Somebody’s Watching Me

….. And They’re Watching You, Too. I know, that sounds creepy but it’s not what you think. Did you know that you influence and impact more people daily than you realize? As a parent I knew right away that my boys were watching me, my every move, even when it appeared that they were enthralled in a movie, game, or activity! They’d say something, or repeat me, or act the way I did. Wow! What an eye opener that was for me as a mom. Now as an amputee I am realizing that people are watching, every move feels like it’s being monitored. At first you might think they are just being rude and it makes you feel uncomfortable, almost paralyzing, afraid of stumbling or looking weak and incapable; at least that’s how I felt. Then I decided to make eye contact and smile….and you know what? People started opening up! They’d ask if it was rude to ask what happened, if I was a vet, if I’m comfortable in a prosthetic. Some people would tell me about their journey and rough patches they were going through. Some even asked my thoughts on amputation because they were at that juncture in their own life. I mean, wow! Connection. Comradery. Compassion. People are curious, they have questions and want to understand what it’s like to be an amputee and what makes us tick. After my journey from injury to amputation, and now beyond, I feel it is my purpose, and obligation, to help others. If I have experiences that can help someone else through their trials then I need to share my experiences, good and bad. I have found that talking with others, sharing my story, my journey, not only gives them insight and a foundation to help them along their path, it also fills my bucket up, motivates me, and puts a spring in my step that day. I love sharing my story with anyone who asks. I love showing curious children my leg and helping their parents understand that it’s ok for their children to be curious and ask questions. I wished more amputees were so open, but the reality is that some are hurting inside, struggling to make sense of what they are going through, wondering if they can carry on. If that’s you, I’m sorry you are going through that, but know you are not alone and you don’t have to be stuck in that mental space. Break free from those mental and physical confines by sharing your experience, you’ll be surprised how healing that can be. When you share your story, you let go of some of those hard emotions by allowing others to absorb them, listening to you, and validating your feelings and struggles. And when they share their own struggles in reply you’ll realize you AREN’T alone after all, which is such a load off your heart. I’m telling you, it is an AMAZING feeling to share your journey, your struggles, your successes with people who are strangers that become invested and lift you up with their words. Embrace that you are different. Share your story, you may help someone along the way. I know you’ll be helping yourself when you do. This week I challenge you to make eye contact, smile and see what relationships you create, and who’s lives you’ll touch with your story. It’s time to face the fears you have about your circumstance. It won’t be easy for some of you but I can tell you that I haven’t met a person who hasn’t made a difference in my life when I’ve made those connections. I love telling people what I went through. I’m proud of the courage it took me to get here. I’m proud of how hard I’ve worked to get over being self-conscience, and how hard I’ve worked to achieve things some people never thought I could do as an amputee. Be proud of your story and the scars you have, and share it with who ever is curious. You will feel liberated and find healing in opening up. Get out there and be brave. Share your journey. You have so much to offer this world. As always: Be Healthy, Be Happy, Be YOU!! Much love, Angie