What’s Your Word?
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 25:35 — 26.9MB)
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More
Spreading Joy This Season
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 33:46 — 35.7MB)
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More
Cheers to the End of Another Year!
As 2023 comes to a close and the holidays are now upon I want to wish you all a blessed and happy new year!
As I celebrate my 5th year anniversary of my amputation today I am realizing how blessed I have been with how much I have experienced, accomplished, and the people I have met through this journey.
I also know that the vibes you put out into the world come back to you 10 fold.
Our attitude is contagious. How we approach the world can either add joy to it or be a thorn. Which are you bringing to the world?
Today as you are experiencing the emotions of this season remember that many people are struggling. Some struggle with an invisible problem (missing a loved one, a rocky relationship, struggles with money or job) and other’s with something very real and visible (amputation, being alone, medical conditions).
Be kind.
Remember that we all struggle.
Spreading joy takes very little on our part and a smile goes a long way.
Finish this year strong and positive and reap the rewards of being kind and positive with the people you meet throughout your week.
I know this seems like a pretty basic and obvious statement, but when we get caught up in our own schedule and agenda we often miss helping someone in need, or miss an opportunity to brighten someone else’s day.
We all fight battles, we all need kindness shown to us.
As you struggle through your own situation (for me it can be phantom pains like I’m dealing with as I type this) there are others going through something even more difficult and debilitating, making it hard for them to function or find joy during this time of year, making them feel alone and isolated.
We are in charge of our own attitude and only we can choose to see our glass half full.
So where are you with your situation, half empty or half full?
The next couple of weeks, as I take time off to be present and with my family, I challenge you to watch the world around you. Look for ways you can make it better. Smile more, see the silver lining in your situation, find ways to bring happiness and positive vibes into the world… then watch to see how those vibes come back to you and change your life.
I hope and pray you are able to find happiness and joy during this time of year and that good health befalls you this new year.
Change your perspective, change your life.
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!!
And as always,
Be Healthy,
Be Happy,
Be YOU!!!
Much love,
The Age of Prosthetics
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 31:33 — 33.6MB)
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More
Change Is in the Air
I had the distinct honor of being a part of a gait study at MIT in their Media Lab in Boston. It was the final project of a PhD student’s program and it was amazing!
To see what the future of prosthetics is heading toward and being able to test something that is still a ways out from being on the commercial market was such a blast and a lot of work. Testing the product through different scenarios and also using my own leg to show my baseline capabilities for comparison was so interesting and enlightening.
I would never have picture myself, in a million years, being able to be a part of this, nor did I ever picture myself without a leg.. oh the places I have been, the people I have met and the experiences I have enjoyed, all because of my decision to amputate almost 5 years ago.
MIT Media Lab lobby
Getting geared up for my baseline study with my own leg
Gathering data
Making adjustments
Such an honor to meet the man who created his own prosthetics after losing his own legs, Dr Hugh Herr.
Would I do it all again? Yes!
First off, I am not a person that looks back and says, “if only I had…” or ” I would have done this differently”. Instead I focus at what’s happening now and what’s in front of me. This makes me a happier person.
Second, I wouldn’t trade all the problems I have had (phantom pains/sensations, fitting issues, rashes and burns from sockets) because everything I have been blessed to experience has also been met with amazing people, experiences and seeing and doing new things.
I am a better person, a more well-rounded person, for having this life altering surgery. I am happy that my life changed direction.
I have been able to test my will power, my integrity, my character much more by going through something so big. I have been tested and been able to rise up and become a stronger individual, both physically and emotionally.
I wished I could share with you so much more about my time at MIT, but until this student’s study is published it needs to be hush hush. Someday next year I will talk about it in more detail, but until then, I suggest that if you ever get a chance to take part in a study, one that helps make progress in our prosthetics, take it. Not only are you helping the future, you will also get to learn more about yourself.
As the past couple of weeks I have pushed you all to get active during this busy time of year. Taking care of yourself is so important for your mental and physical well-being but we tend to put it off for other things. Don’t wait! Join me on my Fierce and On Fire challenge.
It’s a virtual challenge by RunMotivators and if you’d like to join you can register and receive a medal for accomplishing this virtual challenge.
The goal? 100 miles, your way.
What does that mean?
You decide how you accomplish 100 miles. I set the goal timeline for December 31st but you can always set your own timeline since this started 3 weeks ago for me.
