Amped Women – Be-YOU-tiful Adaptive Warrior

The Courage To Belong

By bawarrior | July 1, 2026

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 21:12 — 22.5MB)

Feeling Alone After Amputation? Why Community Is Part of Healing

Have you ever felt completely alone—even while surrounded by people who love you?

For many amputees, loneliness isn’t about the absence of family or friends. It’s about carrying a journey that very few people truly understand. In this heartfelt episode of the BAWarrior Podcast, I share an honest conversation about isolation, fear, healing, and the courage it takes to build meaningful community.

Drawing from my own experiences and countless conversations with amputees, I explore why loneliness often becomes one of the greatest hidden challenges after limb loss. The mental load of navigating everyday life, the quiet nights when phantom pain and anxious thoughts seem the loudest, and how fear can slowly convince us that staying home feels safer than stepping back into the world are all a part of our journey.

But healing was never meant to happen in isolation.

Throughout the episode, I talk about how community becomes one of the most powerful tools in recovery. Whether it’s sharing your story, joining an amputee support group, striking up a conversation at the gym, or simply reaching out to one other person who understands your journey, every connection becomes another step toward healing. Remember that telling your story doesn’t make you weak, it helps release the weight you’ve been carrying while encouraging someone else who may feel just as alone.

This episode also explores the importance of boldness. Community doesn’t magically appear; someone has to take the first step. Whether that’s sending a text, attending a virtual support group, introducing yourself to another amputee, or simply saying hello to a neighbor, courage opens the door to belonging.

As I prepare to launch my new Faith Through the Fire series, I have been reflecting on how faith, resilience, and community often come together when we choose to move beyond fear. I want to encourage you to embrace this new chapter after amputation—not as the end of life, but as the beginning of a richer, more connected one.

If you’ve been struggling with loneliness after amputation, phantom pain, fear of falling, or simply wondering if anyone truly understands what you’re going through, this episode serves as a reminder that you are not alone. There is hope, there is healing, and there is a community waiting to welcome you.

This week, take one brave step.

Reach out to one person. Send one text. Join one support group. Attend one Zoom meeting. Introduce yourself to another amputee. Healing begins when isolation ends, and community starts with one courageous decision.

If you’re looking for connection, visit WarriorGround.org to learn more about the BAWarrior Podcast, Amped Women virtual gatherings, Warrior Circle, and other opportunities to connect with people who truly understand the amputee journey.

Connect with another amputee

Get outside, bring a friend

Surround yourself with those who want to see you succeed as much as they want to, and love you for who you are!

Remember: You don’t have to walk this journey alone.

Have a beautifully blessed week,

And as always,

Be Healthy,

Be Happy,

Be YOU!!!

Much love,

7 Lessons From 7 Years of Limb Loss

By bawarrior | June 3, 2026

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 24:50 — 26.4MB)

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What I Wish Every New Amputee Knew

Seven years ago, I made one of the hardest decisions of my life: to amputate my leg. Looking back now, I can honestly say that journey has taught me more about life, resilience, and myself than I ever could have imagined.

In this episode, I share seven of the biggest lessons I’ve learned through seven years of living as an above-knee amputee. These lessons aren’t just about limb loss, they’re about navigating life’s unexpected challenges, embracing change, and discovering strength you didn’t know you had.

One of the first things I learned is that life is incredibly uncertain. None of us know what tomorrow holds. I certainly never imagined that a martial arts injury would eventually lead to amputation. Yet even in the uncertainty, I’ve learned that life is still beautiful and worth embracing. Every day we wake up with breath in our lungs is an opportunity to live fully, regardless of our circumstances.

I also talk about change and why fighting it often creates more suffering than the change itself. As amputees, change becomes a constant companion. New sockets, new challenges, new routines, and new versions of ourselves. While change can be uncomfortable, it can also open doors to experiences, relationships, and opportunities we never would have discovered otherwise.

Another lesson that stands out is realizing just how strong we really are. Not physically, although that comes too, but mentally and emotionally. Strength isn’t built on easy days. It’s forged through setbacks, disappointments, pain, and the choice to keep moving forward anyway. Like a diamond formed under pressure, adversity has a way of shaping us into something stronger than we thought possible.

I also share why learning to appreciate the good days matters so much. Living with limb loss means navigating physical challenges, phantom pain, socket issues, and countless ups and downs. The difficult days teach us to cherish the ordinary ones. They remind us not to take comfort, mobility, or peace for granted.

Perhaps one of the most important lessons is this: don’t do it alone. Finding community has been one of the greatest gifts of my journey. Whether through my Amped Women chats, fellow amputees, or supportive friends and family, connection matters. We were never meant to carry life’s challenges by ourselves.

Finally, I talk about friendships, mindset, and embracing the roller coaster that is amputee life. The road isn’t always easy, but it can still be meaningful, beautiful, and full of purpose.

My hope is that whether you’re a new amputee, a caregiver, or simply facing a challenge of your own, you’ll walk away encouraged. Life may not look the way we planned, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be extraordinary.

Mindset matters. Give yourself grace. Find your people. And remember—you are stronger than you think.

What’s one lesson your journey has taught you?

Whether you’re an amputee, caregiver, or someone navigating a challenge of your own, I’d love to hear from you. Share your biggest lesson in the comments, reply to this post, or connect with me through Warrior Ground.

And if you’re walking the limb loss journey, don’t do it alone. Join our community and discover the power of connecting with people who truly understand.

Join the Warrior Ground community and stay connected → HERE