STAIRS FOR BREAKFAST
An inspiring memoir by a man with Cerebral Palsy who doesn’t let anything stand in his way
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Praise for Stairs For Breakfast Patrick Souiljaert's game-changing book is a must read. This book and his global speaking engagements are sure to inspire the world. The book shares with us how his positive mental and can-do attitude has helped him manage his profound daily physical challenges. The reader learns how his courageous warrior heart forges gallantly and triumphantly forward to reach his full potential to claim a rich, rewarding and joyful life. Regardless of your own circumstances, the book will inspire you to take action to claim the life you were meant to live as well. Helma Christiane Bloomberg Co-author of the bestseller : "Success from the Heart." Goodwill and Cultural Ambassador International Speaker Patrick intentionally and selflessly shared his journey from trauma, fear and frustration to healing and love in order to give hope to others when they may not currently be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Through his book “Stairs for breakfast” Patrick truly reclaims his power as he shares his incredible story with others; he also inspires others to reclaim their own power. Enjoy this wonderful story of resilience, compassion, inspiration and kindness. Enjoy Patrick’s frankness and sense of humour. Patrick can make you laugh when others would cry, and shows the reader it is all a matter of perspective. Patrick, I thank you for writing this book and I am grateful for your generosity of spirit in striving to help others find their way. Ever onwards!! Forrest Willett #1 best selling author of “Baseballs Don’t Bounce” "Stairs for Breakfast" is a truly inspiring peace of work. Patrick shows there is no limits, except from the ones we believe in. Accessing his infinite potential, and his genuine desire to change people’s lives for the better jumps off every page. If you are still making any excuses for your life isn’t taking shape, you must read this book to change your results. I truly hope this book changes many lives the world over! Kanta Motwani Best-Selling author of "The Soul of Success" Stairs For Breakfast Foreword Stairs for Breakfast by Patrick Souiljaert is a raw testament to the fact that courage comes in all sorts of shapes and sizes and that human endeavor can overcome just about any obstacle. It is the first-hand account of someone who was born with cerebral palsy and a first rate brain and the connections that have had to be made throughout his life to convince others of his worth. Displaying an amazing recall with a photographic memory for the exact detail of conversations and experiences, Patrick takes us through every emotional pothole in his life without any attempt to finesse the detail or spare the feelings of those who made the mistake of treating him as any less of a human being because of his condition. The title of the book comes from the regular encounters that Patrick has had with climbing stairs – something that lesser determined individuals would have found ways of bypassing. The names of most people in the book have been changed to protect sensibilities. As the book progresses from childhood to teenage years, schooldays and on to his working life it is clear that the journey has become steeper and more treacherous as life has moved on. Some of the routine prejudice and condescension experienced beggars belief. All of it is recorded forensically. The experience is akin to being given access to someone’s personal diaries. The pain and occasionally the joy runs like blood off the page. However, his quick wit and natural humour also suffuses the book. This is someone who can see the funny side and this leaps off the page. The underlying theme of the book is Patrick’s search for a soul mate – someone who accepts him for who he is – and loves him for it. As writing this book is part of that journey and exposes large bruised chunks of that soul, I suspect that the person he is seeking is probably going to read it. An enormous achievement. Do yourself a favour. Add it to your reading wish list – and those of your friends. Roy Stannard Friend
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About the Book
This is the kind of book you should read when you think you have had a bad day. Patrick Souiljaert was deprived of oxygen for the first 4 minutes of his life and consequently denied the gift of easy movement and speech for the remainder of it. It means that this brutally frank autobiography of someone with Cerebral Palsy who needs crutches for walking and eats stairs for breakfast when he falls, should be a depressing experience for the reader. It isn’t. Patrick’s sense of humour and love of his fellow human beings shines through. His recall is amazing, his perception stunning. You, the reader, will share what it is like to have a profound physical disability, what it is like to have people patronise you when your IQ is several notches above those patronising you. You will laugh, you will cry and you will never feel sorry for yourself again. Patrick’s purpose in life is to help and inspire people - and make a difference in the world. Stairs For Breakfast is giving Patrick a platform as an inspirational speaker. He lives in southern England and is well-travelled.
About the Author
Patrick Souiljaert was born on the 21st November 1973, after having been deprived of oxygen for the first four minutes of his life. This caused his Cerebral Palsy which has been his constant companion ever since. This is a condition that makes dealing with the physical demands of life very difficult, but does not impair in any way the normal functions of the brain. In this respect Patrick has been blessed with more than his fair share of intelligence, insight and courage. To that list we can now add the skill of public speaker, writer and autobiographer. Stairs For Breakfast covers the period from November 1973 to September 2000. Stand by for the sequel! Patrick has spent his life refusing to accept second best, compromise or to be labelled ‘disabled’. He has insisted from his early years at school on being treated just like everyone else. This led him to an early career with a household corporate company, and a parallel career in radio where he worked with three local radio stations in Sussex as Producer. With his decision to take voluntary redundancy from his corporate job, Patrick embarked on a journey to pursue an ambition to make a £1 million. His interest in property investment was initially the preferred route, but this book may accelerate the journey. Over the last few years – in property investment and writing Stairs For Breakfast – Patrick has found his purpose and enjoyment in life by helping and inspiring others on his journey to reaching his full potential Patrick lives in Sussex and was born to Belgian and English parents. He has a sister and a large collection of devoted friends.