Finding Success

Defining Success As An Amputee What is success? Can any one person define success for the world? Of course not! As an amputee we need to remember that. Success id what you make of your life and where you’ll find contentment and happiness behind what you do and accomplish. For some of us it’s walking for the first time without assistance. For others it’s wearing their prosthesis all day long. And yet for others, it’s getting back to work, or the gym. Facing fears has become our new norm. I remember, when I first got my leg, that every time I went walking inside or outside of my house I had fear well up inside of me and I had to battle it so it didn’t paralyze me and leave me stuck, immobile. It takes time. It takes courage, but remember your journey is yours. I know people see amputees walking around in the world like it’s a piece of cake but the reality is we all start over and learn to walk again. Some people charge forward determined to walk again while others are fearful and apprehensive to don their new leg and trust it. It takes time. It takes practice. This was my very first test socket, using parallel bars for support, and yes, I was scared! So what’s the difference on those who walk and those who struggle? First is mindset, the voice inside your head that is stubborn and tells you, “Yes, you can!” That’s a great voice to have, a positive one. Listen to that voice. Second, those who find success not only have that positive mindset they also set goals with timelines/deadlines. They are determined to accomplish, despite fears (and yes, we have fears when trying new things, failing, picking ourselves up and trying again-that’s how we learn and improve). Third, they don’t compare themselves to others. They find joy in their own accomplishments as they improve each day, whatever their goals may be. What you CAN do are endless possibilities. Like the caterpillar, you need time to become that butterfly. You can do whatever you put your mind too. However, make sure you are realistic with your goals and timelines. After amputation you may feel stuck or defeated because you had no idea how long healing would take, or how a socket would feel on your own flesh, or even how heavy it would be to manipulate because you got weak while you waited to heal. Just because you were an amazing walker with 2 legs doesn’t mean post amputation is going to be like riding a bike (by the way, post amputation biking riding is also a new challenge, like everything else). You must relearn how to walk because it IS different than before. Cut yourself some slack. Understand that fears are common and the only way to your goal will be through some of those fears. But I can promise you, facing fears to reach your goals, no matter how big or small they are, will be one of the most rewarding things you’ll feel. Just don’t give up. Dig deep and know you are capable. You may be needing to take baby steps to push through, but take them. You will fail and you will fall, but that is how you learn. Pick yourself back up and go at it again, and again, and again. Hiking is my favorite activity but is exhausting. The terrain is uncertain but I worked hard to be able to get to this point. Let’s do this! Change your mindset to positive mode! Decide what you most want to achieve. WRITE IT DOWN! Set that goal and a plan on how to achieve it. If you want to wear your leg all day but aren’t wearing it at all now then start by saying: Day 1 I will wear it 2 hours around the house (use assistive devices if you are concerned) but wear it! Sit in it, stand in it, mosey around your house with it on. Day 2 wear it for more time, don’t take it off, even if you only wear it 10 minutes longer than yesterday you still improved! Continue on that path. Always adding more time, staying in it longer and walking where you are safe. After a few days of doing this then you can set a realistic goal deadline to wearing it all day. Set that date! This is how you achieve your goals, and this is how you will find YOUR success! Also, success is NOT a straight line without setbacks. If you are having a bad day or the fit hurts, then you use that time to adjust, take a break, and then start again the next day. One setback does NOT mean you’ve failed, it means you are learning! Keep going, Warrior!!! You can do this, I know you can. Remember, you are stronger than you know! Dig deep and find your inner warrior!!! And as always, Be Healthy, Be Happy, Be YOU!! Much love,