It was the philosopher, Holocaust survivor and author of 'Man's Search for Meaning' Victor Frankl who said: “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”

The idea links to Epictetus’ Dichotomy of Control, that being that there are multiple things within our sphere of influence we do have the ability to change, but there is also so much of our human experience that sits well outside the realm of our influence, no matter our desires or hopes or striving.

This means that we will all - someday, somehow, without a doubt - suffer deeply. And it is only then that we will be forced to look within and ask more of ourselves so we can both endure and adjust ourselves to carry and ultimately transcend that suffering.

In this space of suffering, are there any opportunities for growth? Can we see positives? Will this increase our resilience? Our compassion? And most importantly, deepen our understanding of what it means to be human in the fullest sense?

In this episode we have the privilege of hearing the incredible and profound story of Dianne Draganovic, who shares her stoic and beautiful journey as a mother of four children - Liliana who died too young, and Bella who was born with Down Syndrome.

Before you listen, please take a few minutes to watch the video via the link below so you can meet Bella and her family, and inhabit her world for a moment. Then please lean in, listen and learn from Dianne whose wisdom, humanity, curiosity and unstoppable crusade to help Bella live her best life is an unforgettable and powerful lesson in stoicism for us all. 

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Guest: Dianne Draganovic

Watch video link of Bella and her family: https://youtu.be/rc652FCw9ls

Hosts: Sabina Read and Madeleine Grummet

Producer: Daryl Missen at Purple Wax

Human Cogs is available on Apple, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Podcasts or via our website where you can also catch great conversations with previous guests :)

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