setbacks – Be-YOU-tiful Adaptive Warrior

Bouncing Back with Mike Coots

By bawarrior | April 26, 2023

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 46:59 — 31.4MB)

Shark Attack Survivor to Shark Advocate: A True Bounce Back Story

Pictures in the Deep

Facing the creature who turned his life upside down… head on and with love and respect. Truly inspiring!

This is one story of bouncing back that has always stood out to me. Since I first met Mike, on Kauai, to our first interview in 2021, and watching his path widen, deepen, and become more powerful and enlightening, I have been in awe of his love for the one thing that did him harm. And quite frankly, that speaks volumes to me… not just about Mike, but about sharks! If someone is a victim of a shark attack and literally turns around to advocate for them and their rightful place as the apex predator of the ocean, AND portrays them as beautiful, and graceful creatures to be saved and admired, then I need to listen up and educate myself past the fears that have been instilled in me by Hollywood since I was a child.

This is Mike’s mission through his photographs and advocacy stance in DC.

Forgiveness was given, and a new path is being forged between the victim and the perpetrator.

This is the true meaning of healing on the inside.

When Mike was just 18 years old, with dreams of becoming a professional surfer, this nightmare couldn’t have been farther from his mind. Yet, with support from his family and community he took a huge setback and created a new life for himself. He studied, met people, watched for doors to open, and went with the flow of his new path, which all led him to forgiveness, empathy, love, and partnership with the one thing that almost took his life.

Mike and the Tiger Shark

His setback became the set up for the life he lives now, and the life he adores.

When he was asked if he would change the day of his attack, to keep his legs and become that professional surfer, do you know what he said?

Back at it!

Listen in to hear his answer.

Listen in to hear what happened that fateful day, and to hear what new adventures he is on.

Thank you, Mike, for your time and telling your story, and for being the voice of a misunderstood creature in our oceans.

Mahalo!

And as always,

Be Healthy,

Be Happy,

Be YOU!!!

Much love,

Angie

Who Had Your Back…….

By bawarrior | April 5, 2023

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 28:19 — 29.7MB)

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During Your Bounce Back?

Me in my very bouncy running blade

April is Limb Loss/Limb Difference Month and I am excited to share with you several guest speakers throughout the month and into May, however, we had a major setback yesterday and will have to reschedule them for another week.

Turning my setback into a setup, I spent most of last night frustrated and upset that my plans, well-thought out but still botched, coming up with what I feel is a super start to this special month.

Our support groups, people, family, friends, and companion animals!

Yep, let’s turn the tables and give thanks to those who were by our side, through thick and thin, through the good times, and the bad. Those that helped us laugh when we wanted to cry and held our hands when we were afraid.

Who was there to support you?

Who stood on the sidelines and cheered you on?

Who protected you?

Who visited when you felt alone?

These are the people (and maybe animals) who deserve our utmost gratitude and love. They saw us at our worst and lifted us up so we could shine.

Today I am grateful for the medical staff who helped me through, for my family back home, for the friends who checked in on me and brought my family dinners, and to my husband and 2 boys who were my biggest fans, strongest supporters, carrying me through hard times and bad news, to making me laugh until I cried. I wouldn’t be where I am today without all of you! I am forever grateful for every note, call, meal, smile, appointment, taxi service, adjustment, joke, and hug you all supplied me with to get me through.

YOU are my heroes!

My hubby, high school sweetheart, and biggest supporter. I love you!

Best kids in the world and always there for a hug!

My family! 5 siblings (I’m the youngest😏), with our dad

My PTs who helped prep me for amputation(plus 4 years of PT prior to it, trying to save my leg!) They are family.

My best bud and Phoenix Rock n Roll Marathon challenger, Mary Wylie

Post amputation PTs and those who didn’t laugh when I’d come in and say, “So, I’d like to try…”

And thanks for helping me get ready to surf!

PT Dan and owner of Touchstone Rehabilitation. He helped me get my gait down so I’d stop bruising my femur!

The guys who make the magic happen! Making sure I’m set up for success with ideal fitting sockets to awesome paint jobs!

PA Mary representing the surgeon’s office on my 10K a year after my amputation

Special nurses who got me through the amputation- Day 1 of my new life

And there are so many more family and friends who were there for me. Thank you, thank you all, from the bottom of my heart!

This week, use the next 7 days until pour next episode to reach out and give a heartfelt thank you to those who have been there for YOU! Trust me, you will make their day and your bucket will be overflowing knowing that you made a difference in their lives as well.

Everyone wants to be appreciated for the moments they helped out someone they care about.

When we show that sort of appreciate, after the fact, shows them that we saw them and their kindness.

Now who couldn’t use a little more of that in their life?

As always,