Amy Purdy: “The Choice I Made Before They Amputated Both My Legs”

It's amazing what you can do when you It's amazing what you can do when you choose to not be a victim. When you choose to not be a victim. When you choose to not be a victim. When you choose to focus on the possibilities choose to focus on the possibilities choose to focus on the possibilities instead of the problem. I lost my legs, instead of the problem. I lost my legs, instead of the problem. I lost my legs, my kidneys, my spleen, the hearing in my my kidneys, my spleen, the hearing in my my kidneys, my spleen, the hearing in my left ear overnight. My world was left ear overnight. My world was left ear overnight. My world was completely different. But what helped me completely different. But what helped me completely different. But what helped me not be a victim is I made the choice to not be a victim is I made the choice to not be a victim is I made the choice to not be a victim. You take one little not be a victim. You take one little not be a victim. You take one little step at a time and you see where it step at a time and you see where it step at a time and you see where it leads. leads. leads. >> Three-time parolympic medalist, a >> Three-time parolympic medalist, a >> Three-time parolympic medalist, a worldclass snowboarder, and one of the worldclass snowboarder, and one of the worldclass snowboarder, and one of the leading voices on resilience and human leading voices on resilience and human leading voices on resilience and human potential. the inspirational Amy Priy in potential. the inspirational Amy Priy in potential. the inspirational Amy Priy in the house. the house. the house. >> Our challenges can teach us so much and >> Our challenges can teach us so much and >> Our challenges can teach us so much and that's what going through what I went that's what going through what I went that's what going through what I went through, it was a seven-year journey of through, it was a seven-year journey of through, it was a seven-year journey of getting back on my feet to walk again. getting back on my feet to walk again. getting back on my feet to walk again. If you allow yourself to be in the If you allow yourself to be in the If you allow yourself to be in the moment and lean into what you're going moment and lean into what you're going moment and lean into what you're going through instead of trying to resist it. through instead of trying to resist it. through instead of trying to resist it. You can learn so much and those moments You can learn so much and those moments You can learn so much and those moments become some of your most I think become some of your most I think become some of your most I think grounded special moments. grounded special moments. grounded special moments. >> The quote you say is the quality of your >> The quote you say is the quality of your >> The quote you say is the quality of your life comes down to the stories you life comes down to the stories you life comes down to the stories you choose to believe. What is the current choose to believe. What is the current choose to believe. What is the current story you're choosing to believe right story you're choosing to believe right story you're choosing to believe right now at this new season of possibilities, now at this new season of possibilities, now at this new season of possibilities, but also potentially uncertainty of but also potentially uncertainty of but also potentially uncertainty of what's to come? what's to come? what's to come? >> Oh gosh. I mean, I think >> and based on what you've talked about in >> and based on what you've talked about in your new book, Bounce Forward, it's your new book, Bounce Forward, it's your new book, Bounce Forward, it's almost like the thing that almost broke almost like the thing that almost broke almost like the thing that almost broke you was the launching pad you was the launching pad you was the launching pad to create more than you could ever to create more than you could ever to create more than you could ever imagine in your life. imagine in your life. imagine in your life. >> Really? And I'm curious. I mean, you >> Really? And I'm curious. I mean, you >> Really? And I'm curious. I mean, you were on Dancing with the Stars, were on Dancing with the Stars, were on Dancing with the Stars, Parolympic medalist. You've done so many Parolympic medalist. You've done so many Parolympic medalist. You've done so many different things. There's billboards different things. There's billboards different things. There's billboards over you around the world. Like, you've over you around the world. Like, you've over you around the world. Like, you've done so many inspiring things, but what done so many inspiring things, but what done so many inspiring things, but what was the thing that allowed you to get was the thing that allowed you to get was the thing that allowed you to get out of the first kind of the victim out of the first kind of the victim out of the first kind of the victim mindset that a lot of people go through mindset that a lot of people go through mindset that a lot of people go through when challenges occur or when life sets when challenges occur or when life sets when challenges occur or when life sets them back? How did you learn how to get them back? How did you learn how to get them back? How did you learn how to get over that first? Because this is a huge over that first? Because this is a huge over that first? Because this is a huge change. change. change. >> Yeah, it was a huge change. I mean, I I >> Yeah, it was a huge change. I mean, I I >> Yeah, it was a huge change. I mean, I I I lost my legs, my kidneys, my spleen, I lost my legs, my kidneys, my spleen, I lost my legs, my kidneys, my spleen, the hearing in my left ear overnight. the hearing in my left ear overnight. the hearing in my left ear overnight. And my world was completely different. And my world was completely different. And my world was completely different. But what helped me not be a victim is I But what helped me not be a victim is I But what helped me not be a victim is I made the choice to not be a victim from made the choice to not be a victim from made the choice to not be a victim from the very beginning. So, I remember being the very beginning. So, I remember being the very beginning. So, I remember being wheeled into the operating room where I wheeled into the operating room where I wheeled into the operating room where I was going to lose both my legs. And I was going to lose both my legs. And I was going to lose both my legs. And I had no idea what to expect. You know, I had no idea what to expect. You know, I had no idea what to expect. You know, I had no idea what my life on the other had no idea what my life on the other had no idea what my life on the other side of this was going to look like. And side of this was going to look like. And side of this was going to look like. And I was so scared, but I gave myself three I was so scared, but I gave myself three I was so scared, but I gave myself three goals. And I think I did this because I goals. And I think I did this because I goals. And I think I did this because I needed something. I needed something to needed something. I needed something to needed something. I needed something to hang on to to kind of pull me into the hang on to to kind of pull me into the hang on to to kind of pull me into the future. And so I gave myself three future. And so I gave myself three future. And so I gave myself three goals. The first goal was that I wasn't goals. The first goal was that I wasn't goals. The first goal was that I wasn't going to feel sorry for myself because I going to feel sorry for myself because I going to feel sorry for myself because I wasn't a victim and I wasn't going to wasn't a victim and I wasn't going to wasn't a victim and I wasn't going to act like a victim. act like a victim. act like a victim. >> And everybody felt sorry for me and it >> And everybody felt sorry for me and it >> And everybody felt sorry for me and it didn't feel good. And the second goal didn't feel good. And the second goal didn't feel good. And the second goal was that I was going to snowboard again was that I was going to snowboard again was that I was going to snowboard again that year because I had never missed a that year because I had never missed a that year because I had never missed a year of snowboarding before. And the year of snowboarding before. And the year of snowboarding before. And the third goal was that when I figured this third goal was that when I figured this third goal was that when I figured this whole mess out, I wanted to help other whole mess out, I wanted to help other whole mess out, I wanted to help other people do the same. people do the same. people do the same. >> And I think those three goals really >> And I think those three goals really >> And I think those three goals really they they gave me kind of a north star. they they gave me kind of a north star. they they gave me kind of a north star. They gave me something to work towards. They gave me something to work towards. They gave me something to work towards. And you know, I had no idea the path to And you know, I had no idea the path to And you know, I had no idea the path to snowboard again or the path to helping snowboard again or the path to helping snowboard again or the path to helping others. I just knew that that's what I others. I just knew that that's what I others. I just knew that that's what I wanted to do. And then I just took it wanted to do. And then I just took it wanted to do. And then I just took it one like little baby step at a time. And one like little baby step at a time. And one like little baby step at a time. And and it led places that I never could and it led places that I never could and it led places that I never could have imagined. have imagined. have imagined. >> I love that you had a game plan when >> I love that you had a game plan when >> I love that you had a game plan when they're rolling you in to, you know, do they're rolling you in to, you know, do they're rolling you in to, you know, do this operation on your legs and your this operation on your legs and your this operation on your legs and your your spleen and your kidney and all your spleen and your kidney and all your spleen and your kidney and all these different things. these different things. these different things. >> But also, you could go into it thinking, >> But also, you could go into it thinking, >> But also, you could go into it thinking, I may not wake up, right? Like Yeah, I may not wake up, right? Like Yeah, I may not wake up, right? Like Yeah, >> sure you're positive and like, oh, I'm >> sure you're positive and like, oh, I'm >> sure you're positive and like, oh, I'm going to plan for the best, but how did going to plan for the best, but how did going to plan for the best, but how did you over I mean, it's you over I mean, it's you over I mean, it's >> I wouldn't say it was positive. I mean, >> I wouldn't say it was positive. I mean, >> I wouldn't say it was positive. I mean, I really I I had no idea, you know, I I really I I had no idea, you know, I I really I I had no idea, you know, I that before going into surgery, um I that before going into surgery, um I that before going into surgery, um I mean, the doctors came in and said, "If mean, the doctors came in and said, "If mean, the doctors came in and said, "If we don't amputate here, which they they we don't amputate here, which they they we don't amputate here, which they they put their hand on my shin, and they said put their hand on my shin, and they said put their hand on my shin, and they said if we don't amputate here tomorrow, if we don't amputate here tomorrow, if we don't amputate here tomorrow, we'll have to amputate up here next we'll have to amputate up here next we'll have to amputate up here next week." So, I had no choice. My choice week." So, I had no choice. My choice week." So, I had no choice. My choice was to either survive or to not survive. was to either survive or to not survive. was to either survive or to not survive. And if I wanted to survive, I had to And if I wanted to survive, I had to And if I wanted to survive, I had to lose my legs. And lose my legs. And lose my legs. And I, you know, I think I just I needed I, you know, I think I just I needed I, you know, I think I just I needed some kind of control in that moment. The some kind of control in that moment. The some kind of control in that moment. The way to control the moment was to give way to control the moment was to give way to control the moment was to give myself these three goals. And those myself these three goals. And those myself these three goals. And those goals became I mean a huge part of my goals became I mean a huge part of my goals became I mean a huge part of my life. Like that is I did those things life. Like that is I did those things life. Like that is I did those things over the next 20 years. Those were all I over the next 20 years. Those were all I over the next 20 years. Those were all I really focused on were those three really focused on were those three really focused on were those three things. things. things. >> And so it's amazing. It's amazing what >> And so it's amazing. It's amazing what >> And so it's amazing. It's amazing what you can do you can do you can do >> when you choose to not be a victim. When >> when you choose to not be a victim. When >> when you choose to not be a victim. When you choose to uh focus on the you choose to uh focus on the you choose to uh focus on the possibilities instead of the problem and possibilities instead of the problem and possibilities instead of the problem and you take one little step at a time and you take one little step at a time and you take one little step at a time and you see where where it leads. you see where where it leads. you see where where it leads. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> You know, I had no idea at that time >> You know, I had no idea at that time >> You know, I had no idea at that time that I'd be in the Parolympic Games. I that I'd be in the Parolympic Games. I that I'd be in the Parolympic Games. I just wanted to snowboard again. You just wanted to snowboard again. You just wanted to snowboard again. You know, I had no idea that I'd be standing know, I had no idea that I'd be standing know, I had no idea that I'd be standing on podiums or Dancing with the Stars or on podiums or Dancing with the Stars or on podiums or Dancing with the Stars or any of that stuff. I just wanted to any of that stuff. I just wanted to any of that stuff. I just wanted to follow my dreams and do the stuff that I follow my dreams and do the stuff that I follow my dreams and do the stuff that I loved and help other people do the same. loved and help other people do the same. loved and help other people do the same. And it's amazing where that led. And it's amazing where that led. And it's amazing where that led. >> What would you say to someone who's >> What would you say to someone who's >> What would you say to someone who's going through just a challenge in life going through just a challenge in life going through just a challenge in life where they don't see a greater future, where they don't see a greater future, where they don't see a greater future, where they're unable to latch on to some where they're unable to latch on to some where they're unable to latch on to some type of positive vision for their life type of positive vision for their life type of positive vision for their life because things are so challenging right because things are so challenging right because things are so challenging right now? It seems like it's now? It seems like it's now? It seems like it's >> maybe they just feel like there's no >> maybe they just feel like there's no >> maybe they just feel like there's no hope, like there's no good future that I hope, like there's no good future that I hope, like there's no good future that I can think of or hold on to because of can think of or hold on to because of can think of or hold on to because of all the bad things that are happening to all the bad things that are happening to all the bad things that are happening to me right now. What would you say to me right now. What would you say to me right now. What would you say to someone in that position? someone in that position? someone in that position? >> Honestly, I think it really is leaning >> Honestly, I think it really is leaning >> Honestly, I think it really is leaning into the possibility instead of the into the possibility instead of the into the possibility instead of the problem. Like what we focus on grows. problem. Like what we focus on grows. problem. Like what we focus on grows. >> So if we're focused on problems, the >> So if we're focused on problems, the >> So if we're focused on problems, the problems that we see are going to grow. problems that we see are going to grow. problems that we see are going to grow. And if we're focused on, well, what can And if we're focused on, well, what can And if we're focused on, well, what can I learn from the problem I'm going I learn from the problem I'm going I learn from the problem I'm going through? through? through? >> It can teach us so much. So, I mean, if >> It can teach us so much. So, I mean, if >> It can teach us so much. So, I mean, if you're going through anxiety, for you're going through anxiety, for you're going through anxiety, for example, and you're so anxious for the example, and you're so anxious for the example, and you're so anxious for the future, which I've felt that, we've all future, which I've felt that, we've all future, which I've felt that, we've all felt that, but I've felt that so many felt that, but I've felt that so many felt that, but I've felt that so many times in my life. And for a long time, times in my life. And for a long time, times in my life. And for a long time, anxiety took off in my life. Like, it anxiety took off in my life. Like, it anxiety took off in my life. Like, it made me feel like I was out of control. made me feel like I was out of control. made me feel like I was out of control. And I didn't know what my future was And I didn't know what my future was And I didn't know what my future was going to look like. And I was worried going to look like. And I was worried going to look like. And I was worried about the future. And then I started to about the future. And then I started to about the future. And then I started to learn presence, like just to be in the learn presence, like just to be in the learn presence, like just to be in the moment, moment, moment, >> like just to be in the here and now. >> like just to be in the here and now. >> like just to be in the here and now. Because in the here and now, Because in the here and now, Because in the here and now, everything's fine. You realize when everything's fine. You realize when everything's fine. You realize when you're present that everything's okay you're present that everything's okay you're present that everything's okay right now. right now. right now. >> And that helps you to get ahead. So just >> And that helps you to get ahead. So just >> And that helps you to get ahead. So just even learning that is is a a blessing. even learning that is is a a blessing. even learning that is is a a blessing. It's a gift in the adversity. And so I It's a gift in the adversity. And so I It's a gift in the adversity. And so I think it's focusing on like the little think it's focusing on like the little think it's focusing on like the little the little things that are getting you the little things that are getting you the little things that are getting you through your challenges so that those through your challenges so that those through your challenges so that those things can grow things can grow things can grow >> and those things may be you know it may >> and those things may be you know it may >> and those things may be you know it may be just being grateful that your be just being grateful that your be just being grateful that your family's by your side family's by your side family's by your side >> or grateful that you have I don't know a >> or grateful that you have I don't know a >> or grateful that you have I don't know a dog that you love or your warm coffee or dog that you love or your warm coffee or dog that you love or your warm coffee or that you have another day or that you that you have another day or that you that you have another day or that you know you look out your windows and it's know you look out your windows and it's know you look out your windows and it's beautiful like just trying to find the beautiful like just trying to find the beautiful like just trying to find the beauty and the possibility in the day beauty and the possibility in the day beauty and the possibility in the day and let that grow instead of the and let that grow instead of the and let that grow instead of the problem. I think that can help us get problem. I think that can help us get problem. I think that can help us get through a lot of our challenges. through a lot of our challenges. through a lot of our challenges. >> Yeah. When a lot of people are going >> Yeah. When a lot of people are going >> Yeah. When a lot of people are going through a setback, you know, whether it through a setback, you know, whether it through a setback, you know, whether it be their health or maybe their be their health or maybe their be their health or maybe their relationship or or their career or relationship or or their career or relationship or or their career or something, something, something, >> a lot of times you hear people say, "I >> a lot of times you hear people say, "I >> a lot of times you hear people say, "I just want to go back to where it was just want to go back to where it was just want to go back to where it was before when it was good, when there before when it was good, when there before when it was good, when there wasn't problems or when I didn't have wasn't problems or when I didn't have wasn't problems or when I didn't have this health challenge or I didn't have this health challenge or I didn't have this health challenge or I didn't have this financial burden, I want to go this financial burden, I want to go this financial burden, I want to go back." back." back." >> But you talk about bouncing forward and >> But you talk about bouncing forward and >> But you talk about bouncing forward and not going back. You you were unable to not going back. You you were unable to not going back. You you were unable to go back to the person you were go back to the person you were go back to the person you were >> before you had to lose your legs, right? >> before you had to lose your legs, right? >> before you had to lose your legs, right? you were unable to go back. It was not you were unable to go back. It was not you were unable to go back. It was not possible. possible. possible. >> So, you couldn't go back to this old >> So, you couldn't go back to this old >> So, you couldn't go back to this old identity. You had to bounce forward into identity. You had to bounce forward into identity. You had to bounce forward into a new identity. a new identity. a new identity. >> But that's really hard for people. How >> But that's really hard for people. How >> But that's really hard for people. How do we think of bouncing forward instead do we think of bouncing forward instead do we think of bouncing forward instead of going back? of going back? of going back? >> Um, you know, I mean, a lot of it is >> Um, you know, I mean, a lot of it is >> Um, you know, I mean, a lot of it is acceptance, acceptance, acceptance, right? Like radical acceptance. I think right? Like radical acceptance. I think right? Like radical acceptance. I think when I lost my legs, I had no choice. It when I lost my legs, I had no choice. It when I lost my legs, I had no choice. It was so cut