Resilience, Reinvention & the Power of Connection with Elizabeth 'EB' Forst

What happens when life throws you the ultimate curveball—one that changes everything in an instant?In this powerful and deeply moving episode of Building Dreams Together, Papa Jack sits down with Elizabeth “EB” Forst, a former physical therapist, yoga teacher, world traveler, and adventurer whose life changed forever the night she dove into a swimming pool and broke her neck at the C4–C5 level.Paralyzed from the shoulders down, EB faced a new world of unimaginable challenges—yet through courage, faith, humor, and community, she rebuilt her entire life from the ground up.EB shares the raw emotional truth of her injury, the humility of depending on caregivers for every basic function, and the spiritual connection she continues to share with Jack’s son Sean—her college sweetheart, lifelong soul partner, and an anchor during her darkest hours.Today, EB is transforming her pain into purpose through the Colorado Paralysis Foundation, the first official affiliate of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. She trains caregivers, advocates for the spinal cord community, and inspires thousands with her message:“You cannot get anywhere alone—reach out, rise up, keep going.”This conversation is a masterclass in resilience, love, forgiveness, spiritual connection, and choosing hope—no matter the curveball life delivers.Main Topics Covered:1. The Accident That Changed EverythingThe night of August 14th, 2017 - Diving into a pool, breaking her neck, and becoming instantly quadriplegicGoing from world-traveling yoga instructor to learning how to survive again2. The Mental Battle & Learning to SurrenderNeeding help with every daily taskBugs on her face, hair in her eyes—things she can’t move herselfThe humility, vulnerability, and emotional strength required dailyThe decision—nine months in—to choose elevation over depression3. A 30-Year Soul Connection: EB & Sean - Meeting Sean at CU BoulderTheir inseparable bond, friendship, love, and global adventuresHow Sean supported her after her injury—feeding her, laying beside her in hospital beds, helping her rebuildThe day she intuitively sensed his passingThe ongoing spiritual conversations she has with him4. Jack & EB: Healing Awkwardness, Returning to Soul-Level ConnectionJack’s early discomfort visiting her post-injuryWhy people avoid those living with disabilityTransforming their relationship into one of deep soul recognitionSeeing each other beyond the physical body5. Turning Pain Into Purpose: The Colorado Paralysis FoundationSleeping in her chair because she had no caregiversThe crisis moment that inspired her to take actionCreating the first spinal cord caregiver training program in the worldThe affiliation with the Reeve FoundationTraining caregivers of all ages—and changing lives6. The Lessons of the CurveballThe shared phrase she and Sean used for life’s hardest momentsHow to move forward after the unimaginableWhy humor, community, and connection are survival toolsWhy the “small stuff” truly doesn’t matterMemorable Quotes:On resilience:“From the moment I knew I was paralyzed, I was advocating for myself. I had to decide—either I elevate, or I go down a dark path. I chose elevation.” — EBOn dependence & surrender:“I can’t brush a bug off my face. I can’t lift a glass of water to my lips. I have to surrender every single day.” — EBOn spiritual connection with Sean:“He made me feel normal during the most difficult time of my life. And he still speaks to me—he’s not gone, just different.” — EBOn building a new purpose:“There was no spinal cord training program anywhere in the world—so I created one.” — EBTo learn more about Believe Become Be You and the I Believe in Me and Life Mapping programs, visit: believebecomebeu.comKeep believing, keep becoming, and keep building your dreams—together.