How can you reach 100 miles?
Whatever is comfortable and easiest for you and your circumstances. If you are wheelchair bound them maybe do some upper body workouts.
15 minutes=1 mile
You can swim, walk, hike, ski, surf, run, bike…the sky is the limit and you decide what challenges you, where you are at.
The idea is to get moving for YOU!
Making yourself a priority during this time of year, when we tend to ditch the things we do for ourselves to doing things for others.
Are you in??
Join me TODAY and get a jumpstart on your own health and fitness goals.
I hope you have a blessed week ahead and as always,
Be Healthy,
Be Happy,
Be YOU!!!
Much love,
You Can Do It!
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 34:09 — 30.4MB)
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More
There are many facets to being an amputee, a lot revolves around the fit of prosthetics, dealing with phantom pains, and relearning to walk. However there are other obstacles to overcome, goals to achieve, finding your independence is usually on the top of the list!
This was a huge goal for me (and also for others I have talked to over the past few years). Independence looks different for each of us but when we decide what it is we are looking to achieve there’s no better feeling when we reach that goal.
For me, today was that day. I felt the complete independence of traveling alone-for the first time as an amputee! Packing up, getting to the airport, carrying my own luggage, finding my way through security and to my gate, all while being balanced, strong, and confident. I was able to grab my luggage, find my way to the Uber line, and check into a hotel. These may seem like simple tasks, people do them everyday, but being with my husband since we were 17 and never traveling without him, he always took charge, he always looked out for me, and guarded me from uncertainty. With him I was always safe and taken care of, so you can imagine how exciting, and challenging, doing this was for me.
What a day of firsts!
If you ever wonder if you’ll be able to travel again, let alone, travel solo as an amputee, I’m here to tell you that you can and you will! You can find that independence if that’s what you want. It takes time and practice. You have to plan ahead, and be prepared.
Listen in to today’s podcast as I discuss the things I have learned over the past 4 1/2 years of traveling as an amputee, the items I make sure I pack, and how I navigate the airport hoopla.
Oh, and if you are curious as to why in the world I have traveled alone to the other side of the country, on my own, in the middle of the holiday season, leaving the beautiful Arizona weather behind for the biting cold east coast then make sure you tune in next week!!
This is no different from the last two weeks:
Join my Fierce and On Fire challenge today!! Don’t wait! Join me as I make a solid effort to pay attention to my own health needs this holiday season by making sure to exercise in some way, everyday for at least 30 minutes.
The challenge is 100 miles and is virtual. If you want a medal the click HERE to join me!
If you want to join me but don’t care about the medal, that’s cool, too! I have a private Facebook group you can join for the motivation and community. You can also join my IG channel Fierce and On Fire for the community as well.
How can you compete against yourself?
Great question. You do whatever it is you love to do and are capable of doing, where you are right now in your health journey.
If you want and can run, walk, hike, bike, swim, then do it!
If you are bedridden or in a wheelchair try upper body exercises with bands. 15 minutes of exercise = 1 mile.
NO EXCUSES! If you want to help yourself then be kind to your mind and body. Don’t wait for January 1 to make the dreaded “New Year’s Resolution”. Start today. Challenge yourself today. Make yourself more of a priority and end 2023 on a high note.’
Let’s do this together, as a virtual team of sorts.
And as always,
Be Healthy,
Be Happy,
Be YO(U!!!
Much love,
The Secret To My Success
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 38:10 — 40.4MB)
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More
Creating Positive Momentum Through Challenges
This week let’s challenge ourselves!
Let’s face the mountain head on and not veer out of fear.
It’s time to unleash the warrior within you, are you ready??
Well it doesn’t matter, now is the time! If you wait until you are “ready” then the time will never come.
SO how did I start my amputee journey, you ask? I was ready! I was nervous, of course, but when I came to grips with it I was ready to soar. I began to dream and wonder what I could accomplish, what hurdles I would overcome, what new things I would learn. To say that I was excited about the possibilities, would be an understatement.
I began by wearing my leg out of the prosthetist office and using it all day every day for a week…WITHOUT PT! Needless to say, I was so bruised on my femur bone!
I mean, I was walking, and so proud of myself, but I needed help tweaking my form and gait.
After I took some PT I began a new journey with new dreams. I was going to reinvent myself, whatever it took!
I had about 12 goals set for myself, even before my amputation, about what I would accomplish as an amputee.