and dry. It was like you are was so cut and dry. It was like you are was so cut and dry. It was like you are not going back. you know, whether you not going back. you know, whether you not going back. you know, whether you want to or not. And I think the want to or not. And I think the want to or not. And I think the difference in actually why I wrote this difference in actually why I wrote this difference in actually why I wrote this book, you know, when I lost my legs, I book, you know, when I lost my legs, I book, you know, when I lost my legs, I was fighting for my life. When I went was fighting for my life. When I went was fighting for my life. When I went through this injury that I went through through this injury that I went through through this injury that I went through about 7 years ago, which a lot of this about 7 years ago, which a lot of this about 7 years ago, which a lot of this book is based on, I was fighting for the book is based on, I was fighting for the book is based on, I was fighting for the quality of my life. quality of my life. quality of my life. >> And that changed everything. fighting >> And that changed everything. fighting >> And that changed everything. fighting for your life, you know, you don't have for your life, you know, you don't have for your life, you know, you don't have emotions around what you're going emotions around what you're going emotions around what you're going through, but fighting for the quality of through, but fighting for the quality of through, but fighting for the quality of your life, your emotions are heightened. your life, your emotions are heightened. your life, your emotions are heightened. You're losing everything. You're, you You're losing everything. You're, you You're losing everything. You're, you know, worried about the future. You have know, worried about the future. You have know, worried about the future. You have no idea what you're doing. You have no no idea what you're doing. You have no no idea what you're doing. You have no idea what your life is going to be like. idea what your life is going to be like. idea what your life is going to be like. And that's actually when I learned the And that's actually when I learned the And that's actually when I learned the most about myself was going through this most about myself was going through this most about myself was going through this process this second time, process this second time, process this second time, >> not losing your legs, but having to >> not losing your legs, but having to >> not losing your legs, but having to bounce back from injury the second time. bounce back from injury the second time. bounce back from injury the second time. Because I think, you know, the first Because I think, you know, the first Because I think, you know, the first time people would always say, "How'd you time people would always say, "How'd you time people would always say, "How'd you do it? How did you get through your do it? How did you get through your do it? How did you get through your greatest challenges? How'd you get greatest challenges? How'd you get greatest challenges? How'd you get through losing your legs?" And to be through losing your legs?" And to be through losing your legs?" And to be honest, for a long time, I don't think I honest, for a long time, I don't think I honest, for a long time, I don't think I knew. I would say, "I'm not sure. I just knew. I would say, "I'm not sure. I just knew. I would say, "I'm not sure. I just kind of I just kind of did it. I think I kind of I just kind of did it. I think I kind of I just kind of did it. I think I had youth on my side." And you know, had youth on my side." And you know, had youth on my side." And you know, you're super resilient when you're young you're super resilient when you're young you're super resilient when you're young and and so and and so and and so >> you had no other choice, too. You're >> you had no other choice, too. You're >> you had no other choice, too. You're just like, "This is what is and I got to just like, "This is what is and I got to just like, "This is what is and I got to figure it out." figure it out." figure it out." >> I just kind of did it. But this time I >> I just kind of did it. But this time I >> I just kind of did it. But this time I really paid attention to what was really paid attention to what was really paid attention to what was helping me along the way and I started helping me along the way and I started helping me along the way and I started writing those things down. I really paid writing those things down. I really paid writing those things down. I really paid attention to like days that I was attention to like days that I was attention to like days that I was grieving but then I felt better. What grieving but then I felt better. What grieving but then I felt better. What helped me? helped me? helped me? >> What helped me get over that and or get >> What helped me get over that and or get >> What helped me get over that and or get through that, I'd write that down. And through that, I'd write that down. And through that, I'd write that down. And you know days when I was anxious, what you know days when I was anxious, what you know days when I was anxious, what helped me get through that? I'd write helped me get through that? I'd write helped me get through that? I'd write that down. And that's really what became that down. And that's really what became that down. And that's really what became the framework of this book is all these the framework of this book is all these the framework of this book is all these things that have helped me along the things that have helped me along the things that have helped me along the way. And what I learned too is these way. And what I learned too is these way. And what I learned too is these tools or practices, tools or practices, tools or practices, >> they don't just help you survive, they >> they don't just help you survive, they >> they don't just help you survive, they help you thrive. They're the same exact help you thrive. They're the same exact help you thrive. They're the same exact thing. So, for example, visualization, I thing. So, for example, visualization, I thing. So, for example, visualization, I talk about that in the book. I I used talk about that in the book. I I used talk about that in the book. I I used visualization in my darkest days, laying visualization in my darkest days, laying visualization in my darkest days, laying in the hospital bed when I lost both my in the hospital bed when I lost both my in the hospital bed when I lost both my legs, having no idea what my life was legs, having no idea what my life was legs, having no idea what my life was going to be like. visualizing what I going to be like. visualizing what I going to be like. visualizing what I wanted for my future, but I also used it wanted for my future, but I also used it wanted for my future, but I also used it standing in the Starkgates at the standing in the Starkgates at the standing in the Starkgates at the Parolympic Games, visualizing the Parolympic Games, visualizing the Parolympic Games, visualizing the course, how I wanted to race or course, how I wanted to race or course, how I wanted to race or visualizing before I walk out on stage, visualizing before I walk out on stage, visualizing before I walk out on stage, how I want to perform. So, I started to how I want to perform. So, I started to how I want to perform. So, I started to realize that these tools not just help realize that these tools not just help realize that these tools not just help you survive, but also can help you you survive, but also can help you you survive, but also can help you thrive. And they're the same thing. thrive. And they're the same thing. thrive. And they're the same thing. >> And so, that's why I wanted to write it >> And so, that's why I wanted to write it >> And so, that's why I wanted to write it in the book and just be able to share in the book and just be able to share in the book and just be able to share that these these are the things I know that these these are the things I know that these these are the things I know for sure. And I actually I wrote the for sure. And I actually I wrote the for sure. And I actually I wrote the book too because I thought, book too because I thought, book too because I thought, you know, I might just be motivated by you know, I might just be motivated by you know, I might just be motivated by death because I've, you know, been close death because I've, you know, been close death because I've, you know, been close to death a couple times in my life. But to death a couple times in my life. But to death a couple times in my life. But I thought to myself, if I were to if I I thought to myself, if I were to if I I thought to myself, if I were to if I were to die tomorrow, what did I learn? were to die tomorrow, what did I learn? were to die tomorrow, what did I learn? >> And I actually was on an airplane one >> And I actually was on an airplane one >> And I actually was on an airplane one day when I when I thought that question. day when I when I thought that question. day when I when I thought that question. And I I grabbed a little napkin and I I And I I grabbed a little napkin and I I And I I grabbed a little napkin and I I wrote down 21 things. I thought, "These wrote down 21 things. I thought, "These wrote down 21 things. I thought, "These are the things I've learned." Like, are the things I've learned." Like, are the things I've learned." Like, "This is what I would leave behind." "This is what I would leave behind." "This is what I would leave behind." and that ended up being the chapters of and that ended up being the chapters of and that ended up being the chapters of all the of the book. So, um yeah, so you all the of the book. So, um yeah, so you all the of the book. So, um yeah, so you know, it's and that would have never know, it's and that would have never know, it's and that would have never happened if I didn't go through all the happened if I didn't go through all the happened if I didn't go through all the challenges that I have gone through. challenges that I have gone through. challenges that I have gone through. >> I I wouldn't have learned these little >> I I wouldn't have learned these little >> I I wouldn't have learned these little things and and now I get to share them. things and and now I get to share them. things and and now I get to share them. And so I really I that's why I do And so I really I that's why I do And so I really I that's why I do believe that our problems are connected believe that our problems are connected believe that our problems are connected to our purpose. If you lean into them to our purpose. If you lean into them to our purpose. If you lean into them and if you share what helps you get and if you share what helps you get and if you share what helps you get through those challenges, that's when through those challenges, that's when through those challenges, that's when that's when you get your most fulfilled, that's when you get your most fulfilled, that's when you get your most fulfilled, >> you know, knowing knowing that what >> you know, knowing knowing that what >> you know, knowing knowing that what you've learned can help somebody else. you've learned can help somebody else. you've learned can help somebody else. >> Oh, that's beautiful. >> Oh, that's beautiful. >> Oh, that's beautiful. >> Yeah. because you went through a lot of >> Yeah. because you went through a lot of >> Yeah. because you went through a lot of like surgeries and you were in the like surgeries and you were in the like surgeries and you were in the hospital for like a couple years almost, hospital for like a couple years almost, hospital for like a couple years almost, right? right? right? >> Yeah. So, exactly. I haven't really even >> Yeah. So, exactly. I haven't really even >> Yeah. So, exactly. I haven't really even shared that part of the story yet, I shared that part of the story yet, I shared that part of the story yet, I guess. guess. guess. >> How many surgeries have you experienced >> How many surgeries have you experienced >> How many surgeries have you experienced >> in your life? >> in your life? >> in your life? >> Oh my gosh. How many surgeries have I >> Oh my gosh. How many surgeries have I >> Oh my gosh. How many surgeries have I had in my life? I mean, I I wouldn't had in my life? I mean, I I wouldn't had in my life? I mean, I I wouldn't even be able to count probably. But but even be able to count probably. But but even be able to count probably. But but the thing is they were very uh you know, the thing is they were very uh you know, the thing is they were very uh you know, I've been through a lot, but I've also I've been through a lot, but I've also I've been through a lot, but I've also had such a beautiful incredible life. had such a beautiful incredible life. had such a beautiful incredible life. >> Yes. But I think it's been so beautiful >> Yes. But I think it's been so beautiful >> Yes. But I think it's been so beautiful and incredible because I've been through and incredible because I've been through and incredible because I've been through a lot a lot a lot >> because it's, you know, it forces you to >> because it's, you know, it forces you to >> because it's, you know, it forces you to figure out what's important in your figure out what's important in your figure out what's important in your life. life. life. >> Interesting. >> Interesting. >> Interesting. >> It forces you to figure out what you >> It forces you to figure out what you >> It forces you to figure out what you appreciate. appreciate. appreciate. >> Um to really pay attention to what you >> Um to really pay attention to what you >> Um to really pay attention to what you have. I think our challenges really have. I think our challenges really have. I think our challenges really ground us ground us ground us >> in our purpose and in who we are and >> in our purpose and in who we are and >> in our purpose and in who we are and >> in our spirit and in our relationships. >> in our spirit and in our relationships. >> in our spirit and in our relationships. So, even though I've been through a lot, So, even though I've been through a lot, So, even though I've been through a lot, I've also had the most incredible life I've also had the most incredible life I've also had the most incredible life that I wouldn't have had had I have not that I wouldn't have had had I have not that I wouldn't have had had I have not gone through what I went through. gone through what I went through. gone through what I went through. >> What if you didn't have all these >> What if you didn't have all these >> What if you didn't have all these challenges physically, emotionally that challenges physically, emotionally that challenges physically, emotionally that most people never experienced? Do you most people never experienced? Do you most people never experienced? Do you think you could have had a great life think you could have had a great life think you could have had a great life still? still? still? >> I don't think I would have had a life >> I don't think I would have had a life >> I don't think I would have had a life with as much meaning. with as much meaning. with as much meaning. >> Really? >> Really? >> Really? >> Oh, for sure. >> Oh, for sure. >> Oh, for sure. >> Without the pain, the suffering, the >> Without the pain, the suffering, the >> Without the pain, the suffering, the surgeries, you don't think it would have surgeries, you don't think it would have surgeries, you don't think it would have been as been as been as >> Oh, yeah. For sure. I mean, I think I >> Oh, yeah. For sure. I mean, I think I >> Oh, yeah. For sure. I mean, I think I would have I would have been a massage would have I would have been a massage would have I would have been a massage therapist. I would have loved helping therapist. I would have loved helping therapist. I would have loved helping people because that's what I was doing people because that's what I was doing people because that's what I was doing before. I have no idea where I would before. I have no idea where I would before. I have no idea where I would have gone after that. But, um, I think have gone after that. But, um, I think have gone after that. But, um, I think that our challenges bring us into the that our challenges bring us into the that our challenges bring us into the depths of life. depths of life. depths of life. >> It it they help us experience life to >> It it they help us experience life to >> It it they help us experience life to its fullest. We think that our its fullest. We think that our its fullest. We think that our challenges stop us from experiencing challenges stop us from experiencing challenges stop us from experiencing life to the fullest, but really it's life to the fullest, but really it's life to the fullest, but really it's what opens the door so that we can what opens the door so that we can what opens the door so that we can experience life to the fullest. I think experience life to the fullest. I think experience life to the fullest. I think a lot of people need to hear this a lot of people need to hear this a lot of people need to hear this because most people are are running away because most people are are running away because most people are are running away from their challenges. They're running from their challenges. They're running from their challenges. They're running away from their pain away from their pain away from their pain >> and their problems, >> and their problems, >> and their problems, >> right? >> right? >> right? >> And I'm not saying you should live a >> And I'm not saying you should live a >> And I'm not saying you should live a life of problem and pain all day long. life of problem and pain all day long. life of problem and pain all day long. No. No. No. >> But what I'm hearing you say is that >> But what I'm hearing you say is that >> But what I'm hearing you say is that your challenges and the pain and the the your challenges and the pain and the the your challenges and the pain and the the biggest struggles you've been through biggest struggles you've been through biggest struggles you've been through have given you the most meaning and have given you the most meaning and have given you the most meaning and fulfillment as well. fulfillment as well. fulfillment as well. >> How can someone think that way is in the >> How can someone think that way is in the >> How can someone think that way is in the middle of so much pain and sadness right middle of so much pain and sadness right middle of so much pain and sadness right now in their own personal life? Yeah. now in their own personal life? Yeah. now in their own personal life? Yeah. >> How do they start to believe maybe this >> How do they start to believe maybe this >> How do they start to believe maybe this is happening for me? I just don't know is happening for me? I just don't know is happening for me? I just don't know what it's for yet. what it's for yet. what it's for yet. >> Right. Gosh. I think um I think it's >> Right. Gosh. I think um I think it's >> Right. Gosh. I think um I think it's just I really think we have to lean into just I really think we have to lean into just I really think we have to lean into our challenges. It's leaning into the ch our challenges. It's leaning into the ch our challenges. It's leaning into the ch I know that that's hard but and it's I know that that's hard but and it's I know that that's hard but and it's hard in the moment because we're trying hard in the moment because we're trying hard in the moment because we're trying to run away from our challenges but to run away from our challenges but to run away from our challenges but actually where we learn where we grow actually where we learn where we grow actually where we learn where we grow where we learn who we are is by leaning where we learn who we are is by leaning where we learn who we are is by leaning into the challenge is what can we into the challenge is what can we into the challenge is what can we extract from it extract from it extract from it >> that can help us >> that can help us >> that can help us >> move forward even if it's the smallest >> move forward even if it's the smallest >> move forward even if it's the smallest little thing in that moment because like little thing in that moment because like little thing in that moment because like I said that would grow whatever it is I said that would grow whatever it is I said that would grow whatever it is that you can lean into in that moment to that you can lean into in that moment to that you can lean into in that moment to just find the light to find the sliver just find the light to find the sliver just find the light to find the sliver of hope, whatever it may be, just to of hope, whatever it may be, just to of hope, whatever it may be, just to focus on that that then grows. focus on that that then grows. focus on that that then grows. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> And because it is hard when you're in >> And because it is hard when you're in >> And because it is hard when you're in the thick of challenge, it's hard to see the thick of challenge, it's hard to see the thick of challenge, it's hard to see the other side of it. If you're dealing the other side of it. If you're dealing the other side of it. If you're dealing with anxiety, for example, you cannot be with anxiety, for example, you cannot be with anxiety, for example, you cannot be inspired. It's impossible. You cannot inspired. It's impossible. You cannot inspired. It's impossible. You cannot see a vision for yourself in the future. see a vision for yourself in the future. see a vision for yourself in the future. You are in the here and now. You are You are in the here and now. You are You are in the here and now. You are stuck. Uh but if you can if you can find stuck. Uh but if you can if you can find stuck. Uh but if you can if you can find these little like just moments that pull these little like just moments that pull these little like just moments that pull you through whatever that may be and you through whatever that may be and you through whatever that may be and lean on that that's what helps to get lean on that that's what helps to get lean on that that's what helps to get you through. you through. you through. >> Yeah. And you know when I wrote this >> Yeah. And you know when I wrote this >> Yeah. And you know when I wrote this book, so I wrote 21 chapters, 21 book, so I wrote 21 chapters, 21 book, so I wrote 21 chapters, 21 different kind of topics and the topics different kind of topics and the topics different kind of topics and the topics were all struggles that I had and the were all struggles that I had and the were all struggles that I had and the tools are are what helped me get through tools are are what helped me get through tools are are what helped me get through those struggles. And I just started to those struggles. And I just started to those struggles. And I just started to realize there are things that are realize there are things that are realize there are things that are helping me get through like yes, I I I helping me get through like yes, I I I helping me get through like yes, I I I would, you know, if I'm overwhelmed, but would, you know, if I'm overwhelmed, but would, you know, if I'm overwhelmed, but it's like, okay, now I'm not it's like, okay, now I'm not it's like, okay, now I'm not overwhelmed. So what's helping me get overwhelmed. So what's helping me get overwhelmed. So what's helping me get through that? Oh, it's because I started through that? Oh, it's because I started through that? Oh, it's because I started to compartmentalize. I started to to compartmentalize. I started to to compartmentalize. I started to segment my life a little bit. Like, I'm segment my life a little bit. Like, I'm segment my life a little bit. Like, I'm gonna focus on this one thing and just gonna focus on this one thing and just gonna focus on this one thing and just that and then get through that and then that and then get through that and then that and then get through that and then I'll focus on the next thing and then I'll focus on the next thing and then I'll focus on the next thing and then get through that. When I was 19 years get through that. When I was 19 years get through that. When I was 19 years old, you know, I lost my kidneys, my old, you know, I lost my kidneys, my old, you know, I lost my kidneys, my spleen, my hearing, and my left ear all spleen, my hearing, and my left ear all spleen, my hearing, and my left ear all at once. I was going to a doctor's at once. I was going to a doctor's at once. I was going to a doctor's appointment one day to work on legs. The appointment one day to work on legs. The appointment one day to work on legs. The next day I'd have to go to a kidney next day I'd have to go to a kidney next day I'd have to go to a kidney appointment to figure out if I was going appointment to figure out if I was going appointment to figure out if I was going to have to have a kidney transplant. to have to have a kidney transplant. to have to have a kidney transplant. >> Uh the next day I'd have to go to like a >> Uh the next day I'd have to go to like a >> Uh the next day I'd have to go to like a hearing appointment to figure out if I hearing appointment to figure out if I hearing appointment to figure out if I needed a hearing it. And this was all at needed a hearing it. And this was all at needed a hearing it. And this was all at 19 years old. And it was so overwhelming 19 years old. And it was so overwhelming 19 years old. And it was so overwhelming and it could completely crush you. But and it could completely crush you. But and it could completely crush you. But what I started doing is focusing on one what I started doing is focusing on one what I started doing is focusing on one thing at a time. So I would say, "Okay, thing at a time. So I would say, "Okay, thing at a time. So I would say, "Okay, you know what? This week is just leg you know what? This week is just leg you know what? This week is just leg week. That's it. I'm not thinking about week. That's it. I'm not thinking about week. That's it. I'm not thinking about my other problems. you know, I'm not my other problems. you know, I'm not my other problems. you know, I'm not thinking, yeah, I'm not thinking about thinking, yeah, I'm not thinking about thinking, yeah, I'm not thinking about my kidneys. I'm not thinking about if I my kidneys. I'm not thinking about if I my kidneys. I'm not thinking about if I need a hearing aid. I'm just thinking need a hearing aid. I'm just thinking need a hearing aid. I'm just thinking about my legs and that's it. And then about my legs and that's it. And then about my legs and that's it. And then the next week would be, okay, now we're the next week would be, okay, now we're the next week would be, okay, now we're focused on my kidney, like, do I need a focused on my kidney, like, do I need a focused on my kidney, like, do I need a kidney transplant? Let's get blood work, kidney transplant? Let's get blood work, kidney transplant? Let's get blood work, everything that we have to get. And just everything that we have to get. And just everything that we have to get. And just by kind of segmenting things out, it got by kind of segmenting things out, it got by kind of segmenting things out, it got rid of that overwhelm. And I've used rid of that overwhelm. And I've used rid of that overwhelm. And I've used that throughout the rest of my life. I that throughout the rest of my life. I that throughout the rest of my life. I mean it's something that you can use mean it's something that you can use mean it's something that you can use whether you're going through challenges whether you're going through challenges whether you're going through challenges like compartmentalize can help you go like compartmentalize can help you go like compartmentalize can help you go through challenges but also help you through challenges but also help you through challenges but also help you rise above and and achieve the things rise above and and achieve the things rise above and and achieve the things that you want to achieve as well. If you that you want to achieve as well. If you that you want to achieve as well. If you you know if you're busy and you're you know if you're busy and you're you know if you're busy and you're overwhelmed because you have good things overwhelmed because you have good things overwhelmed because you have good things going on you just start to kind of going on you just start to kind of going on you just start to kind of compartmentalize things a little bit. I compartmentalize things a little bit. I compartmentalize things a little bit. I think I, you know, through my think I, you know, through my think I, you know, through my challenges, I just started to realize challenges, I just started to realize challenges, I just started to realize there were things that I was leaning on there were things that I was leaning on there were things that I was leaning on that were helping me to get through that were helping me to get through that were helping me to get through instead of just um oh, feeling instead of just um oh, feeling instead of just um oh, feeling completely out of control. completely out of control. completely out of control. When we really pay attention to like When we really pay attention to like When we really pay attention to like what is it that just brightened my day? what is it that just brightened my day? what is it that just brightened my day? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> What is it that just changed my mood and >> What is it that just changed my mood and >> What is it that just changed my mood and lean into that and really focus on that lean into that and really focus on that lean into that and really focus on that then that you know that can change your then that you know that can change your then that you know that can change your entire day. That's so true that you you entire day. That's so true that you you entire day. That's so true that you you you talk about that because I was going you talk about that because I was going you talk about that because I was going through some just personal internal through some just personal internal through some just personal internal stuff last night and it was hard for me stuff last night and it was hard for me stuff last night and it was hard for me to sleep and I woke up still feeling to sleep and I woke up still feeling to sleep and I woke up still feeling kind of stressed out this morning kind of stressed out this morning kind of stressed out this morning >> and I just had twin girls that are five >> and I just had twin girls that are five >> and I just had twin girls that are five 5 months old. So I was just like, you 5 months old. So I was just like, you 5 months old. So I was just like, you know what, I need to get out of myself know what, I need to get out of myself know what, I need to get out of myself and focus on my girls. I went in, I held and focus on my girls. I went in, I held and focus on my girls. I went in, I held one of them, I took them for a walk and one of them, I took them for a walk and one of them, I took them for a walk and it just allowed me to focus on the it just allowed me to focus on the it just allowed me to focus on the present rather than the stuff I'm present rather than the stuff I'm present rather than the stuff I'm stressed about. And it gave me kind of stressed about. And it gave me kind of stressed about. And it gave me kind of more of that purpose and that grounded more of that purpose and that grounded more of that purpose and that grounded energy energy energy >> putting that towards that as opposed to >> putting that towards that as opposed to >> putting that towards that as opposed to the problems or the stress and the the problems or the stress and the the problems or the stress and the anxiety. And I think if we can all find anxiety. And I think if we can all find anxiety. And I think if we can all find that type of tool for ourselves to get that type of tool for ourselves to get that type of tool for ourselves to get grounded in the present, that's grounded in the present, that's grounded in the present, that's >> hopefully going to help you get over >> hopefully going to help you get over >> hopefully going to help you get over that stress. that stress. that stress. >> Exactly. Exactly. I mean you know we can >> Exactly. Exactly. I mean you know we can >> Exactly. Exactly. I mean you know we can easily focus on our problems and then I easily focus on our problems and then I easily focus on our problems and then I mean and you would think that your whole mean and you would think that your whole mean and you would think that your whole world is over and you think it's the end world is over and you think it's the end world is over and you think it's the end of the world you know of the world you know of the world you know >> or you focus on the things that are >> or you focus on the things that are >> or you focus on the things that are going right and you realize that you going right and you realize that you going right and you realize that you have so much and I mean you know I have have so much and I mean you know I have have so much and I mean you know I have been through a lot of course but I've been through a lot of course but I've been through a lot of course but I've also had such an incredible life of uh also had such an incredible life of uh also had such an incredible life of uh figuring out the possibilities living figuring out the possibilities living figuring out the possibilities living the possibilities but I wouldn't have the possibilities but I wouldn't have the possibilities but I wouldn't have figured that stuff out if I didn't have figured that stuff out if I didn't have figured that stuff out if I didn't have the problems that I had. the problems that I had. the problems that I had. >> Gosh. So, the problems kind of gave you >> Gosh. So, the problems kind of gave you >> Gosh. So, the problems kind of gave you purpose. It sounds like that's crazy. purpose. It sounds like that's crazy. purpose. It sounds like that's crazy. >> Yeah. I think Yeah. >> Yeah. I think Yeah. >> Yeah. I think Yeah. >> Go ahead. Go ahead. >> Go ahead. Go ahead. >> Go ahead. Go ahead. >> No, I was going to say I I really do >> No, I was going to say I I really do >> No, I was going to say I I really do believe that our problems bring us believe that our problems bring us believe that our problems bring us closer to ourselves. closer to ourselves. closer to ourselves. >> Ah, >> Ah, >> Ah, >> they bring us closer to our >> they bring us closer to our >> they bring us closer to our relationships. They bring us closer to relationships. They bring us closer to relationships. They bring us closer to God. And they can bring you closer to God. And they can bring you closer to God. And they can bring you closer to your purpose if you're if you lean into your purpose if you're if you lean into your purpose if you're if you lean into them, them, them, >> if you learn from them. >> if you learn from them. >> if you learn from them. >> If you try to run from your problems, >> If you try to run from your problems, >> If you try to run from your problems, what usually happens? Oh gosh. Then you what usually happens? Oh gosh. Then you what usually happens? Oh gosh. Then you just I mean you would just collapse and just I mean you would just collapse and just I mean you would just collapse and uh you would feel completely out of uh you would feel completely out of uh you would feel completely out of control. You would feel um you would control. You would feel um you would control. You would feel um you would feel broken. You'd feel like your feel broken. You'd feel like your feel broken. You'd feel like your problems have completely broken you down problems have completely broken you down problems have completely broken you down and crushed you and crushed you and crushed you >> because you have to let them out, you >> because you have to let them out, you >> because you have to let them out, you know, and problems are we all face them. know, and problems are we all face them. know, and problems are we all face them. These are I know that mine might be more These are I know that mine might be more These are I know that mine might be more visible because I've got prosthetic legs visible because I've got prosthetic legs visible because I've got prosthetic legs and um you know on the cover of my book and um you know on the cover of my book and um you know on the cover of my book I've got a prosthetic leg there too. But I've got a prosthetic leg there too. But I've got a prosthetic leg there too. But but we all have challenges, right? like but we all have challenges, right? like but we all have challenges, right? like it big and small. And so, and really it big and small. And so, and really it big and small. And so, and really that's what this book is for as well. that's what this book is for as well. that's what this book is for as well. It's not just for the big problems. It's It's not just for the big problems. It's It's not just for the big problems. It's it's for our daily challenges that it's for our daily challenges that it's for our daily challenges that >> that we face. I mean, even little stuff >> that we face. I mean, even little stuff >> that we face. I mean, even little stuff like this, like you might be driving like this, like you might be driving like this, like you might be driving through traffic and somebody cuts you through traffic and somebody cuts you through traffic and somebody cuts you off and you spill your coffee on off and you spill your coffee on off and you spill your coffee on yourself and now your day is totally yourself and now your day is totally yourself and now your day is totally ruined. You know, there's there's a ruined. You know, there's there's a ruined. You know, there's there's a moment where you can make a choice there moment where you can make a choice there moment where you can make a choice there on how you're going to handle that on how you're going to handle that on how you're going to handle that problem. And and it really is in the problem. And and it really is in the problem. And and it really is in the pause. I call it the power of the pause pause. I call it the power of the pause pause. I call it the power of the pause because if you can pause, you can decide because if you can pause, you can decide because if you can pause, you can decide what direction you want to go. what direction you want to go. what direction you want to go. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And you can say, wait a second, okay, >> And you can say, wait a second, okay, >> And you can say, wait a second, okay, you know, this person's a jerk and it's you know, this person's a jerk and it's you know, this person's a jerk and it's going to ruin my whole day. Or you can going to ruin my whole day. Or you can going to ruin my whole day. Or you can say, maybe this person just got a phone say, maybe this person just got a phone say, maybe this person just got a phone call that their kid is in the hospital call that their kid is in the hospital call that their kid is in the hospital and you know, they just pulled out in and you know, they just pulled out in and you know, they just pulled out in front of you. like that completely just front of you. like that completely just front of you. like that completely just shifts your perspective in that moment. shifts your perspective in that moment. shifts your perspective in that moment. And so I think that there's just these And so I think that there's just these And so I think that there's just these tools. We think that people who are like tools. We think that people who are like tools. We think that people who are like positive and happy and strong and live a positive and happy and strong and live a positive and happy and strong and live a good life are just that way. But I think good life are just that way. But I think good life are just that way. But I think we lean on tools and practices and we lean on tools and practices and we lean on tools and practices and different mindset shifts in order to be different mindset shifts in order to be different mindset shifts in order to be that way. that way. that way. >> Absolutely. Now, I'm curious about >> Absolutely. Now, I'm curious about >> Absolutely. Now, I'm curious about identity and how you've learned to think identity and how you've learned to think identity and how you've learned to think about your own identity with all the about your own identity with all the about your own identity with all the changes you've had to experience because changes you've had to experience because changes you've had to experience because a lot of people, a lot of people, a lot of people, they have their own identity, but if they have their own identity, but if they have their own identity, but if they go through a divorce or a breakdown they go through a divorce or a breakdown they go through a divorce or a breakdown or bankruptcy or some type of health or bankruptcy or some type of health or bankruptcy or some type of health challenge, it rocks their identity. challenge, it rocks their identity. challenge, it rocks their identity. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> How did you learn to step into a new >> How did you learn to step into a new >> How did you learn to step into a new identity that you didn't even know you identity that you didn't even know you identity that you didn't even know you you had because the old one was taken you had because the old one was taken you had because the old one was taken from you? There's nothing that from you? There's nothing that from you? There's nothing that frustrates me more than when things frustrates me more than when things frustrates me more than when things don't move with speed. And when it comes don't move with speed. And when it comes don't move with speed. And when it comes to building a strong daily routine for to building a strong daily routine for to building a strong daily routine for your life, the tools that you rely on at your life, the tools that you rely on at your life, the tools that you rely on at home should make things run more home should make things run more home should make things run more smoothly without interruptions. And smoothly without interruptions. And smoothly without interruptions. And that's the thinking behind T-Mobile's 5G that's the thinking behind T-Mobile's 5G that's the thinking behind T-Mobile's 5G home internet. And big news, T-Mobile home internet. And big news, T-Mobile home internet. 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All rights reserved. half of 2025. All rights reserved. >> I've had to step into quite a few >> I've had to step into quite a few >> I've had to step into quite a few different identities. I mean, when I different identities. I mean, when I different identities. I mean, when I lost my legs at 19, right, that was lost my legs at 19, right, that was lost my legs at 19, right, that was stepping into a whole suddenly I was stepping into a whole suddenly I was stepping into a whole suddenly I was somebody who had a disability, somebody who had a disability, somebody who had a disability, >> which I never could have really imagined >> which I never could have really imagined >> which I never could have really imagined that that would be my life. that that would be my life. that that would be my life. >> Um, so I had to wrap my head around what >> Um, so I had to wrap my head around what >> Um, so I had to wrap my head around what that meant and how people viewed me as that meant and how people viewed me as that meant and how people viewed me as well. well. well. >> And but really, you know, I think for me >> And but really, you know, I think for me >> And but really, you know, I think for me it was just taking ownership of it. It's it was just taking ownership of it. It's it was just taking ownership of it. It's like I lost both of my legs, but this is like I lost both of my legs, but this is like I lost both of my legs, but this is who I am. I never covered it up. I um who I am. I never covered it up. I um who I am. I never covered it up. I um you know people would look at me a you know people would look at me a you know people would look at me a little bit differently at first and I little bit differently at first and I little bit differently at first and I had to get comfortable with that. had to get comfortable with that. had to get comfortable with that. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> But I felt way more comfortable being me >> But I felt way more comfortable being me >> But I felt way more comfortable being me than not being me. than not being me. than not being me. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And so the more that I showed up, you >> And so the more that I showed up, you >> And so the more that I showed up, you know, then I started wearing dresses and know, then I started wearing dresses and know, then I started wearing dresses and heels and you'd see my bionic legs and heels and you'd see my bionic legs and heels and you'd see my bionic legs and then people would talk to me about my then people would talk to me about my then people would talk to me about my legs and then, you know, it helped me legs and then, you know, it helped me legs and then, you know, it helped me embrace my legs and my situation as embrace my legs and my situation as embrace my legs and my situation as well. kind of the more that I I got well. kind of the more that I I got well. kind of the more that I I got brave with it and and just brave with it and and just brave with it and and just >> became more comfortable with myself, >> became more comfortable with myself, >> became more comfortable with myself, that's kind of when things started to my that's kind of when things started to my that's kind of when things started to my whole life started to flow kind of from whole life started to flow kind of from whole life started to flow kind of from that point forward. But I started to that point forward. But I started to that point forward. But I started to meet people, I started to get more meet people, I started to get more meet people, I started to get more comfortable with other people as well. comfortable with other people as well. comfortable with other people as well. And so it just became my new identity. And so it just became my new identity. And so it just became my new identity. >> Um but by making that choice again that >> Um but by making that choice again that >> Um but by making that choice again that I wasn't going to hide it, you know, I I wasn't going to hide it, you know, I I wasn't going to hide it, you know, I wasn't going to hide who I was now. I wasn't going to hide who I was now. I wasn't going to hide who I was now. I was going to embrace it even if I wasn't was going to embrace it even if I wasn't was going to embrace it even if I wasn't comfortable with it. comfortable with it. comfortable with it. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And and and I had to do the same a >> And and and I had to do the same a >> And and and I had to do the same a couple years ago when, you know, I couple years ago when, you know, I couple years ago when, you know, I severely injured my left leg. That was 7 severely injured my left leg. That was 7 severely injured my left leg. That was 7 years ago. I ended up uh losing the years ago. I ended up uh losing the years ago. I ended up uh losing the entire arterial system of my left leg. entire arterial system of my left leg. entire arterial system of my left leg. So I got a blood clot from my hip down So I got a blood clot from my hip down So I got a blood clot from my hip down every artery of my left leg. And that every artery of my left leg. And that every artery of my left leg. And that was from doing all the sports that I was was from doing all the sports that I was was from doing all the sports that I was doing on prosthetic legs. So having doing on prosthetic legs. So having doing on prosthetic legs. So having carbon fiber legs that are kind of carbon fiber legs that are kind of carbon fiber legs that are kind of pushing in, you know, and you're pushing in, you know, and you're pushing in, you know, and you're snowboarding 7 hours a day, walking snowboarding 7 hours a day, walking snowboarding 7 hours a day, walking through airports, um standing on stage through airports, um standing on stage through airports, um standing on stage speaking, whatever it may be, going to speaking, whatever it may be, going to speaking, whatever it may be, going to the gym afterwards. All of that ended up the gym afterwards. All of that ended up the gym afterwards. All of that ended up damaging the arteries of my left leg. It damaging the arteries of my left leg. It damaging the arteries of my left leg. It it damaged my poplatil artery and then it damaged my poplatil artery and then it damaged my poplatil artery and then shut down my entire femoral artery. And shut down my entire femoral artery. And shut down my entire femoral artery. And I went through major surgeries, 10 I went through major surgeries, 10 I went through major surgeries, 10 surgeries in the course of two and a surgeries in the course of two and a surgeries in the course of two and a half years, I think. And it was all half years, I think. And it was all half years, I think. And it was all during CO. So I'd be in the hospital by during CO. So I'd be in the hospital by during CO. So I'd be in the hospital by myself for days at a time. And it I had myself for days at a time. And it I had myself for days at a time. And it I had to step into a completely new identity to step into a completely new identity to step into a completely new identity after that happened because I went from after that happened because I went from after that happened because I went from losing my legs when I was 19 to living losing my legs when I was 19 to living losing my legs when I was 19 to living this incredible life of you know sport this incredible life of you know sport this incredible life of you know sport and athletics and dance for the stars and athletics and dance for the stars and athletics and dance for the stars and then I was on you know Oprah's stage and then I was on you know Oprah's stage and then I was on you know Oprah's stage speaking and traveling the world and speaking and traveling the world and speaking and traveling the world and felt completely capable 100% capable is felt completely capable 100% capable is felt completely capable 100% capable is so comfortable in my legs as well to now so comfortable in my legs as well to now so comfortable in my legs as well to now being knocked off my feet again not even being knocked off my feet again not even being knocked off my feet again not even sure if I'd be able to go back to do sure if I'd be able to go back to do sure if I'd be able to go back to do those things that I worked so hard to those things that I worked so hard to those things that I worked so hard to do. do. do. >> It was almost harder it sounds like the >> It was almost harder it sounds like the >> It was almost harder it sounds like the second time around because second time around because second time around because >> you it almost the first time it was >> you it almost the first time it was >> you it almost the first time it was obviously lifealtering but it unlocked a obviously lifealtering but it unlocked a obviously lifealtering but it unlocked a whole world of possibilities. The second whole world of possibilities. The second whole world of possibilities. The second time around it almost sounds like oh all time around it almost sounds like oh all time around it almost sounds like oh all these possibilities might stop now these possibilities might stop now these possibilities might stop now because of these challenges. because of these challenges. because of these challenges. >> Exactly. >> Exactly. >> Exactly. >> That's that's scary. >> That's that's scary. >> That's that's scary. >> Yeah. And that's why that's why it was >> Yeah. And that's why that's why it was >> Yeah. And that's why that's why it was so hard. That's why I say that the first so hard. That's why I say that the first so hard. That's why I say that the first time I was fighting for my life, but the time I was fighting for my life, but the time I was fighting for my life, but the second time I was fighting for the second time I was fighting for the second time I was fighting for the quality of my life. quality of my life. quality of my life. >> Wow. Yeah. >> Wow. Yeah. >> Wow. Yeah. >> And that made it that much harder >> And that made it that much harder >> And that made it that much harder because now you're like, I'm here on because now you're like, I'm here on because now you're like, I'm here on earth and this is how I'm going to live earth and this is how I'm going to live earth and this is how I'm going to live the rest of my life. And and am I going the rest of my life. And and am I going the rest of my life. And and am I going to be the person that I was? Am I the to be the person that I was? Am I the to be the person that I was? Am I the person that I thought I was? You know, person that I thought I was? You know, person that I thought I was? You know, who am I if I'm not doing the things who am I if I'm not doing the things who am I if I'm not doing the things that I was doing that I thought defined that I was doing that I thought defined that I was doing that I thought defined me? Mhm. me? Mhm. me? Mhm. >> Who am I now? If I can't do those >> Who am I now? If I can't do those >> Who am I now? If I can't do those things, if every single thing is just things, if every single thing is just things, if every single thing is just stripped away, who are you? stripped away, who are you? stripped away, who are you? >> Yes. So, what did you discover? Who you >> Yes. So, what did you discover? Who you >> Yes. So, what did you discover? Who you were in that process? were in that process? were in that process? >> I I discovered, >> I I discovered, >> I I discovered, >> let me think. I discovered that I'll >> let me think. I discovered that I'll >> let me think. I discovered that I'll tell you what, it very much so softened tell you what, it very much so softened tell you what, it very much so softened me really me really me really >> instead of being very um clear and maybe >> instead of being very um clear and maybe >> instead of being very um clear and maybe um not clear, but like um not clear, but like um not clear, but like >> driven or something. I was yeah I was >> driven or something. I was yeah I was >> driven or something. I was yeah I was very very driven before and I still am. very very driven before and I still am. very very driven before and I still am. Um but it softened me to be a little bit Um but it softened me to be a little bit Um but it softened me to be a little bit more receptive and re and let people more receptive and re and let people more receptive and re and let people around me help me. I think for so long I around me help me. I think for so long I around me help me. I think for so long I wanted to share and show just how wanted to share and show just how wanted to share and show just how capable I was. capable I was. capable I was. >> I could do it. >> I could do it. >> I could do it. >> We all want to feel that way, right? And >> We all want to feel that way, right? And >> We all want to feel that way, right? And people, you know, say, "Oh, she has people, you know, say, "Oh, she has people, you know, say, "Oh, she has prosthetic legs. Like, do you need help prosthetic legs. Like, do you need help prosthetic legs. Like, do you need help with something?" I'd be like, "I'm fine. with something?" I'd be like, "I'm fine. with something?" I'd be like, "I'm fine. I'm an athlete. Like I travel the world, I'm an athlete. Like I travel the world, I'm an athlete. Like I travel the world, you know, and I drag my snowboard bags you know, and I drag my snowboard bags you know, and I drag my snowboard bags all around the world. Like I'm good." all around the world. Like I'm good." all around the world. Like I'm good." But now I really this softened me in a But now I really this softened me in a But now I really this softened me in a completely different way in a very very completely different way in a very very completely different way in a very very good way that allowed other people to good way that allowed other people to good way that allowed other people to not just help me but I I became more not just help me but I I became more not just help me but I I became more receptive I think and it connected me to receptive I think and it connected me to receptive I think and it connected me to my relationships better and it made me my relationships better and it made me my relationships better and it made me feel feel feel more grounded like it is when you go more grounded like it is when you go more grounded like it is when you go through those challenges that you start through those challenges that you start through those challenges that you start questioning why are we here? what is the questioning why are we here? what is the questioning why are we here? what is the purpose of this? And how do I want to purpose of this? And how do I want to purpose of this? And how do I want to live the rest of my life? And when you live the rest of my life? And when you live the rest of my life? And when you really can have those deep moments, really can have those deep moments, really can have those deep moments, that's when you learn the most about that's when you learn the most about that's when you learn the most about yourself. And that's when you learn the yourself. And that's when you learn the yourself. And that's when you learn the most about what you want for your life most about what you want for your life most about what you want for your life and what really matters in life. And for and what really matters in life. And for and what really matters in life. And for me, I realized it was just the simple me, I realized it was just the simple me, I realized it was just the simple stuff. It's, you know, my relationships. stuff. It's, you know, my relationships. stuff. It's, you know, my relationships. My my mom was amazing. She took care of My my mom was amazing. She took care of My my mom was amazing. She took care of me while I was going through all of me while I was going through all of me while I was going through all of this. My husband was absolutely this. My husband was absolutely this. My husband was absolutely incredible. It completely transformed incredible. It completely transformed incredible. It completely transformed our relationship. our relationship. our relationship. >> I went from being, you know, traveling >> I went from being, you know, traveling >> I went from being, you know, traveling and just being so um I don't know, just and just being so um I don't know, just and just being so um I don't know, just so independent to allowing him to so independent to allowing him to so independent to allowing him to totally step in, take care of things, totally step in, take care of things, totally step in, take care of things, and he stepped up in a way that I never and he stepped up in a way that I never and he stepped up in a way that I never could have imagined. He would be, you could have imagined. He would be, you could have imagined. He would be, you know, cleaning the house every day, know, cleaning the house every day, know, cleaning the house every day, taking care of me, started cooking every taking care of me, started cooking every taking care of me, started cooking every day. I realized how nurturing he was and day. I realized how nurturing he was and day. I realized how nurturing he was and I I never saw that before, like quite I I never saw that before, like quite I I never saw that before, like quite like that. like that. like that. >> And I think it's because I didn't need >> And I think it's because I didn't need >> And I think it's because I didn't need it, but once I needed it, it allowed him it, but once I needed it, it allowed him it, but once I needed it, it allowed him to rise into a version that he wasn't to rise into a version that he wasn't to rise into a version that he wasn't able to express before either. able to express before either. able to express before either. >> Wow. >> Wow. >> Wow. >> And and >> And and >> And and >> because you never allowed him to, it >> because you never allowed him to, it >> because you never allowed him to, it sounds like, sounds like, sounds like, >> right? >> right? >> right? >> You're like, "No, I got this. I can do >> You're like, "No, I got this. I can do >> You're like, "No, I got this. I can do these things, right? these things, right? these things, right? >> I'll handle it." >> I'll handle it." >> I'll handle it." >> Yeah. I I think um Yeah. I I really >> Yeah. I I think um Yeah. I I really >> Yeah. I I think um Yeah. I I really think that our challenges can teach us think that our challenges can teach us think that our challenges can teach us so much. And that's what going through so much. And that's what going through so much. And that's what going through what I went through, it it was a what I went through, it it was a what I went through, it it was a seven-year journey of getting back on my seven-year journey of getting back on my seven-year journey of getting back on my feet to walk again. And I'm still in it feet to walk again. And I'm still in it feet to walk again. And I'm still in it because I have prosthetic legs. So, it's because I have prosthetic legs. So, it's because I have prosthetic legs. So, it's like actually getting my legs to be like actually getting my legs to be like actually getting my legs to be comfortable enough to walk in. Um is comfortable enough to walk in. Um is comfortable enough to walk in. Um is that's like the second phase of the that's like the second phase of the that's like the second phase of the journey that that I'm in right now. But journey that that I'm in right now. But journey that that I'm in right now. But but the first phase, it's like when but the first phase, it's like when but the first phase, it's like when you're going through the depths, if you you're going through the depths, if you you're going through the depths, if you allow yourself to be in the moment and allow yourself to be in the moment and allow yourself to be in the moment and lean into what you're going through lean into what you're going through lean into what you're going through instead of trying to resist it, instead of trying to resist it, instead of trying to resist it, >> you can learn so much. And those moments >> you can learn so much. And those moments >> you can learn so much. And those moments become some of your most, I think, become some of your most, I think, become some of your most, I think, grounded, special moments because like I grounded, special moments because like I grounded, special moments because like I said, people are there for you. You said, people are there for you. You said, people are there for you. You realize people are there for you when realize people are there for you when realize people are there for you when you need them the most. Like that's you need them the most. Like that's you need them the most. Like that's amazing. What else can you ask for in amazing. What else can you ask for in amazing. What else can you ask for in life? life? life? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> But to but to have those moments of >> But to but to have those moments of >> But to but to have those moments of being grounded and knowing that you're being grounded and knowing that you're being grounded and knowing that you're supported and supported and supported and being connected with others. I think being connected with others. I think being connected with others. I think that's one of the most important things that's one of the most important things that's one of the most important things that we have on earth and that we that we have on earth and that we that we have on earth and that we >> we need is you know that support. I >> we need is you know that support. I >> we need is you know that support. I think challenges also teach us allow think challenges also teach us allow think challenges also teach us allow other people in our lives to support us, other people in our lives to support us, other people in our lives to support us, but they also show us but they also show us but they also show us >> who doesn't really care enough to like >> who doesn't really care enough to like >> who doesn't really care enough to like support us as well. support us as well. support us as well. >> When you reach out and say, "Hey, I'm >> When you reach out and say, "Hey, I'm >> When you reach out and say, "Hey, I'm really struggling. Can you help with really struggling. Can you help with really struggling. Can you help with this?" And someone's silent, this?" And someone's silent, this?" And someone's silent, >> right? >> right? >> right? >> You're like, >> You're like, >> You're like, >> "Oh, they're not as supportive as I >> "Oh, they're not as supportive as I >> "Oh, they're not as supportive as I thought they would be." Or, thought they would be." Or, thought they would be." Or, >> and so you kind of learn more about who >> and so you kind of learn more about who >> and so you kind of learn more about who the relationships really matter in your the relationships really matter in your the relationships really matter in your life when you go through challenges. life when you go through challenges. life when you go through challenges. like the people step up that are maybe like the people step up that are maybe like the people step up that are maybe >> the least that you would expect to do it >> the least that you would expect to do it >> the least that you would expect to do it step up for you sometimes where others step up for you sometimes where others step up for you sometimes where others maybe not. maybe not. maybe not. >> And I think that allows opportunity for >> And I think that allows opportunity for >> And I think that allows opportunity for you to build stronger relationships with you to build stronger relationships with you to build stronger relationships with the right people, the right people, the right people, >> right? And so it's always a win, >> right? And so it's always a win, >> right? And so it's always a win, >> right? Because you think, okay, this >> right? Because you think, okay, this >> right? Because you think, okay, this person's not in your life now because person's not in your life now because person's not in your life now because they weren't there for you when you they weren't there for you when you they weren't there for you when you needed them the most. But at the same needed them the most. But at the same needed them the most. But at the same time, it's like, well, thank God you time, it's like, well, thank God you time, it's like, well, thank God you figured that out. Now you know who is in figured that out. Now you know who is in figured that out. Now you know who is in your life who has stepped up to support your life who has stepped up to support your life who has stepped up to support you. And but also just that, you know, I you. And but also just that, you know, I you. And but also just that, you know, I think what I learned going through my think what I learned going through my think what I learned going through my challenges really is the power of being challenges really is the power of being challenges really is the power of being vulnerable, vulnerable, vulnerable, >> being comfortable letting people in and >> being comfortable letting people in and >> being comfortable letting people in and not just pretending like you have it all not just pretending like you have it all not just pretending like you have it all figured out. And when you let people in, figured out. And when you let people in, figured out. And when you let people in, it allows them to show up as their best it allows them to show up as their best it allows them to show up as their best self as well or maybe show up in a self as well or maybe show up in a self as well or maybe show up in a different version that they've showed different version that they've showed different version that they've showed shown up in before. they're they're able shown up in before. they're they're able shown up in before. they're they're able to show up and and support you in a way to show up and and support you in a way to show up and and support you in a way that maybe they didn't support you that maybe they didn't support you that maybe they didn't support you before. before. before. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And it comes down to you just allowing >> And it comes down to you just allowing >> And it comes down to you just allowing people in. people in. people in. