In a life-altering twist of fate, Dr Olivia Ong, a dedicated doctor-in-training, found herself on the receiving end of care rather than dispensing it. Now 47, Ong has penned her experiences in a book titled *Back on My Feet*, reflecting on her journey from near-tragedy to resilience and empowerment, particularly aimed at women who often neglect self-kindness.
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In 2008, at the age of 28, Ong’s life changed when she was struck by a vehicle driven by a man suffering from dementia. The collision occurred as she was making her way to work, flinging her into the air and leaving her unable to feel anything below her waist. “In an instant, I was flung into the air,” Ong recounted. “It took me a while to realise that I was the Code Blue.” With the sudden onset of paraplegia, she faced not only physical challenges but also profound emotional turmoil.
The immediate aftermath of the accident was overwhelming. Surgeons informed her that she had sustained a severe spinal cord injury and that her back was literally broken in half. “I was hoping it wasn’t that bad,” Ong reflected, “but it was.” The once-aspiring medical professional had to confront a future that was drastically different from the one she had envisioned — one filled with uncertainty about her ability to practice medicine, raise a family, and enjoy physical activities.
Following four months of rehabilitation, Ong left the hospital in a wheelchair, grappling with both her physical limitations and the emotional shock that accompanied her injury. For two years, she found herself in a deep emotional distress, plagued by doubts about her worth. “I privately feared I offered no value to the world,” she disclosed, a sentiment that resonated deeply as she struggled to reclaim her sense of self.
Despite the challenges that came with her new reality, Ong’s resilience shone through as she set out to redefine her life. In 2010, she travelled from Australia to the United States to participate in a pioneering rehabilitation programme called Project Walk. This experience transformed her mindset. “The culture was completely different,” she remarked. “It made me think, ‘I can do this.’”
Over the next three years, Ong diligently trained to relearn how to walk using sticks, harbouring hope and determination. She developed a belief in her potential for recovery, even when others around her were less optimistic. “I had the potential to recover,” she maintained, defying the limitations placed on her by medical professionals and society.
In her journey towards healing, Ong emphasised the importance of self-compassion. She admitted that though her limp would always draw attention, it did not hinder her ability to pursue her passions. In a candid essay for *The Australian Women’s Weekly*, she expressed a significant sentiment: “I’ll always be self-conscious about my limp. But it doesn’t stop me.”
Ultimately, she returned to her original calling in medicine, specialising in pain management, and welcomed two children into her life. Although Ong was eager to embrace the roles of a devoted mother and a dedicated professional, she soon experienced burnout from trying to fulfil the highly demanding expectations that many women strive to meet. “A lot of women want to be everything to everyone,” she noted, recognising the pressures involved in modern-day motherhood and career ambitions.
In light of her experiences, Ong advises women to prioritise their own wellbeing. “We’re exhausted, but we don’t let our partners help because we think we can do it better,” she observed. Her insights resonate strongly in a world where women often feel the need to shoulder everything alone.
Ong’s advocacy extends beyond her personal experiences; she has released two books: *Back on My Feet* and *The Heart-Centredness of Medicine*, through which she shares her journey and lessons learned. Reflecting on her nearly two-decade-long battle, she candidly states, “You have to let yourself fall apart. I was a hot mess after my accident. The trick is, you have to believe you’re still worthy.”
As she continues to share her story, Ong hopes to empower others, particularly women, to embrace their vulnerabilities. “The bravest thing you can do is put yourself first,” she insists. “Be kind to yourself. You don’t have to be a superwoman. You can break and rebuild, and be stronger because of it.” Her journey serves as an inspiration, reminding us all of the power of resilience and self-acceptance in the face of overwhelming obstacles.