Obviously I wanted to walk as naturally as possible, and as soon as possible, but there is no shortcut or magic potion to make that happen. It takes grit, determination and consistency. But how do you maintain consistency, especially with something that is scary, uncertain, and hard to do?
What I did was register for virtual races! Not only did I have set miles but I also had the metaphorical carrot dangling in front of me…the cool looking medals!!
My very 1st race as an amputee! This started it all and how I got use to my prosthetic leg.
For me, that’s all it took! I registered for my first 150 mile race in May, a month after getting my prosthetic leg. I made a promise to myself that all of my steps in my leg would count toward my miles, then I introduced myself to the large Facebook group and told them of my goals. Not only did writing it down for all to see make me accountable for my goal, it also gave me a HUGE cheering squad with this new group of friends!
And this is where it all began! I attribute my success of learning to walk again to my virtual races.
These were the ones I did the first 1 1/2 after becoming an amputee! They all have special meaning,
depending on what I was trying to accomplish, how I felt or what I was going through.
It’s your turn now, and I’m going to help you and be there by your side as we do this together!
Let’s crush a goal before this year ends.
No better time than the present to start, and the best time of year to make time for yourself.
The link below is to register for a 100 mile virtual race.
I have already registered and I want you on my team!
I will create a private Facebook group too, just for those who join this race with me.
Can’t run? No problem-WALK!
Can’t walk? Bike, recumbent, stationary or traditional.
Can’t do those things? SWIM, use a hand bike, exercise with stretch bands, dumbbells or body weight!
The sky’s the limit on how you go about logging your miles.
3 miles of biking= 1 mile of running/walking
exercising moderately 30 min=1 mile of running/walking
etc, etc, etc
You see where I’m coming from? We can all do something to help us feel better and get on track. So no matter where you are, don’t think for one second that you can’t do something in some way, shape, or form!
It is time to unleash your inner warrior! Fight for the life you want! Start today and let me walk alongside you and your journey! After all, we all need someone who gets us where we are at.
I’m here for you so won’t you join me on this virtual race?
Join me and let’s “sleigh” this holiday season! No excuses, no surrender!!!
Click HERE to register for the Fierce and On Fire Challenge
Oh, and did I mention that not only are you helping yourself by joining this challenge, you will also be supporting the Erin Regan Animal Sanctuary non profit 40 acre farm. A portion of your registration in this challenge goes to support this cause. This non profit is dedicated to saving the lives of farm and companion animals from abuse, euthanasia, and homelessness.
It’s a win-win in my book! Join me today! Click the link above!!
As always,
Be Healthy,
Be Happy,
Be YOU!!!
Much love,
Dealing With Grief
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 13:10 — 14.2MB)
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More
How Grief Plays a Role In Your Health
Today’s podcast I will let speak for itself.
I am dealing with grief and last several weeks the stressors in my life were so high that my phantom pains were intense.
Taking care of yourself in the midst of pain, sorrow, grief, and anxiety ridden situations is very important for your overall health.
Listen in as I tell you about my past week and a half, how I’ve been feeling, and what I have done, successfully and unsuccessfully, to deal with my emotions and the pain that I was feeling in my heart.
I pray you all are doing well, and I apologize for the delay in posting this week.
Stay positive.
Be the warriors you were meant to be and know that I am here and will get through this and heal on my time.
Until next week,
Be Healthy,
Be Happy,
Be YOU!!
Much love,
In loving memory of Bella Rose October 27, 2023
So You’re An Amputee…Now What?
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 35:35 — 36.8MB)
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More
You have made it through a HUGE surgery. Maybe because of an accident or a sickness. Maybe you made the decision to amputate so you could live a better, healthier life. Whatever the reason, you have made it through that emotional decision, and come to terms with your new reality.
Unfortunately, your journey has just begun, but have no fear, you can shine and move forward with your new lifestyle and live an amazing and full life!
You might think that the act of being amputated is the hardest thing you will have to go through, or that you won’t ever live a full life with all the “restrictions”. And while it’s true that it takes time to adjust to your altered body, you can overcome the perceived restrictions.
A life as an amputee can be as good as you envision it, goal set for it, and how you approach it. It is mind over matter. It is about positivity, attitude, and courage.
Your journey, like life itself, will be filled with ups and downs, There will be storms and there will be rainbows. That’s life!
What can you start doing, now that you are an amputee, is adjusting your mindset, from being a victim to being the warrior in your story.