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> And you know, for me going through the >> And you know, for me going through the >> And you know, for me going through the challenge that I went through, um going challenge that I went through, um going challenge that I went through, um going through all these surgeries and stuff, I through all these surgeries and stuff, I through all these surgeries and stuff, I really had no choice but to rely on the really had no choice but to rely on the really had no choice but to rely on the support that was around me. And that support that was around me. And that support that was around me. And that gave me strength. So, you know, a lot of gave me strength. So, you know, a lot of gave me strength. So, you know, a lot of times I think we think that resilient times I think we think that resilient times I think we think that resilient people are just resilient. like they're people are just resilient. like they're people are just resilient. like they're just that's just a resilient person who just that's just a resilient person who just that's just a resilient person who has a lot of grit. But I think resilient has a lot of grit. But I think resilient has a lot of grit. But I think resilient people people people realize that there are certain things realize that there are certain things realize that there are certain things that help them become strong. that help them become strong. that help them become strong. >> There are certain things that help them >> There are certain things that help them >> There are certain things that help them through challenges. And through challenges. And through challenges. And >> for me, one of those things was, you >> for me, one of those things was, you >> for me, one of those things was, you know, my relationships and my family and know, my relationships and my family and know, my relationships and my family and my friends and really leaning into my my friends and really leaning into my my friends and really leaning into my own vulnerability so that I can let them own vulnerability so that I can let them own vulnerability so that I can let them in. that actually gave me the strength in. that actually gave me the strength in. that actually gave me the strength to continue forward. to continue forward. to continue forward. >> Wow. Was there ever a time where you >> Wow. Was there ever a time where you >> Wow. Was there ever a time where you were so uncertain that you just said, were so uncertain that you just said, were so uncertain that you just said, "God, show me the way. Tell me what you "God, show me the way. Tell me what you "God, show me the way. Tell me what you want from me." And want from me." And want from me." And >> what was that conversation or >> what was that conversation or >> what was that conversation or conversations and relationship with God conversations and relationship with God conversations and relationship with God been like for you? been like for you? been like for you? >> It's been an interesting conversation to >> It's been an interesting conversation to >> It's been an interesting conversation to be honest. It's been an interesting be honest. It's been an interesting be honest. It's been an interesting journey. Yeah, absolutely. My gosh. Um journey. Yeah, absolutely. My gosh. Um journey. Yeah, absolutely. My gosh. Um when I when I injured my leg when I when I injured my leg when I when I injured my leg I mean I I mean I I mean I >> seven years ago or seven years ago or >> seven years ago or seven years ago or >> seven years ago or seven years ago or yeah so when I injured my leg seven yeah so when I injured my leg seven yeah so when I injured my leg seven years ago I you know I injured my years ago I you know I injured my years ago I you know I injured my paplatila artery I had no idea if I'd be paplatila artery I had no idea if I'd be paplatila artery I had no idea if I'd be able to wear a prosthetic again. So I able to wear a prosthetic again. So I able to wear a prosthetic again. So I didn't even know if I'd be able to walk didn't even know if I'd be able to walk didn't even know if I'd be able to walk again. And that was the hardest time of again. And that was the hardest time of again. And that was the hardest time of my life. And that went on for a couple my life. And that went on for a couple my life. And that went on for a couple years of not knowing. So that was this years of not knowing. So that was this years of not knowing. So that was this extended challenge that just seemed to extended challenge that just seemed to extended challenge that just seemed to not end, right? There wasn't really an not end, right? There wasn't really an not end, right? There wasn't really an end in sight. And there was no nobody end in sight. And there was no nobody end in sight. And there was no nobody could give me a prognosis. Nobody could could give me a prognosis. Nobody could could give me a prognosis. Nobody could say, "Oh, yeah." I mean, I was such a say, "Oh, yeah." I mean, I was such a say, "Oh, yeah." I mean, I was such a unique case. unique case. unique case. >> Yeah. Give it 6 months, you'll recover >> Yeah. Give it 6 months, you'll recover >> Yeah. Give it 6 months, you'll recover or you'll be back on your feet or or you'll be back on your feet or or you'll be back on your feet or nothing. nothing. nothing. >> Most people lose their legs from what I >> Most people lose their legs from what I >> Most people lose their legs from what I went through. I already am an ampute. So went through. I already am an ampute. So went through. I already am an ampute. So that's like, you know, just we were just that's like, you know, just we were just that's like, you know, just we were just trying to save the rest of my leg and so trying to save the rest of my leg and so trying to save the rest of my leg and so and not knowing what the future held. I and not knowing what the future held. I and not knowing what the future held. I mean, um, it there was a lot of times mean, um, it there was a lot of times mean, um, it there was a lot of times that I I would just go up and I I'd sit that I I would just go up and I I'd sit that I I would just go up and I I'd sit in my bathtub and just ball my eyes out in my bathtub and just ball my eyes out in my bathtub and just ball my eyes out and but and I was grieving, you know, I and but and I was grieving, you know, I and but and I was grieving, you know, I was grieving the loss of who I was. I was grieving the loss of who I was. I was grieving the loss of who I was. I was um grieving the uncertainty of of was um grieving the uncertainty of of was um grieving the uncertainty of of what's to come and just, you know, I'd what's to come and just, you know, I'd what's to come and just, you know, I'd think like, why do I have to go through think like, why do I have to go through think like, why do I have to go through this again? It was the first time in my this again? It was the first time in my this again? It was the first time in my life that I was saying, why me? I never life that I was saying, why me? I never life that I was saying, why me? I never said why me when I lost my legs in the said why me when I lost my legs in the said why me when I lost my legs in the first place, but this time I did. And um first place, but this time I did. And um first place, but this time I did. And um but I'll tell you what, first of all, but I'll tell you what, first of all, but I'll tell you what, first of all, just grieving, just going into my just grieving, just going into my just grieving, just going into my bathtub and allowing myself to grieve, bathtub and allowing myself to grieve, bathtub and allowing myself to grieve, like allowing that energy to move like allowing that energy to move like allowing that energy to move through me, I would always get out through me, I would always get out through me, I would always get out feeling so much better and hopeful. feeling so much better and hopeful. feeling so much better and hopeful. That's good. That's good. That's good. >> And feel like, okay, I got this. >> And feel like, okay, I got this. >> And feel like, okay, I got this. Whatever whatever happens, I'm going to Whatever whatever happens, I'm going to Whatever whatever happens, I'm going to be okay. So that's one of those things be okay. So that's one of those things be okay. So that's one of those things that I just started to pay attention to that I just started to pay attention to that I just started to pay attention to that when you allow yourself to feel the that when you allow yourself to feel the that when you allow yourself to feel the emotions, then that's where you find emotions, then that's where you find emotions, then that's where you find your strength. Yeah. your strength. Yeah. your strength. Yeah. >> And you can continue forward. >> And you can continue forward. >> And you can continue forward. >> W It's beautiful. The book is amazing. >> W It's beautiful. The book is amazing. >> W It's beautiful. The book is amazing. And on on page 101, you have a quote And on on page 101, you have a quote And on on page 101, you have a quote that says, "The quality of your life that says, "The quality of your life that says, "The quality of your life comes down to the stories you choose to comes down to the stories you choose to comes down to the stories you choose to believe." believe." believe." You know, you've been it's been 25 years You know, you've been it's been 25 years You know, you've been it's been 25 years since losing your legs, I believe. since losing your legs, I believe. since losing your legs, I believe. Right? 25 years. And you were just Right? 25 years. And you were just Right? 25 years. And you were just telling me before we started rolling telling me before we started rolling telling me before we started rolling that you're are you're in transition that you're are you're in transition that you're are you're in transition again in so many different areas of your again in so many different areas of your again in so many different areas of your life. You're in transition and you've life. You're in transition and you've life. You're in transition and you've been full steam ahead of like the last been full steam ahead of like the last been full steam ahead of like the last 25 years of building your business and 25 years of building your business and 25 years of building your business and your brand and doing certain things. your brand and doing certain things. your brand and doing certain things. >> But now you're almost creating a new >> But now you're almost creating a new >> But now you're almost creating a new identity for what's coming. And again identity for what's coming. And again identity for what's coming. And again the quote you say is the quality of your the quote you say is the quality of your the quote you say is the quality of your life comes down comes down to the life comes down comes down to the life comes down comes down to the stories you choose to believe. What is stories you choose to believe. What is stories you choose to believe. What is the current story you're choosing to the current story you're choosing to the current story you're choosing to believe right now at this new season of believe right now at this new season of believe right now at this new season of possibilities but also potentially possibilities but also potentially possibilities but also potentially uncertainty of what's to come? uncertainty of what's to come? uncertainty of what's to come? >> Oh gosh. I mean, I think you know the >> Oh gosh. I mean, I think you know the >> Oh gosh. I mean, I think you know the first kind of the first half of my life first kind of the first half of my life first kind of the first half of my life or the first third of my life was trying or the first third of my life was trying or the first third of my life was trying to was actually living life normal, to was actually living life normal, to was actually living life normal, right? Not realizing what was out there. right? Not realizing what was out there. right? Not realizing what was out there. >> Actually, you know, until I was 20 years >> Actually, you know, until I was 20 years >> Actually, you know, until I was 20 years old and then all of a sudden I lost my old and then all of a sudden I lost my old and then all of a sudden I lost my legs. The next 20 years really became legs. The next 20 years really became legs. The next 20 years really became trying to figure out the possibilities. trying to figure out the possibilities. trying to figure out the possibilities. what can I do with these legs? What can what can I do with these legs? What can what can I do with these legs? What can I do? You know, what's possible? And I I do? You know, what's possible? And I I do? You know, what's possible? And I figured those things out. And I also figured those things out. And I also figured those things out. And I also figured out my limits, right? figured out my limits, right? figured out my limits, right? >> And then I think these next 20 years >> And then I think these next 20 years >> And then I think these next 20 years really are and who knows what they are, really are and who knows what they are, really are and who knows what they are, but just stepping into this next part of but just stepping into this next part of but just stepping into this next part of my life really is just uh is helping my life really is just uh is helping my life really is just uh is helping others see that within themselves that others see that within themselves that others see that within themselves that we all have so much potential. No matter we all have so much potential. No matter we all have so much potential. No matter what challenges we're faced with, what challenges we're faced with, what challenges we're faced with, >> we all are capable of so much. But you >> we all are capable of so much. But you >> we all are capable of so much. But you don't have to go like crazy achieving don't have to go like crazy achieving don't have to go like crazy achieving big things either. Just to just to know big things either. Just to just to know big things either. Just to just to know that you are capable of doing the things that you are capable of doing the things that you are capable of doing the things that you want to do in your life. I that you want to do in your life. I that you want to do in your life. I think it really is just about living a think it really is just about living a think it really is just about living a good life good life good life >> and living a fulfilling life. I think >> and living a fulfilling life. I think >> and living a fulfilling life. I think that is so that's the most important that is so that's the most important that is so that's the most important thing we can have is being fulfilled. thing we can have is being fulfilled. thing we can have is being fulfilled. And the way to be fulfilled is to be And the way to be fulfilled is to be And the way to be fulfilled is to be able to deal with the adversities that able to deal with the adversities that able to deal with the adversities that come our way. Because the longer we come our way. Because the longer we come our way. Because the longer we live, the more adversity we're going to live, the more adversity we're going to live, the more adversity we're going to face. Like that's all there is to it. face. Like that's all there is to it. face. Like that's all there is to it. You know, you get older and things start You know, you get older and things start You know, you get older and things start falling apart. And I mean, the longer falling apart. And I mean, the longer falling apart. And I mean, the longer you live, like the more chance that you live, like the more chance that you live, like the more chance that you'll have a disability. You'll have to you'll have a disability. You'll have to you'll have a disability. You'll have to go through something major. And you'll go through something major. And you'll go through something major. And you'll lose people. You'll lose different lose people. You'll lose different lose people. You'll lose different versions of your of yourself. And so, versions of your of yourself. And so, versions of your of yourself. And so, the more we can just accept that that is the more we can just accept that that is the more we can just accept that that is the process of life. And that is the process of life. And that is the process of life. And that is actually what brings us closer to our actually what brings us closer to our actually what brings us closer to our ourselves. ourselves. ourselves. >> That's like that's kind of where I'm at >> That's like that's kind of where I'm at >> That's like that's kind of where I'm at right now. I'm just in a I'm in a space right now. I'm just in a I'm in a space right now. I'm just in a I'm in a space of being very appreciative for of being very appreciative for of being very appreciative for everything that I've gone through everything that I've gone through everything that I've gone through everywhere I'm at uh as far as everywhere I'm at uh as far as everywhere I'm at uh as far as everything I have, you know, to deal everything I have, you know, to deal everything I have, you know, to deal with or but with or but with or but >> I don't know. I think, you know, we I we >> I don't know. I think, you know, we I we >> I don't know. I think, you know, we I we all have challenges. Yeah. all have challenges. Yeah. all have challenges. Yeah. >> I mean, that's just the biggest thing I >> I mean, that's just the biggest thing I >> I mean, that's just the biggest thing I think and it it's knowing that that's a think and it it's knowing that that's a think and it it's knowing that that's a part of life. It's not those aren't part of life. It's not those aren't part of life. It's not those aren't detours that knock you out of life. detours that knock you out of life. detours that knock you out of life. Those are the things that help you Those are the things that help you Those are the things that help you discover life more and deeper. With all discover life more and deeper. With all discover life more and deeper. With all the wisdom you have now over the last 25 the wisdom you have now over the last 25 the wisdom you have now over the last 25 years, if you could go back to the years, if you could go back to the years, if you could go back to the 1920-year-old 1920-year-old 1920-year-old who just, you know, lost her legs and who just, you know, lost her legs and who just, you know, lost her legs and her kidney and her spleen, her kidney and her spleen, her kidney and her spleen, what are three pieces of advice you what are three pieces of advice you what are three pieces of advice you would say to her if she was sitting would say to her if she was sitting would say to her if she was sitting right in front of you in that hospital right in front of you in that hospital right in front of you in that hospital bed? bed? bed? >> Oh my gosh. Three pieces of advice I >> Oh my gosh. Three pieces of advice I >> Oh my gosh. Three pieces of advice I first of all, I would say to that you first of all, I would say to that you first of all, I would say to that you are going to go through a lot of are going to go through a lot of are going to go through a lot of challenges, but don't focus on the challenges, but don't focus on the challenges, but don't focus on the problem. problem. problem. >> Focus on the possibility. like focus on >> Focus on the possibility. like focus on >> Focus on the possibility. like focus on the possibility within the problem. the possibility within the problem. the possibility within the problem. There always is one. So, you know, don't There always is one. So, you know, don't There always is one. So, you know, don't let the problems grow. Focus on the let the problems grow. Focus on the let the problems grow. Focus on the little slivers of things that you find little slivers of things that you find little slivers of things that you find in there that that you can lean into cuz in there that that you can lean into cuz in there that that you can lean into cuz that will take you that won't just get that will take you that won't just get that will take you that won't just get you through your challenges. That will you through your challenges. That will you through your challenges. That will take you further than you ever knew you take you further than you ever knew you take you further than you ever knew you could go. could go. could go. Um the second thing is to gosh just um Um the second thing is to gosh just um Um the second thing is to gosh just um let me think like you're just so capable let me think like you're just so capable let me think like you're just so capable of so much. of so much. of so much. >> So don't let your problems stop you, you >> So don't let your problems stop you, you >> So don't let your problems stop you, you know? Like you you are capable of more know? Like you you are capable of more know? Like you you are capable of more than you even know. We all are. We'll than you even know. We all are. We'll than you even know. We all are. We'll never even reach our potential of what never even reach our potential of what never even reach our potential of what we're capable of just knowing that. we're capable of just knowing that. we're capable of just knowing that. >> And so just whatever it is that you want >> And so just whatever it is that you want >> And so just whatever it is that you want to do, like go after it. Don't look at to do, like go after it. Don't look at to do, like go after it. Don't look at your challenges as these obstacles. Look your challenges as these obstacles. Look your challenges as these obstacles. Look at those challenges as the way to get to at those challenges as the way to get to at those challenges as the way to get to where you want to go where you want to go where you want to go >> because they will help you if you look >> because they will help you if you look >> because they will help you if you look at them in that way. Um, and I think you at them in that way. Um, and I think you at them in that way. Um, and I think you know I guess the third thing is just to know I guess the third thing is just to know I guess the third thing is just to and it's it's how I've always felt to be and it's it's how I've always felt to be and it's it's how I've always felt to be honest. But just appreciate your body. honest. But just appreciate your body. honest. But just appreciate your body. Your body is just so powerful. It's so Your body is just so powerful. It's so Your body is just so powerful. It's so amazing. Our bodies are absolute healers amazing. Our bodies are absolute healers amazing. Our bodies are absolute healers and uh so just appreciate it. take care and uh so just appreciate it. take care and uh so just appreciate it. take care of it. The more you take care of your of it. The more you take care of your of it. The more you take care of your body, the more it will take care of you body, the more it will take care of you body, the more it will take care of you and it will be there for you. I mean, my and it will be there for you. I mean, my and it will be there for you. I mean, my body's been my greatest ally through all body's been my greatest ally through all body's been my greatest ally through all of this because I gosh, I've gone of this because I gosh, I've gone of this because I gosh, I've gone through surgeries and lost my legs and through surgeries and lost my legs and through surgeries and lost my legs and kidney transplant and all this stuff and kidney transplant and all this stuff and kidney transplant and all this stuff and yet my body has recouped and been strong yet my body has recouped and been strong yet my body has recouped and been strong and resilient and my body has actually and resilient and my body has actually and resilient and my body has actually taught me how to be resilient. It taught me how to be resilient. It taught me how to be resilient. It continues to bounce back every single continues to bounce back every single continues to bounce back every single time and uh and do what it's supposed to time and uh and do what it's supposed to time and uh and do what it's supposed to do. I mean, that's just so incredible. do. I mean, that's just so incredible. do. I mean, that's just so incredible. So, I I would just I would continue to I So, I I would just I would continue to I So, I I would just I would continue to I would say keep taking care of yourself would say keep taking care of yourself would say keep taking care of yourself because your body will carry you through because your body will carry you through because your body will carry you through some of your greatest challenges. some of your greatest challenges. some of your greatest challenges. >> If you could go 25 years in the future >> If you could go 25 years in the future >> If you could go 25 years in the future and give yourself advice today and give yourself advice today and give yourself advice today from your future self, hypothetically, from your future self, hypothetically, from your future self, hypothetically, if you could go into the future and what if you could go into the future and what if you could go into the future and what do you think she would say to you right do you think she would say to you right do you think she would say to you right now with where you're at? You know, now with where you're at? You know, now with where you're at? You know, you're launching this book about you're launching this book about you're launching this book about bouncing forward. You're going through bouncing forward. You're going through bouncing forward. You're going through personal transitions and career and personal transitions and career and personal transitions and career and business. business. business. >> You've kind of lived a full life of >> You've kind of lived a full life of >> You've kind of lived a full life of accomplishing certain goals and dreams accomplishing certain goals and dreams accomplishing certain goals and dreams to to to >> show what was possible for yourself. But >> show what was possible for yourself. But >> show what was possible for yourself. But now you have new season of life. What do now you have new season of life. What do now you have new season of life. What do you think she would say to you? Three you think she would say to you? Three you think she would say to you? Three things as as you are right now leaning