might feel like doing so.
Wonderful inspirational story
I absolutely loved this book and will keep it to read over and over. Mike Shoreman is an inspiration. His story is a reminder to never take anything for granted, to live in the moment and appreciate the little things. No matter what challenges you are facing Crash and Rise helps you remember “life is a series of peaks and valleys”. This is a quick read that will make you laugh out loud and maybe even cry. Mike you are a hero 🦸♂️ Paddles Up!
#PaddlesUp
The Unbalanced Paddleboarder shares his inspiring story of break down to break through after a misdiagnosis disrupted his world. The power of his vulnerability in each chapter keeps the reader captivated, grabbing for tissues, and committed to turn the next page for more. Despite having watched his viral inspirational speech at Speaker Slam - Canada, I was not prepared for the tidal wave of emotions as I got a small glimpse in the life of Mike Shoreman through his own eyes.
I COULD...NOT...STOP READING THIS!
I read this entire book first thing this cold Saturday Iowa morning. Front to back. The journey Mike took me on played in my mind as if I was living it. Beautiful adventures, easy humour and intense details about some of the darkest hours of his journey. At times I stopped and just sat in what I had read. Other times, reflection in tears. There is no doubt we can all relate to this story one way or another. I promise he will leave you with a soul filled with inspiration, gratitude and zest for new life for those like myself who have as well endured some pretty dark days. I was planning on lending this book out to my daughter but I will read it again instead and order her one of her own. Keep writing Mike Shoreman!!
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