It’s time to goal set, dream of your future, build strength and grit. You will need all of that to find success, and if you prep correctly and envision the possibilities then you will succeed!
You define success.
You will get knocked down but if you realize this you will be better prepared for those moments and be ready to fight.
Remember, you are a warrior, not just because you have gone through something extreme, but because you fought to rise up after being knocked down. You have got into battle and continue to fight for what you want in life.
This week, listen in as I discuss what it took for me to find success after amputation.
This week is about coming to terms about your body.
Setting goals.
Understanding that this is a marathon and not a sprint, becoming prepared to fight for a better life and finding strength and resilience through adversity, and learning how to get back up after getting knocked down.
Be prepared for battle and fighting for what you want (and you should go into this knowing exactly what you want out of it).
You can achieve great and amazing things for your life. You are not a victim, you are a warrior!!!
Have a blessed week and as always,
Be Healthy,
Be Happy,
Be YOU!!
Much love,
Finding Success Through Trials
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 36:11 — 38.6MB)
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More
Mindset Matters
So you’re an amputee now. You’ve gotten through your surgery, and you’re home. Now what?
The road is long, my friend, but doable.
You can and will survive, dare I say, you can even thrive as an amputee.
How you see your circumstance and adapt to your new way of living is up to you and based on your own mindset.
After I elected to amputate my leg, above knee, after 5 years of surgeries and a blood clot, I had no idea what I was in for, but what I did know was that I was strong, stubborn, and going to hold myself accountable to my own success (seeing as I chose this path). This is my journey and I was going to own it- the good, the bad, and the ugly of it all.
Mindset matters!
If you tell yourself you will succeed, chances are, you will.
If you tell yourself you can accomplish your goals, chances are, you will.
This is no different. Positive self-talk, self-love, and positive mindset will all come to your rescue on those hard days.
Yes, there will be hard days, weeks, and even months as you adjust to your new way of getting around. It’s ok to have those emotionally bad days, just don’t allow yourself to linger there. As you heal, then start the fitting process of your prosthesis, you’re going to realize that the tough days are just beginning, but I know you can handle it. Why? Because you are a warrior and capable of great things!
I would tell you that I am successful at being an amputee, and living my best life. How do I gauge that? By the goals I have set for myself, achieved, and by the fact that I don’t see myself as handicapped or incapable, anymore.
This mindset takes time, and is refined through trials. It doesn’t happen overnight so don’t get frustrated if you don’t feel this way…yet.
Stick with positivity. Keep pushing yourself toward your goals. Never give up and one day you’ll realize that you have gotten to a place where you have found joy, happiness and peace with where you are at, and living a great life. Being an amputee isn’t the end of the world, nor the end of a healthy, happy life. On the contrary, you will find your new journey very rewarding once you grasp what makes it tick.
Find Your Rainbow
Nothing worth achieving happens quickly, remember that. We must fight the battles, learn to pick ourselves up, and to try, try again. These moments that try to take us down are the precise moments we need to experience so we can become stronger and learn how to manage them in the future.
I’d say that 75% of my Call to Actions revolve around goal setting, and this one is no different.
You must find it in your to dream and write down the things you hope to accomplish as an amputee.
Don’t limit yourself, just write!
List as many things as you can that you’d love to accomplish.
At first they may be as simple as wearing your prosthesis a little longer each day, or not taking it off when you get fatigued. Then you’ll start dreaming of taking walks again with your dog or family.
Mine got as big as learning to surf for the first time ever. HEY, why not??? right?!?!
Write them all down, now figure out what is attainable at the stage you are at and set that as priority number 1. Create steps to that goal, how will you achieve it. and then get after it!
Don’t wait until Monday, or after this holiday nor that holiday, START TODAY!! Today is as good a day as any. and the sooner you start the sooner you’ll achieve your goals.
You are a warrior and capable of more than you may believe. You are resilient and an overcomer!
Best wishes on your goal setting!
And until next week, as always,
Be Healthy,
Be Happy,
Be YOU!!
Much love,
Angie
It Doesn’t Happen Overnight
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 40:33 — 43.9MB)
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More
Persistency and Continuity Lead to Success
Trying something new, or being thrust into a new situation, can be tricky, difficult, frustrating, and downright terrifying.
As an amputee, I can truly understand and appreciate that. However, with the right mindset, the setting of goals, and the willingness to be persistent, even when experiencing failure, we can master what we want to achieve.