things as as you are right now leaning things as as you are right now leaning into this season. Maybe the first thing into this season. Maybe the first thing into this season. Maybe the first thing would be would be would be you like Amy, you already know. you like Amy, you already know. you like Amy, you already know. >> You already you already know what it's >> You already you already know what it's >> You already you already know what it's about, which really is about, which really is about, which really is just being truly being present. just being truly being present. just being truly being present. >> Like just stay present every moment that >> Like just stay present every moment that >> Like just stay present every moment that you can so you can observe and lean into you can so you can observe and lean into you can so you can observe and lean into everything everything everything that you can learn from along the way. that you can learn from along the way. that you can learn from along the way. Like just don't get too ahead of Like just don't get too ahead of Like just don't get too ahead of yourself because yourself because yourself because life is always going to change. You life is always going to change. You life is always going to change. You think you know where you're going and think you know where you're going and think you know where you're going and you have no idea. So just stay present. you have no idea. So just stay present. you have no idea. So just stay present. >> Do you feel like it was hard for you to >> Do you feel like it was hard for you to >> Do you feel like it was hard for you to stay present in the last 25 years? like stay present in the last 25 years? like stay present in the last 25 years? like you're always thinking about the next you're always thinking about the next you're always thinking about the next thing the next thing the next thing the next >> I think for for a long time I think I >> I think for for a long time I think I >> I think for for a long time I think I was I think that's what happens when you was I think that's what happens when you was I think that's what happens when you reach uh well not just reach success but reach uh well not just reach success but reach uh well not just reach success but when you have a lot coming in when when you have a lot coming in when when you have a lot coming in when you're you know all of a sudden it's you're you know all of a sudden it's you're you know all of a sudden it's like sometimes you know you've worked so like sometimes you know you've worked so like sometimes you know you've worked so hard to be successful then all of a hard to be successful then all of a hard to be successful then all of a sudden you have a lot that's coming in sudden you have a lot that's coming in sudden you have a lot that's coming in for me I was you know I've spent a lot for me I was you know I've spent a lot for me I was you know I've spent a lot of time speaking on stages and it's of time speaking on stages and it's of time speaking on stages and it's amazing uh what I've I feel like I've amazing uh what I've I feel like I've amazing uh what I've I feel like I've been able to do but at the same time it been able to do but at the same time it been able to do but at the same time it can get you a little bit in a mindset of can get you a little bit in a mindset of can get you a little bit in a mindset of like what's next? What's next? Okay, like what's next? What's next? Okay, like what's next? What's next? Okay, especially when you achieve big things, especially when you achieve big things, especially when you achieve big things, right? like the Parolympics or or you're right? like the Parolympics or or you're right? like the Parolympics or or you're an athlete. So just you know once you an athlete. So just you know once you an athlete. So just you know once you achieve certain things achieve certain things achieve certain things >> sometimes you're like okay you're in >> sometimes you're like okay you're in >> sometimes you're like okay you're in achieving achieving achieving >> the next of course >> the next of course >> the next of course >> and so yeah I think I'm actually >> and so yeah I think I'm actually >> and so yeah I think I'm actually enjoying not enjoying not enjoying not overachieving right now. overachieving right now. overachieving right now. >> It feels relaxing. Huh. >> It feels relaxing. Huh. >> It feels relaxing. Huh. >> Yeah it does feel relaxing. I feel like >> Yeah it does feel relaxing. I feel like >> Yeah it does feel relaxing. I feel like I'm in a much more calm confident space I'm in a much more calm confident space I'm in a much more calm confident space than I was at before. than I was at before. than I was at before. >> And I'm okay with just kind of what is. >> And I'm okay with just kind of what is. >> And I'm okay with just kind of what is. >> That's great. And that's and so I think >> That's great. And that's and so I think >> That's great. And that's and so I think just be I continue to go back to being just be I continue to go back to being just be I continue to go back to being present but just I would tell myself to present but just I would tell myself to present but just I would tell myself to continue to be present continue to be present continue to be present >> because that's where you that's where >> because that's where you that's where >> because that's where you that's where you grow the most. That's where you you grow the most. That's where you you grow the most. That's where you learn the most and that's learn the most and that's learn the most and that's >> that's where you you make the smartest >> that's where you you make the smartest >> that's where you you make the smartest decisions as well. decisions as well. decisions as well. >> Yeah. Okay. So that's the first thing >> Yeah. Okay. So that's the first thing >> Yeah. Okay. So that's the first thing you want to say. you want to say. you want to say. >> I I'm not sure what I would tell myself >> I I'm not sure what I would tell myself >> I I'm not sure what I would tell myself for the other two. My gosh. Um, for the other two. My gosh. Um, for the other two. My gosh. Um, I I I I would say lean into um I would say lean into um I would say lean into um I would say take care of my family and I would say take care of my family and I would say take care of my family and friends and relationships friends and relationships friends and relationships >> probably more than I am now. >> probably more than I am now. >> probably more than I am now. >> And >> And >> And >> for sure you're very good at that >> for sure you're very good at that >> for sure you're very good at that actually taking care of relationships. actually taking care of relationships. actually taking care of relationships. >> Yeah. I it's because it's something that >> Yeah. I it's because it's something that >> Yeah. I it's because it's something that I want to be doing. So if I think about I want to be doing. So if I think about I want to be doing. So if I think about like the next part of my life, like the next part of my life, like the next part of my life, >> it would be just you get so busy that >> it would be just you get so busy that >> it would be just you get so busy that you don't you don't pay attention to you don't you don't pay attention to you don't you don't pay attention to what everybody else is going through at what everybody else is going through at what everybody else is going through at times. times. times. >> What would that look like this year for >> What would that look like this year for >> What would that look like this year for you if if that wisdom to take care of you if if that wisdom to take care of you if if that wisdom to take care of relationships, friends, family? What relationships, friends, family? What relationships, friends, family? What would that look like for you to actually would that look like for you to actually would that look like for you to actually be doing for this year? be doing for this year? be doing for this year? >> It would actually be slowing down with >> It would actually be slowing down with >> It would actually be slowing down with work probably, which is hard to do. It's work probably, which is hard to do. It's work probably, which is hard to do. It's hard hard hard >> because you work so hard to get to where >> because you work so hard to get to where >> because you work so hard to get to where you're at and now you're like now I'm you're at and now you're like now I'm you're at and now you're like now I'm here and I don't have time to, you know, here and I don't have time to, you know, here and I don't have time to, you know, spend time with my nieces and nephews spend time with my nieces and nephews spend time with my nieces and nephews and they're all grown. And and they're all grown. And and they're all grown. And >> one of the things that I've done in the >> one of the things that I've done in the >> one of the things that I've done in the last I mean this is challenging for me last I mean this is challenging for me last I mean this is challenging for me because I'm I like to accomplish and because I'm I like to accomplish and because I'm I like to accomplish and achieve and I set goals and I want to achieve and I set goals and I want to achieve and I set goals and I want to create them. create them. create them. >> But I have said no over the last 6 >> But I have said no over the last 6 >> But I have said no over the last 6 months. I've said yes to a lot as well, months. I've said yes to a lot as well, months. I've said yes to a lot as well, but I've said no to a lot of but I've said no to a lot of but I've said no to a lot of money-making opportunities, trips, cool money-making opportunities, trips, cool money-making opportunities, trips, cool experiences cuz I just don't want to be experiences cuz I just don't want to be experiences cuz I just don't want to be away that much from my family. away that much from my family. away that much from my family. >> Exactly. >> Exactly. >> Exactly. >> And so even I went to Vienna to give a >> And so even I went to Vienna to give a >> And so even I went to Vienna to give a speech a couple weeks ago speech a couple weeks ago speech a couple weeks ago >> and I was only there for 24 hours, but >> and I was only there for 24 hours, but >> and I was only there for 24 hours, but it took 16 hours to get there and 16 it took 16 hours to get there and 16 it took 16 hours to get there and 16 hours to get back. hours to get back. hours to get back. >> And I was supposed to stay for three >> And I was supposed to stay for three >> And I was supposed to stay for three days, but I stayed for one because I days, but I stayed for one because I days, but I stayed for one because I wanted to get back to be with my wife wanted to get back to be with my wife wanted to get back to be with my wife and my kids. Yeah. and my kids. Yeah. and my kids. Yeah. >> So, it's and there could have been other >> So, it's and there could have been other >> So, it's and there could have been other cool opportunities if I would have cool opportunities if I would have cool opportunities if I would have stayed, but I was like, you know what? stayed, but I was like, you know what? stayed, but I was like, you know what? I'm going to miss out on that, but I'm I'm going to miss out on that, but I'm I'm going to miss out on that, but I'm going to be more present with my my going to be more present with my my going to be more present with my my family. And family. And family. And >> yeah, >> yeah, >> yeah, >> and I'm not going to sleep for 3 days, >> and I'm not going to sleep for 3 days, >> and I'm not going to sleep for 3 days, and I'm going to, you know, make it and I'm going to, you know, make it and I'm going to, you know, make it work, but it's choosing to work, but it's choosing to work, but it's choosing to figure out what to say yes to and what figure out what to say yes to and what figure out what to say yes to and what to say no to. to say no to. to say no to. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And and figuring that out. And it's hard >> And and figuring that out. And it's hard >> And and figuring that out. And it's hard to do sometimes when you have so many to do sometimes when you have so many to do sometimes when you have so many cool opportunities or money-making cool opportunities or money-making cool opportunities or money-making opportunities or trips or this or that. opportunities or trips or this or that. opportunities or trips or this or that. It's like It's like It's like >> it's learning how to say no. >> it's learning how to say no. >> it's learning how to say no. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Is a challenge. >> Is a challenge. >> Is a challenge. >> Learning how to say no is a huge >> Learning how to say no is a huge >> Learning how to say no is a huge challenge. And that's actually that is challenge. And that's actually that is challenge. And that's actually that is where I'm at right now. where I'm at right now. where I'm at right now. >> Or it's flipping it and saying learning >> Or it's flipping it and saying learning >> Or it's flipping it and saying learning how to say yes to your friends and how to say yes to your friends and how to say yes to your friends and family family family >> and then you don't even have to say no. >> and then you don't even have to say no. >> and then you don't even have to say no. >> Exactly. Exactly. >> Exactly. Exactly. >> Exactly. Exactly. >> It's like instead of >> It's like instead of >> It's like instead of >> right, I'm choosing this instead of >> right, I'm choosing this instead of >> right, I'm choosing this instead of this. It's not a loss. I'm not saying no this. It's not a loss. I'm not saying no this. It's not a loss. I'm not saying no to this. I'm saying yes to my family so to this. I'm saying yes to my family so to this. I'm saying yes to my family so I can't do anything else. I can't do anything else. I can't do anything else. >> Exactly. Yeah. >> Exactly. Yeah. >> Exactly. Yeah. >> Okay. So, that's I'm going to check in >> Okay. So, that's I'm going to check in >> Okay. So, that's I'm going to check in on you in a few months and see, hey, are on you in a few months and see, hey, are on you in a few months and see, hey, are you taking care of family and friends by you taking care of family and friends by you taking care of family and friends by saying yes to that? saying yes to that? saying yes to that? >> And what would the third thing you would >> And what would the third thing you would >> And what would the third thing you would say? You think say? You think say? You think >> um I think the third thing would just be >> um I think the third thing would just be >> um I think the third thing would just be get really clear on what you want get really clear on what you want get really clear on what you want because then that makes it easier to say because then that makes it easier to say because then that makes it easier to say yes to your friends and family or say yes to your friends and family or say yes to your friends and family or say yes to certain things. yes to certain things. yes to certain things. >> We think we're clear, but I don't know. >> We think we're clear, but I don't know. >> We think we're clear, but I don't know. It's not until you really ask yourself It's not until you really ask yourself It's not until you really ask yourself some smart questions that you're really some smart questions that you're really some smart questions that you're really clear on what it is you want. It's clear on what it is you want. It's clear on what it is you want. It's really easy to look, you know, at social really easy to look, you know, at social really easy to look, you know, at social media or whatever it may be and and see media or whatever it may be and and see media or whatever it may be and and see people doing all types of stuff and then people doing all types of stuff and then people doing all types of stuff and then thinking that that's what you should be thinking that that's what you should be thinking that that's what you should be doing as well. But when you really reel doing as well. But when you really reel doing as well. But when you really reel it in and decide and figure out like it in and decide and figure out like it in and decide and figure out like what you want yourself, like what do I what you want yourself, like what do I what you want yourself, like what do I really want for my life and what am I really want for my life and what am I really want for my life and what am I willing to sacrifice to get it? And willing to sacrifice to get it? And willing to sacrifice to get it? And these days, because I am in such a just these days, because I am in such a just these days, because I am in such a just a more calm space in my life, I I'm not a more calm space in my life, I I'm not a more calm space in my life, I I'm not willing to sacrifice my own I'll tell willing to sacrifice my own I'll tell willing to sacrifice my own I'll tell you what, I know I'm not ready. I I no you what, I know I'm not ready. I I no you what, I know I'm not ready. I I no longer will sacrifice my nervous system longer will sacrifice my nervous system longer will sacrifice my nervous system for stuff like getting caught up and, for stuff like getting caught up and, for stuff like getting caught up and, you know, freaked out about something you know, freaked out about something you know, freaked out about something not going right or, you know, rushing not going right or, you know, rushing not going right or, you know, rushing around. I I just I I so want to have a around. I I just I I so want to have a around. I I just I I so want to have a calm nervous system and that's so calm nervous system and that's so calm nervous system and that's so important to me. Um I just yeah I I I important to me. Um I just yeah I I I important to me. Um I just yeah I I I know what I don't want which is I don't know what I don't want which is I don't know what I don't want which is I don't want to get caught up in things that want to get caught up in things that want to get caught up in things that don't matter don't matter don't matter >> and and just truly focus on the things >> and and just truly focus on the things >> and and just truly focus on the things that do matter. that do matter. that do matter. >> So getting clear on those things for >> So getting clear on those things for >> So getting clear on those things for sure. sure. sure. >> I'm curious if you could give me some >> I'm curious if you could give me some >> I'm curious if you could give me some advice. You're three-time parolympian, advice. You're three-time parolympian, advice. You're three-time parolympian, correct? Mhm. A correct? Mhm. A correct? Mhm. A >> three-time parolympic medalist. >> three-time parolympic medalist. >> three-time parolympic medalist. >> Yes. Two-time parolympian. >> Yes. Two-time parolympian. >> Yes. Two-time parolympian. >> Two-time parolympian. Three-time >> Two-time parolympian. Three-time >> Two-time parolympian. Three-time parolympic medalist. parolympic medalist. parolympic medalist. >> You know, my dream is to be in the 2028 >> You know, my dream is to be in the 2028 >> You know, my dream is to be in the 2028 Olympics with the USA handball team. Olympics with the USA handball team. Olympics with the USA handball team. >> There's no guarantees. I've got two and >> There's no guarantees. I've got two and >> There's no guarantees. I've got two and a half more years. I've been on and off a half more years. I've been on and off a half more years. I've been on and off the team for 16 years playing the sport. the team for 16 years playing the sport. the team for 16 years playing the sport. >> This is my last chance to make the team >> This is my last chance to make the team >> This is my last chance to make the team as an Olympic athlete. And this is as an Olympic athlete. And this is as an Olympic athlete. And this is something I've been pursuing for 20 something I've been pursuing for 20 something I've been pursuing for 20 years plus years since I was a kid. years plus years since I was a kid. years plus years since I was a kid. Probably 40 years, right? But 20 years Probably 40 years, right? But 20 years Probably 40 years, right? But 20 years since I saw the sport for the first since I saw the sport for the first since I saw the sport for the first time, time, time, knowing that there's only so much I can knowing that there's only so much I can knowing that there's only so much I can do, which is take care of my do, which is take care of my do, which is take care of my conditioning, my athletic ability, my conditioning, my athletic ability, my conditioning, my athletic ability, my health, health, health, uh, you know, and doing all the things uh, you know, and doing all the things uh, you know, and doing all the things that I can control. that I can control. that I can control. But making the team and being on the But making the team and being on the But making the team and being on the roster is not 100% of my control, no roster is not 100% of my control, no roster is not 100% of my control, no matter how good I am. And even sometimes matter how good I am. And even sometimes matter how good I am. And even sometimes the best players don't make the team for the best players don't make the team for the best players don't make the team for whatever reason, whatever reason, whatever reason, >> but there's a chance I could make it and >> but there's a chance I could make it and >> but there's a chance I could make it and there's a chance I cannot make it. For there's a chance I cannot make it. For there's a chance I cannot make it. For whatever reason, I've got to stay whatever reason, I've got to stay whatever reason, I've got to stay healthy. All these different things. healthy. All these different things. healthy. All these different things. What advice would you have to me as a What advice would you have to me as a What advice would you have to me as a three-time parolympic medalist three-time parolympic medalist three-time parolympic medalist >> with my dream and goal to be an Olympian >> with my dream and goal to be an Olympian >> with my dream and goal to be an Olympian over the next couple years on how I over the next couple years on how I over the next couple years on how I should approach this season? should approach this season? should approach this season? >> I think you should just fall in love >> I think you should just fall in love >> I think you should just fall in love with the process. M with the process. M with the process. M >> that is it because it is the process >> that is it because it is the process >> that is it because it is the process that builds you. It's the process that that builds you. It's the process that that builds you. It's the process that you'll remember. It's those are all the you'll remember. It's those are all the you'll remember. It's those are all the things even if you were standing on a things even if you were standing on a things even if you were standing on a podium looking back those are all the podium looking back those are all the podium looking back those are all the things you'll remember is the people things you'll remember is the people things you'll remember is the people along the way the little moments along along the way the little moments along along the way the little moments along the way uh the things that you learned the way uh the things that you learned the way uh the things that you learned about yourself along the way because about yourself along the way because about yourself along the way because once you get there it's so fleeting and once you get there it's so fleeting and once you get there it's so fleeting and you already know that too. It's like you already know that too. It's like you already know that too. It's like once you achieve something it's so once you achieve something it's so once you achieve something it's so fleeting. you get there and if anything fleeting. you get there and if anything fleeting. you get there and if anything you it you don't always feel like I made you it you don't always feel like I made you it you don't always feel like I made it. You maybe feel that way for a moment it. You maybe feel that way for a moment it. You maybe feel that way for a moment but then you're you're like well what's but then you're you're like well what's but then you're you're like well what's next? What do I what do I got to do next? What do I what do I got to do next? What do I what do I got to do next? And so it really is next? And so it really is next? And so it really is really appreciating the process and really appreciating the process and really appreciating the process and being super present in it. being super present in it. being super present in it. >> Because even if you make it and even if >> Because even if you make it and even if >> Because even if you make it and even if you win medals, you win medals, you win medals, >> what you'll remember most is not what it >> what you'll remember most is not what it >> what you'll remember most is not what it felt like to stand on the podium getting felt like to stand on the podium getting felt like to stand on the podium getting the medal. You'll remember what it took the medal. You'll remember what it took the medal. You'll remember what it took to get there. Mhm. to get there. Mhm. to get there. Mhm. >> And I mean that really is, you know, >> And I mean that really is, you know, >> And I mean that really is, you know, that really is what it's about. that really is what it's about. that really is what it's about. