Little Big Steps

A Life-Changing Injury and the Inspirational Journey to Overcome the Odds

De: Arash Bayatmakou

Narrado por: Arash Bayatmakou

After 30 years of a healthy, rewarding, and exciting life, I wake up in a hospital bed unable to move. The neurosurgeon leans down and breaks the news: You won't regain any function in your body and you will never walk again. My medical insurance sends me home, discontinues my care, and tells me to "adapt to my new life".

Little Big Steps is the story of the pivotal moments, interactions, and breakthroughs following the injury that turned my life upside down. Each chapter explores the experiences, challenges, and discoveries that have inspired me to work towards those accomplishments I was told were impossible.

There are moments of immense frustration and grief, and moments of surreal hilariousness and unparalleled joy as I remain on the path to get back on my feet. The story culminates with proof that motivation, determination, and unwavering commitment can lead to incredible achievements.

©2017 Arash Bayatmakou (P)2017 Arash Bayatmakou

Amazing story

I first met Arash in my water aerobics class I saw this gorgeous young man arrive in a wheelchair with his guide dog and I was struck by his presence - he was calm alert and engaging and being a nurse I could see the scar in the back of his neck so I knew he had had some sort of spinal cord injury. I try not to stare but I was amazed at his upper body strength and his fabulous energy. One day I mentioned how much I appreciated and looked up to him to one of my classmates and she told me he wrote a book! I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it and it explained in complete detail how this human had come to where he is today. I saw him recently with his beautiful wife Brita and their darling child whose name I don’t know yet but hope to know one day they are an amazing family and he is an amazing man. I strongly recommend this book♥️👊🏽 Tura Franzen

inspirational!

Inspirational true story of perseverance over an incredible challenges. Positive, and we'll written (spoken), this book keeps you engaged throughout. I can't wait to read the next chapter!

inspiring, masterful work! A must read!

Couldn't stop listening from the moment I started it. Arash is a very inspiring person whose story inspired me not to take everything for granted. I learned from his spirit and dedication. I didn't feel bad for him, I gained so must respect and admiration for his life and his life's goal.

His choice of words provided for a clear understanding of what he went through and you really get a good sense of the main characters in his life. He paints a solid picture of the current state of healthcare and how people that need help the most seem not to get it.

I thank Arash for the courage of his commitment and his willingness to share his immaculate story. I hope that many people read his book and our impacted as I have been. Would love to read future books from Arash and hope to hear about his progress. Solid book, highly recommend.

The power of imagination and dedication

The story of Arash can teach every reader something meaningful about love, loss, courage, care, and community. The story is told from a life-changing experience. The author teaches us to think about the interconnectedness of our lives by asking not only to read about his life in a pitiless, helpful and unique way but also to recognize the power of imagination, dedication, and perseverance in the living.

A Great Story of Overcoming Challenges in Life

Would you listen to Little Big Steps again? Why?

I cried. I laughed. And I cried again, but tears of joy. This story is one of perseverance in the face of enormous adversity. While this story focuses on Arash's difficulties living a life with a body he doesn't recognize as his own, the lessons are tangible for everyone. While we hope to never need the mental fortitude shown by Arash, we all have challenges we must overcome during our lifetimes. The power of this narrative is that those challenges can be overcome by focusing on small progress and that, by doing so, the larger goal can be accomplished.

What did you like best about this story?

I absolutely enjoyed the detail of Arash's proposal to his girlfriend.

Which character – as performed by Arash Bayatmakou – was your favorite?

Arash, of course

Inspiration!!

Not only did I have the pleasure of owning his book, I also met Arash and talked with him before his flight out of Albuquerque. After meeting Arash and listening to his book, the things I’m going though in life, this book has brought me peace in knowing no matter the situation, my mind set is everything!!

amazing

I discovered Arash'es blog this past summer when researching spinal cord injury, as my boyfriend suffered the same. almost exactly 5 years after Arash'es accident. after reading his entire blog, I was looking forward to the day the book was published. Arash is my inspiration and hope that one day the guy I love will be able to stand on his two legs. I know I will read the book again and again and listen to audible version many times. Arash'es amazing story touched me on many levels. it made me understand spinal cord injury deeper and definitely put everything we struggle with in a different perspective.

Inspirational and full of life

An amazing memoir of recovery from spinal cord injury, full of life, hope, and inspiration against all odds! An inspiration to all !

A PROFOUND EMOTIONAL JOURNEY

Where does Little Big Steps rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I stumbled across Little Big Steps and it blew my mind. It was at times heartbreaking, inspiring, and funny... but always honest. It's definitely in my top five audiobooks of all time.

What did you like best about this story?

I liked its authenticity. This wasn't about looking back, but observations from within. Arash experienced an utterly life-changing event... and takes us through his emotional and physical journey in an immensely visceral way,

What about Arash Bayatmakou’s performance did you like?

It's him... it's his voice, his emotions, raw and unfiltered.

A story worth reading

I was engaged from the start. A life changing injury can happen to anyone. Hearing how Arash navigated the medical care system, the importance of the words people use, and the experience of insensitive caregivers, is so important for all to hear. I was so moved by his honesty and persistence, and by the role his parents and friends played in his healing journey from a tragic accident.He is an inspiration to anyone who finds themselves unable to live their life as they once had. It’s a book for people of all ages, and hopefully medical professionals will learn from it as well.