Overcoming setbacks through persistence and continuity is a powerful journey of resilience and determination. When faced with challenges, those who are persistent continue to pursue their goals despite obstacles. You will possess the tenacity to endure failures and setbacks, learning from each experience and using it as a stepping stone rather than a stumbling block. Setbacks, in an amputee’s journey, are common as we relearn to walk, build muscle and stability, all while our limb changes and fitting of prosthetics is a challenge.
Hiking 2 miles of Awa’awapuhi Trail near Waimea Canyons
With the mindset of succeeding despite the hurdles, being persistent in reaching your goals is vitally important, as is being consistent. Continuity involves maintaining a steadfast commitment to your objectives, even in the face of adversity, and there will be adversity. Somedays, as an amputee, it will feel like it is always about adversity and the roadblocks trying to take you down will feel like stone walls. However, through continuity, you will develop a sense of discipline, enabling you to stay focused on your aspirations and making gradual progress.
Kayaking Hanalei for 3 hours
Combining persistence and continuity empowers you to navigate through setbacks with unwavering determination. you learn to adapt, improvise, and keep moving forward, ultimately transforming setbacks into opportunities for growth. This approach not only builds character but also fosters a resilient mindset, enabling you to achieve your goals despite the challenges you will face along the way.
When you see an amputee who is running a race, surfing the waves, hiking huge miles and high elevation, or happily moving about their day remember, they started with baby steps. They fell down a time or two. They spent hours, days, weeks, and even years practicing what they have achieved.
Everyone starts a new task as a beginner, learning from mistakes, and failures. It is those who continue to pick themselves up time and time again, and press forward with conviction who eventually find their way to success.
Success takes time, commitment, practice, and determination, despite setbacks.
You can find success, too, just don’t give up when things get hard. You’ll be so proud of yourself in the end.
Fun snorkeling days on Kauai
Today figure out what you want to achieve. It’s ok to dream big, but pick the first thing you really want to accomplish, with where you are right now.
Write that goal down!
Next, write down a deadline to achieve that goal.
Finally, list steps you will need two take each day to reach that goal by your deadline.
Now go out and work for what you want!
Remember, falls and failures happen, and can be great stepping stones for success.
And also know that it’s not uncommon to be heading the right direction and then hit a setback. You know the old saying, “two steps forward, one step back”, right? Just prepare yourself for that so you don’t get discouraged.
Stay the course! Don’t give up.
You deserve to be happy, and living your best life.
Until next week, and as always,
Be Healthy,
Be Happy,
Be You!!
Check Your Ego At the Door
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 29:30 — 30.9MB)
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More
For Growth and Overall Happiness
Take it from me when I say that it can be really difficult to drop the ego and allow yourself to be vulnerable.
I have always prided myself in being a high achiever, a perfectionist, a go-getter, and so highly competitive that I have built up walls and a tough exterior when I am trying new things or in a competitive environment. The very last thing I would ever do is ask for help or, worse yet, show any weaknesses in front of anyone.
The problem with that is that I cannot grow, evolve and improve in this state.
We need to get outside of our comfort zones to challenge ourselves.
And when we find ourselves challenged we need to ask for help and we need to have times of failing. That is what helps us learn and improve ourselves, our craft, or our hobby.
In this podcast, I take you on my journey when last week I finally put down my ego and reaped the benefits! It was humbling, exhilarating, and challenged me. In a short time I also made a new friend with similar interests who inspires me to keeping working hard. What a blessing getting out of my own way has been in just a short time. Imagine what I can accomplish now that I have this nugget of information, this new skill or letting go of my ego so that I can better myself and my life!
Won’t you join me on this new and exciting journey?
Has your pride, or ego, stopped you from accomplishing some of your goals (big or small)?
Then this week it’s time to bloom where you’re at and shine!
Set yourself up for success, enjoy the breathe of fresh air as you swallow that ego, show your vulnerable underbelly, and challenge yourself to something new.
You will be amazed at how happy you’ll feel about your new found freedoms from your own prison.
So get out of your own way, Warrior, and rise (and fall) in the new challenges you choose to take on.
Through failures and weaknesses we find our strengths, and build character.
Time to define your life!
So rise up, Warrior, rise up!
And as always,
Be Healthy,
Be Happy,
Be YOU!!
Much love,.
Angie