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Because once you hit that spot, you end >> Because once you hit that spot, you end >> Because once you hit that spot, you end up going, "Okay, now what am I doing up going, "Okay, now what am I doing up going, "Okay, now what am I doing with my life tomorrow?" with my life tomorrow?" with my life tomorrow?" >> Right. >> Right. >> Right. >> You know, and Yeah. >> You know, and Yeah. >> You know, and Yeah. >> It's almost like the process is over >> It's almost like the process is over >> It's almost like the process is over now. now. now. >> The process is over now. And I I >> The process is over now. And I I >> The process is over now. And I I actually realized this even going actually realized this even going actually realized this even going through my injury. It's it's kind of through my injury. It's it's kind of through my injury. It's it's kind of similar, but I you know, I was going similar, but I you know, I was going similar, but I you know, I was going through this injury and it was major. through this injury and it was major. through this injury and it was major. Like I was sitting in a wheelchair in my Like I was sitting in a wheelchair in my Like I was sitting in a wheelchair in my house for a couple years. I mean I was I house for a couple years. I mean I was I house for a couple years. I mean I was I was working. It was all during co I was was working. It was all during co I was was working. It was all during co I was still doing like virtual speeches and still doing like virtual speeches and still doing like virtual speeches and stuff like that. Um but I could not I stuff like that. Um but I could not I stuff like that. Um but I could not I had one prosthetic leg. I I couldn't had one prosthetic leg. I I couldn't had one prosthetic leg. I I couldn't really get on crutches. I really really get on crutches. I really really get on crutches. I really couldn't do as much as I you know was couldn't do as much as I you know was couldn't do as much as I you know was doing before. That's for sure. And uh doing before. That's for sure. And uh doing before. That's for sure. And uh but there was this day that I was in my but there was this day that I was in my but there was this day that I was in my kitchen. I was sitting in my wheelchair kitchen. I was sitting in my wheelchair kitchen. I was sitting in my wheelchair and nothing had changed with my and nothing had changed with my and nothing had changed with my circumstances. My leg wasn't any better circumstances. My leg wasn't any better circumstances. My leg wasn't any better at this point. I had all these surgeries at this point. I had all these surgeries at this point. I had all these surgeries and I was pouring myself a cup of coffee and I was pouring myself a cup of coffee and I was pouring myself a cup of coffee and I realized that I was happy and I realized that I was happy and I realized that I was happy >> and I really felt happy and I I froze >> and I really felt happy and I I froze >> and I really felt happy and I I froze and I thought to myself, how am I happy? and I thought to myself, how am I happy? and I thought to myself, how am I happy? Like I'm in the same situation that I've Like I'm in the same situation that I've Like I'm in the same situation that I've been in this whole time. Nothing has been in this whole time. Nothing has been in this whole time. Nothing has changed and I realized I was happy changed and I realized I was happy changed and I realized I was happy because I was problemolving and I was because I was problemolving and I was because I was problemolving and I was working on something every day. My working on something every day. My working on something every day. My problem solving was how do I get my problem solving was how do I get my problem solving was how do I get my legs? How do I get comfortable again? legs? How do I get comfortable again? legs? How do I get comfortable again? how do I get doing the things that I how do I get doing the things that I how do I get doing the things that I love to do? And so I was biohacking. I love to do? And so I was biohacking. I love to do? And so I was biohacking. I was talking to all these different was talking to all these different was talking to all these different people. I was doing hot and cold people. I was doing hot and cold people. I was doing hot and cold therapy. I was, you know, I was therapy. I was, you know, I was therapy. I was, you know, I was researching. I was doing all this stuff. researching. I was doing all this stuff. researching. I was doing all this stuff. And I realized that I was happy. And I And I realized that I was happy. And I And I realized that I was happy. And I was happy not because I reached some was happy not because I reached some was happy not because I reached some kind of outcome. I was happy because I kind of outcome. I was happy because I kind of outcome. I was happy because I was problem solving and because that was problem solving and because that was problem solving and because that gave me purpose and because I was in the gave me purpose and because I was in the gave me purpose and because I was in the process of doing something. That's what process of doing something. That's what process of doing something. That's what brought the happiness. And so it's brought the happiness. And so it's brought the happiness. And so it's similar to being an athlete or having a similar to being an athlete or having a similar to being an athlete or having a huge goal. It's falling in love with the huge goal. It's falling in love with the huge goal. It's falling in love with the process. It's allow it's recognizing process. It's allow it's recognizing process. It's allow it's recognizing because you if you haven't made it to because you if you haven't made it to because you if you haven't made it to the podium yet, you don't you can't the podium yet, you don't you can't the podium yet, you don't you can't really reflect back, but it's it's really reflect back, but it's it's really reflect back, but it's it's recognizing that that process is what's recognizing that that process is what's recognizing that that process is what's actually making you fulfilled and making actually making you fulfilled and making actually making you fulfilled and making you happy. and standing on the podium or you happy. and standing on the podium or you happy. and standing on the podium or making it to your goals is just the you making it to your goals is just the you making it to your goals is just the you almost just get a relief because you go almost just get a relief because you go almost just get a relief because you go okay like I did it but that's not what okay like I did it but that's not what okay like I did it but that's not what brought brought brought >> the fulfillment. >> the fulfillment. >> the fulfillment. >> Why do you think there's a certain >> Why do you think there's a certain >> Why do you think there's a certain amount of athletes specifically at the amount of athletes specifically at the amount of athletes specifically at the Olympic level that once they accomplish Olympic level that once they accomplish Olympic level that once they accomplish their dream or they go to the Olympics their dream or they go to the Olympics their dream or they go to the Olympics or they medal there's a certain amount or they medal there's a certain amount or they medal there's a certain amount who have gone through extreme depression who have gone through extreme depression who have gone through extreme depression afterwards. There's a documentary called afterwards. There's a documentary called afterwards. There's a documentary called Weight of Gold. I don't know if you've Weight of Gold. I don't know if you've Weight of Gold. I don't know if you've seen this. seen this. seen this. >> I have. >> I have. >> I have. >> And it's sad to see these incredible >> And it's sad to see these incredible >> And it's sad to see these incredible athletes. athletes. athletes. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Not all of them, but some of them go >> Not all of them, but some of them go >> Not all of them, but some of them go through extreme highs and then extreme through extreme highs and then extreme through extreme highs and then extreme lows right after the Olympics within lows right after the Olympics within lows right after the Olympics within like months. They're like, "What's my like months. They're like, "What's my like months. They're like, "What's my purpose? Who am I?" It's almost like purpose? Who am I?" It's almost like purpose? Who am I?" It's almost like >> they have this new identity, >> they have this new identity, >> they have this new identity, >> but they don't know how to na navigate >> but they don't know how to na navigate >> but they don't know how to na navigate it. it. it. >> Yeah. Why do you think that is for so >> Yeah. Why do you think that is for so >> Yeah. Why do you think that is for so many Olympians that go through and I many Olympians that go through and I many Olympians that go through and I don't know if that's same for don't know if that's same for don't know if that's same for parolympians and and Olympians or do you parolympians and and Olympians or do you parolympians and and Olympians or do you know other athletes who've gone through know other athletes who've gone through know other athletes who've gone through this? this? this? >> Absolutely. I know athletes going >> Absolutely. I know athletes going >> Absolutely. I know athletes going through it right now because the through it right now because the through it right now because the parolympics and Olympics just ended. And parolympics and Olympics just ended. And parolympics and Olympics just ended. And yeah, it's huge. And I'll tell you what, yeah, it's huge. And I'll tell you what, yeah, it's huge. And I'll tell you what, even when you win medals, you feel that even when you win medals, you feel that even when you win medals, you feel that on the other side on the other side on the other side >> really. And >> really. And >> really. And >> what why is that? You just won the >> what why is that? You just won the >> what why is that? You just won the highest high. highest high. highest high. >> That's why >> That's why >> That's why >> you're the best in the world. >> you're the best in the world. >> you're the best in the world. >> That's why. >> That's why. >> That's why. >> And now you crash. Why? >> And now you crash. Why? >> And now you crash. Why? >> Exactly. Yeah. Yeah, that is I mean >> Exactly. Yeah. Yeah, that is I mean >> Exactly. Yeah. Yeah, that is I mean that's a huge part of it. It really is. that's a huge part of it. It really is. that's a huge part of it. It really is. There's there's nothing like There's there's nothing like There's there's nothing like There's nothing like the feeling of There's nothing like the feeling of There's nothing like the feeling of being the best in the world, trying to being the best in the world, trying to being the best in the world, trying to be the best in the world, all the years be the best in the world, all the years be the best in the world, all the years that it takes to get there, all the that it takes to get there, all the that it takes to get there, all the energy, energy, energy, everything that goes into it. And um and everything that goes into it. And um and everything that goes into it. And um and then also performing on the world's then also performing on the world's then also performing on the world's biggest stage. And when you do that, biggest stage. And when you do that, biggest stage. And when you do that, it's like the world's watching and it's like the world's watching and it's like the world's watching and everything clicks and everything comes everything clicks and everything comes everything clicks and everything comes together. And then all of a sudden, you together. And then all of a sudden, you together. And then all of a sudden, you know, real life is on the other side of know, real life is on the other side of know, real life is on the other side of that. And it just, you don't get that that. And it just, you don't get that that. And it just, you don't get that adrenaline. You don't have that drive. adrenaline. You don't have that drive. adrenaline. You don't have that drive. It's hard to find that drive in anything It's hard to find that drive in anything It's hard to find that drive in anything else really, you know, like you're not else really, you know, like you're not else really, you know, like you're not waking up training to maybe do your waking up training to maybe do your waking up training to maybe do your podcast. It's like just a different type podcast. It's like just a different type podcast. It's like just a different type of energy that goes into it. So of energy that goes into it. So of energy that goes into it. So >> there's a let down, I think, no matter >> there's a let down, I think, no matter >> there's a let down, I think, no matter what on the other side. And that's why I what on the other side. And that's why I what on the other side. And that's why I say it's so important to fall in love say it's so important to fall in love say it's so important to fall in love with the process and to just be really with the process and to just be really with the process and to just be really present in the journey of it because present in the journey of it because present in the journey of it because that's I mean that's ultimately like that's I mean that's ultimately like that's I mean that's ultimately like what you'll flash back on and and what what you'll flash back on and and what what you'll flash back on and and what means the most. And means the most. And means the most. And I also think we just put such high I also think we just put such high I also think we just put such high expectations on that one moment like expectations on that one moment like expectations on that one moment like that's supposed to be the best that's supposed to be the best that's supposed to be the best competition and race of your life competition and race of your life competition and race of your life because it's the Olympics. You have no because it's the Olympics. You have no because it's the Olympics. You have no idea what's going to happen. the idea what's going to happen. the idea what's going to happen. the conditions could be horrible. It's, you conditions could be horrible. It's, you conditions could be horrible. It's, you know, something's not set up right. Like know, something's not set up right. Like know, something's not set up right. Like you're not together like you thought you you're not together like you thought you you're not together like you thought you would be. Like we think that that's the would be. Like we think that that's the would be. Like we think that that's the most pinnacle moment and the most most pinnacle moment and the most most pinnacle moment and the most important moment of our sporting career. important moment of our sporting career. important moment of our sporting career. And that it's just one day. That's it. And that it's just one day. That's it. And that it's just one day. That's it. It's just one day and anything can It's just one day and anything can It's just one day and anything can happen on that one day. happen on that one day. happen on that one day. >> Anything, >> Anything, >> Anything, >> right? And so I think we have this >> right? And so I think we have this >> right? And so I think we have this vision and this dream of competing in vision and this dream of competing in vision and this dream of competing in the games sometimes getting there and the games sometimes getting there and the games sometimes getting there and being completely completely let down being completely completely let down being completely completely let down >> by the experience and it could be >> by the experience and it could be >> by the experience and it could be anything that happened that day that anything that happened that day that anything that happened that day that could let you down. And so could let you down. And so could let you down. And so >> and I I actually felt a little let down >> and I I actually felt a little let down >> and I I actually felt a little let down even after winning silver. I won silver even after winning silver. I won silver even after winning silver. I won silver and bronze. Yeah. I was grateful that I and bronze. Yeah. I was grateful that I and bronze. Yeah. I was grateful that I won it. I was like, "Yes, I'm so won it. I was like, "Yes, I'm so won it. I was like, "Yes, I'm so grateful." But um but I felt a little grateful." But um but I felt a little grateful." But um but I felt a little bit let down just uh I I you know bit let down just uh I I you know bit let down just uh I I you know because I could have performed better because I could have performed better because I could have performed better because I there were just certain things because I there were just certain things because I there were just certain things that I thought of afterwards that I that I thought of afterwards that I that I thought of afterwards that I thought gosh I could have I could have thought gosh I could have I could have thought gosh I could have I could have actually pushed for that gold even actually pushed for that gold even actually pushed for that gold even harder that can eat you up you know harder that can eat you up you know harder that can eat you up you know >> and but but what I love about that >> and but but what I love about that >> and but but what I love about that journey was that I for the first time journey was that I for the first time journey was that I for the first time ever was so present in my training for ever was so present in my training for ever was so present in my training for the couple years leading up because I the couple years leading up because I the couple years leading up because I took time off after Dance with the Stars took time off after Dance with the Stars took time off after Dance with the Stars and Parolympics or my first Parolympics and Parolympics or my first Parolympics and Parolympics or my first Parolympics >> and then I came back to the Parolympic >> and then I came back to the Parolympic >> and then I came back to the Parolympic Games and uh and I'll tell you what Games and uh and I'll tell you what Games and uh and I'll tell you what actually made me come back and change my actually made me come back and change my actually made me come back and change my perspective a little bit on things is perspective a little bit on things is perspective a little bit on things is because I was like when I went into because I was like when I went into because I was like when I went into Dance with the Stars, when I went into Dance with the Stars, when I went into Dance with the Stars, when I went into doing the Oprah tour and all of that so doing the Oprah tour and all of that so doing the Oprah tour and all of that so I just won, you know, a medal at the I just won, you know, a medal at the I just won, you know, a medal at the Parolympic Games. Uh I was kind of in Parolympic Games. Uh I was kind of in Parolympic Games. Uh I was kind of in this achievement mode of what's next, this achievement mode of what's next, this achievement mode of what's next, what's next? And then I decided to go what's next? And then I decided to go what's next? And then I decided to go back to my second parolympic games, back to my second parolympic games, back to my second parolympic games, compete in some of these World Cups. At compete in some of these World Cups. At compete in some of these World Cups. At that point, I was the underdog and I was that point, I was the underdog and I was that point, I was the underdog and I was horrible. Like I was not at the level of horrible. Like I was not at the level of horrible. Like I was not at the level of everybody else. Not that I was horrible, everybody else. Not that I was horrible, everybody else. Not that I was horrible, but I was not at that level that but I was not at that level that but I was not at that level that everybody else who had continued to everybody else who had continued to everybody else who had continued to compete. compete. compete. >> And I remember I was standing in the >> And I remember I was standing in the >> And I remember I was standing in the Stargates. I was in Italy and we were Stargates. I was in Italy and we were Stargates. I was in Italy and we were doing a World Cup and it was icy and it doing a World Cup and it was icy and it doing a World Cup and it was icy and it was cloudy and uh and the course was was cloudy and uh and the course was was cloudy and uh and the course was super sketchy and I mean I have two super sketchy and I mean I have two super sketchy and I mean I have two prosthetic legs, can't feel my feet on prosthetic legs, can't feel my feet on prosthetic legs, can't feel my feet on the ground anyways. I was kind of the ground anyways. I was kind of the ground anyways. I was kind of falling and frustrated and working on my falling and frustrated and working on my falling and frustrated and working on my legs trying to figure things out. And I legs trying to figure things out. And I legs trying to figure things out. And I went back to my room and I was asking went back to my room and I was asking went back to my room and I was asking myself, why am I doing this? Like I myself, why am I doing this? Like I myself, why am I doing this? Like I don't have to be here. I already have a don't have to be here. I already have a don't have to be here. I already have a career outside of this. I don't have to career outside of this. I don't have to career outside of this. I don't have to be here. Why am I doing this? And I I be here. Why am I doing this? And I I be here. Why am I doing this? And I I thought, you know, if I have a bad day thought, you know, if I have a bad day thought, you know, if I have a bad day tomorrow, I'm just that's it. Like, I'm tomorrow, I'm just that's it. Like, I'm tomorrow, I'm just that's it. Like, I'm just done. I don't need to be here. And just done. I don't need to be here. And just done. I don't need to be here. And so that night, I was getting ready to so that night, I was getting ready to so that night, I was getting ready to get into bed. I got a phone call at get into bed. I got a phone call at get into bed. I got a phone call at 11:00 at night, and it was the front 11:00 at night, and it was the front 11:00 at night, and it was the front desk. And we were just staying in this desk. And we were just staying in this desk. And we were just staying in this little Italian village in just this little Italian village in just this little Italian village in just this little like house in this Italian little like house in this Italian little like house in this Italian village up in the Dolommites. And and so village up in the Dolommites. And and so village up in the Dolommites. And and so I get this phone call and they say that I get this phone call and they say that I get this phone call and they say that there's somebody downstairs to to talk there's somebody downstairs to to talk there's somebody downstairs to to talk to me. And I was thinking, who would it to me. And I was thinking, who would it to me. And I was thinking, who would it be? It must be my coach, I guess. And so be? It must be my coach, I guess. And so be? It must be my coach, I guess. And so I put my pajamas on. I went downstairs I put my pajamas on. I went downstairs I put my pajamas on. I went downstairs and there was this young girl standing and there was this young girl standing and there was this young girl standing there in two prosthetic legs there in two prosthetic legs there in two prosthetic legs >> with five people around her. And they >> with five people around her. And they >> with five people around her. And they saw on Instagram that I was in this saw on Instagram that I was in this saw on Instagram that I was in this little village and they uh jumped in the little village and they uh jumped in the little village and they uh jumped in the car. They drove 4 hours to find me. They car. They drove 4 hours to find me. They car. They drove 4 hours to find me. They knocked down every door in that village knocked down every door in that village knocked down every door in that village to find me. to find me. to find me. >> Wow. >> Wow. >> Wow. >> And it was all to figure out how I >> And it was all to figure out how I >> And it was all to figure out how I snowboarded into prosthetic legs so that snowboarded into prosthetic legs so that snowboarded into prosthetic legs so that she could do it. she could do it. she could do it. >> Wow. That's pretty cool. Just that alone >> Wow. That's pretty cool. Just that alone >> Wow. That's pretty cool. Just that alone might have been worth the whole might have been worth the whole might have been worth the whole experience. Right. experience. Right. experience. Right. >> Well, it did. It completely changed my >> Well, it did. It completely changed my >> Well, it did. It completely changed my whole view on why I did what I did. whole view on why I did what I did. whole view on why I did what I did. >> And uh and it took the kind of pressure >> And uh and it took the kind of pressure >> And uh and it took the kind of pressure of like, oh, like, you know, I'm here to of like, oh, like, you know, I'm here to of like, oh, like, you know, I'm here to win medals away completely. I thought win medals away completely. I thought win medals away completely. I thought that's not what it's about at all. I that's not what it's about at all. I that's not what it's about at all. I ended up sitting down with her. It was ended up sitting down with her. It was ended up sitting down with her. It was her grandparents and a translator and her grandparents and a translator and her grandparents and a translator and her leg maker and they, you know, were her leg maker and they, you know, were her leg maker and they, you know, were all trying to figure out how I set my all trying to figure out how I set my all trying to figure out how I set my legs up. I spent the next hour with legs up. I spent the next hour with legs up. I spent the next hour with them. them. them. >> And when I walked away, I thought to >> And when I walked away, I thought to >> And when I walked away, I thought to myself immediately, I thought, that's myself immediately, I thought, that's myself immediately, I thought, that's why that's why I do this. Not to win why that's why I do this. Not to win why that's why I do this. Not to win medals, not to be the best in the world, medals, not to be the best in the world, medals, not to be the best in the world, but to show other people that they can but to show other people that they can but to show other people that they can do this, too. Like they can live their do this, too. Like they can live their do this, too. Like they can live their dreams, too, no matter what challenges dreams, too, no matter what challenges dreams, too, no matter what challenges they're faced with. Yeah. they're faced with. Yeah. they're faced with. Yeah. >> And that changed the way I approached my >> And that changed the way I approached my >> And that changed the way I approached my training from that point forward. I I training from that point forward. I I training from that point forward. I I knew my why so strong that it didn't knew my why so strong that it didn't knew my why so strong that it didn't matter how hard things got. I knew matter how hard things got. I knew matter how hard things got. I knew exactly why I was showing up every exactly why I was showing up every exactly why I was showing up every single day. I never asked again, why am single day. I never asked again, why am single day. I never asked again, why am I doing this? I knew why I did it. And I doing this? I knew why I did it. And I doing this? I knew why I did it. And um and it was so much more fulfilling to um and it was so much more fulfilling to um and it was so much more fulfilling to know that answer. know that answer. know that answer. >> Wow. and to not be doing it for myself >> Wow. and to not be doing it for myself >> Wow. and to not be doing it for myself really to be doing it really to be doing it really to be doing it >> to show what the possibilities are so >> to show what the possibilities are so >> to show what the possibilities are so that others can that others can that others can >> you know but believe that they can >> you know but believe that they can >> you know but believe that they can achieve their goals as well achieve their goals as well achieve their goals as well >> and um and to be an example of what's >> and um and to be an example of what's >> and um and to be an example of what's possible and possible and possible and >> that that just changed my whole >> that that just changed my whole >> that that just changed my whole perspective on how I and approach on how perspective on how I and approach on how perspective on how I and approach on how I went into that parolympic games. I was I went into that parolympic games. I was I went into that parolympic games. I was so calm, present, appreciative. I so calm, present, appreciative. I so calm, present, appreciative. I brought my whole family with me to brought my whole family with me to brought my whole family with me to competitions which I didn't do going competitions which I didn't do going competitions which I didn't do going into the first parolympics that I was into the first parolympics that I was into the first parolympics that I was in. I was so focused in my first in. I was so focused in my first in. I was so focused in my first parolympics that I was just like don't parolympics that I was just like don't parolympics that I was just like don't distract me. Exactly. It was like distract me. Exactly. It was like distract me. Exactly. It was like everybody fall aside and I just focused everybody fall aside and I just focused everybody fall aside and I just focused on what I needed to do. But for this on what I needed to do. But for this on what I needed to do. But for this parolympics, I brought my family with parolympics, I brought my family with parolympics, I brought my family with me. I enjoyed the ride. I enjoyed every me. I enjoyed the ride. I enjoyed every me. I enjoyed the ride. I enjoyed every moment. Even when I competed, I competed moment. Even when I competed, I competed moment. Even when I competed, I competed I could have competed stronger and I could have competed stronger and I could have competed stronger and better, of course. But what I am so better, of course. But what I am so better, of course. But what I am so proud of myself of is that I was so proud of myself of is that I was so proud of myself of is that I was so present while I was competing. And um present while I was competing. And um present while I was competing. And um and so yeah, I mean there's a few and so yeah, I mean there's a few and so yeah, I mean there's a few different things in there. It's it's different things in there. It's it's different things in there. It's it's knowing why you're doing what you're knowing why you're doing what you're knowing why you're doing what you're doing and that it's it can't be the doing and that it's it can't be the doing and that it's it can't be the outcome and it can't be like the shiny outcome and it can't be like the shiny outcome and it can't be like the shiny objects like that's not enough of a why objects like that's not enough of a why objects like that's not enough of a why to to drive you through the process of to to drive you through the process of to to drive you through the process of it. And uh and also being present enough it. And uh and also being present enough it. And uh and also being present enough that you actually are are that you actually are are that you actually are are >> enjoying >> enjoying >> enjoying >> enjoying the process. Yeah. Yeah. >> enjoying the process. Yeah. Yeah. >> enjoying the process. Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. Enjoying the ride because that's >> Yeah. Enjoying the ride because that's >> Yeah. Enjoying the ride because that's what that's that's the most important what that's that's the most important what that's that's the most important part of it. Otherwise, you know, metals part of it. Otherwise, you know, metals part of it. Otherwise, you know, metals just collect dust and they they end up just collect dust and they they end up just collect dust and they they end up on your wall and you're like that's on your wall and you're like that's on your wall and you're like that's awesome. But but what that really meant awesome. But but what that really meant awesome. But but what that really meant was you know you get to go back and say was you know you get to go back and say was you know you get to go back and say this is this is the meaning behind that. this is this is the meaning behind that. this is this is the meaning behind that. >> Um >> Um >> Um >> that's beautiful. which is the most >> that's beautiful. which is the most >> that's beautiful. which is the most important part which you get whether you important part which you get whether you important part which you get whether you win a medal or not. win a medal or not. win a medal or not. >> Yeah, >> Yeah, >> Yeah, >> I'm loving all this. Your new book is >> I'm loving all this. Your new book is >> I'm loving all this. Your new book is called Bounce Forward. I want everyone called Bounce Forward. I want everyone called Bounce Forward. I want everyone to go get a copy of the book. It's out to go get a copy of the book. It's out to go get a copy of the book. It's out now and it's 21 tools to live a life now and it's 21 tools to live a life now and it's 21 tools to live a life beyond limits. beyond limits. beyond limits. >> Um you're all over social media on >> Um you're all over social media on >> Um you're all over social media on Instagram. Uh people can follow you Instagram. Uh people can follow you Instagram. Uh people can follow you there and see your content and your there and see your content and your there and see your content and your journey as well. journey as well. journey as well. The thing the theme that I'm hearing you The thing the theme that I'm hearing you The thing the theme that I'm hearing you say throughout this is to stay present say throughout this is to stay present say throughout this is to stay present is to take care of family and friends is to take care of family and friends is to take care of family and friends and to enjoy the process. That's what and to enjoy the process. That's what and to enjoy the process. That's what I've been hearing as kind of a I've been hearing as kind of a I've been hearing as kind of a >> a reflection of the last 25 years of of >> a reflection of the last 25 years of of >> a reflection of the last 25 years of of what you did and wish what you wish you what you did and wish what you wish you what you did and wish what you wish you would have done more of of where you're would have done more of of where you're would have done more of of where you're at now and where you're heading in the at now and where you're heading in the at now and where you're heading in the future. Um I want to ask you a question. future. Um I want to ask you a question. future. Um I want to ask you a question. I think I asked you this 10 years ago on I think I asked you this 10 years ago on I think I asked you this 10 years ago on this on the on the show I believe. So this on the on the show I believe. So this on the on the show I believe. So I'm curious to look back and see what I'm curious to look back and see what I'm curious to look back and see what your answers were then. This is called your answers were then. This is called your answers were then. This is called the three truths question. the three truths question. the three truths question. >> Okay, >> Okay, >> Okay, >> so hypothetical scenario. We've been >> so hypothetical scenario. We've been >> so hypothetical scenario. We've been gone, we've gone into the past, we've gone, we've gone into the past, we've gone, we've gone into the past, we've gone into 25 in the years in the future. gone into 25 in the years in the future. gone into 25 in the years in the future. If you could imagine, you know, all the If you could imagine, you know, all the If you could imagine, you know, all the way to the very end of your life, very way to the very end of your life, very way to the very end of your life, very far in the future, and you could think far in the future, and you could think far in the future, and you could think about your whole life experience, we're about your whole life experience, we're about your whole life experience, we're in the future now. And for whatever in the future now. And for whatever in the future now. And for whatever reason, it's your last day on Earth, and reason, it's your last day on Earth, and reason, it's your last day on Earth, and you've accomplished and created all the you've accomplished and created all the you've accomplished and created all the things you want to do, but for whatever things you want to do, but for whatever things you want to do, but for whatever reason, on the last day, you have to reason, on the last day, you have to reason, on the last day, you have to take all of your work with you. all of take all of your work with you. all of take all of your work with you. all of your books and your content, it has to your books and your content, it has to your books and your content, it has to go to another place. Hypothetical go to another place. Hypothetical go to another place. Hypothetical scenario, scenario, scenario, >> but you get to leave behind three >> but you get to leave behind three >> but you get to leave behind three lessons to the world. And this is all we lessons to the world. And this is all we lessons to the world. And this is all we would have of your content. would have of your content. would have of your content. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> These three lessons, I call it the three >> These three lessons, I call it the three >> These three lessons, I call it the three truths. truths. truths. >> What would those three truths be for >> What would those three truths be for >> What would those three truths be for you? you? you? >> I would say that >> I would say that >> I would say that your problems aren't an obstacle your problems aren't an obstacle your problems aren't an obstacle towards your purpose. towards your purpose. towards your purpose. Your problems are the way to your Your problems are the way to your Your problems are the way to your purpose purpose purpose >> because by leaning into them, they teach >> because by leaning into them, they teach >> because by leaning into them, they teach you what you really want and what's you what you really want and what's you what you really want and what's what's really meaningful to you. what's really meaningful to you. what's really meaningful to you. Uh the second one I would say is we're Uh the second one I would say is we're Uh the second one I would say is we're capable of so much more than we know. capable of so much more than we know. capable of so much more than we know. And no matter what adversity you're And no matter what adversity you're And no matter what adversity you're faced with, you are capable of so much faced with, you are capable of so much faced with, you are capable of so much more than you know. more than you know. more than you know. And to lean into that, to know that, to And to lean into that, to know that, to And to lean into that, to know that, to know that your challenges don't need to know that your challenges don't need to know that your challenges don't need to stop you. They really can open up the stop you. They really can open up the stop you. They really can open up the doors to figuring out just how capable doors to figuring out just how capable doors to figuring out just how capable you really are. you really are. you really are. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And I'd say the third one is >> And I'd say the third one is >> And I'd say the third one is that contribution matters. that contribution matters. that contribution matters. Whether you're contributing Whether you're contributing Whether you're contributing support to somebody else or you're support to somebody else or you're support to somebody else or you're contributing your voice to something or contributing your voice to something or contributing your voice to something or you're contributing your art to you're contributing your art to you're contributing your art to something or music something or music something or music >> contribution matters which makes me >> contribution matters which makes me >> contribution matters which makes me believe that we're supposed to do it believe that we're supposed to do it believe that we're supposed to do it >> because it feels so good. >> because it feels so good. >> because it feels so good. >> Yes, >> Yes, >> Yes, >> it feels so good when you show up and >> it feels so good when you show up and >> it feels so good when you show up and contribute what you have with the world contribute what you have with the world contribute what you have with the world that that matters. that that matters. that that matters. >> That's beautiful. Again, I want to make >> That's beautiful. Again, I want to make >> That's beautiful. Again, I want to make sure people get your book, Bounce sure people get your book, Bounce sure people get your book, Bounce Forward. Make sure you guys get a copy Forward. Make sure you guys get a copy Forward. Make sure you guys get a copy for a friend as well. It's going to for a friend as well. It's going to for a friend as well. It's going to really inspire you with whatever really inspire you with whatever really inspire you with whatever challenge you feel like you're going challenge you feel like you're going challenge you feel like you're going through, any problems you're going through, any problems you're going through, any problems you're going through. It's going to inspire you to through. It's going to inspire you to through. It's going to inspire you to hopefully overcome them with some more hopefully overcome them with some more hopefully overcome them with some more peace and purpose. peace and purpose. peace and purpose. >> Um, final question for you, Amy. Before >> Um, final question for you, Amy. Before >> Um, final question for you, Amy. Before I ask, I want to acknowledge you for I ask, I want to acknowledge you for I ask, I want to acknowledge you for your contribution. your contribution. your contribution. >> Constantly being a light in the world >> Constantly being a light in the world >> Constantly being a light in the world where so many people struggle, your where so many people struggle, your where so many people struggle, your voice matters, and I'm so grateful for voice matters, and I'm so grateful for voice matters, and I'm so grateful for you. you. you. >> We've known each other for 10 years. >> We've known each other for 10 years. >> We've known each other for 10 years. we've done a lot of stuff together and we've done a lot of stuff together and we've done a lot of stuff together and you continue to show up and inspire so you continue to show up and inspire so you continue to show up and inspire so many people including myself. many people including myself. many people including myself. >> So, I appreciate you. I'm grateful for >> So, I appreciate you. I'm grateful for >> So, I appreciate you. I'm grateful for your contribution your contribution your contribution >> and I'm excited to see how you step into >> and I'm excited to see how you step into >> and I'm excited to see how you step into your, your, your, >> you know, your next path and what you're >> you know, your next path and what you're >> you know, your next path and what you're up to of being present. Enjoy the up to of being present. Enjoy the up to of being present. Enjoy the process, process, process, >> diving into family and friends and >> diving into family and friends and >> diving into family and friends and >> receiving and relaxing. I'm excited to >> receiving and relaxing. I'm excited to >> receiving and relaxing. I'm excited to see that that season of life for you. see that that season of life for you. see that that season of life for you. >> Uh, and my final question is, what's >> Uh, and my final question is, what's >> Uh, and my final question is, what's your definition of greatness? your definition of greatness? your definition of greatness? My definition of greatness is living a My definition of greatness is living a My definition of greatness is living a life of possibility and helping others life of possibility and helping others life of possibility and helping others do the same. do the same. do the same. >> Amy Perney, thank you so much. >> Amy Perney, thank you so much. >> Amy Perney, thank you so much. Appreciate you. Appreciate you. Appreciate you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Amazing. >> Amazing. >> Amazing. >> Yeah. I remember Dr. Abby uh whispering >> Yeah. I remember Dr. Abby uh whispering >> Yeah. I remember Dr. Abby uh whispering in my ear. And he said, "Amy, whatever in my ear. And he said, "Amy, whatever in my ear. And he said, "Amy, whatever it is you believe in, think about that it is you believe in, think about that it is you believe in, think about that now." Oh, this makes me want to cry. I now." Oh, this makes me want to cry. I now." Oh, this makes me want to cry. I don't talk about this very much, but uh don't talk about this very much, but uh don't talk about this very much, but uh so he said, "Think about that now. so he said, "Think about that now. so he said, "Think about that now. Whatever religion, whatever it is you Whatever religion, whatever it is you Whatever religion, whatever it is you believe,