Who Am I?

Knowing Your Identity and Accepting It We, as a society, place a lot of value on how we look. A first impression, sort of thing. A “judge a book by the cover” value. But we all know that the physical makeup of a person doesn’t give us the whole picture. As women, we are bombarded by makeup ads, weightless products, fashion trends for petite sizes and magazine covers showing ‘beautiful” flawless women with perfect features. Our sense of value, for decades, has been wrapped up in our appearance, as if that’s all we have to offer. As amputees, we can get lost in feeling worthless or “not enough” based on the world’s vantage point, but it isn’t accurate. I have been noticing a subtle change, perhaps you are too, happening in the world on what makes a person “beautiful” or “handsome”. However, if you struggle with a sense of worth or are battling who you are now that you are an amputee, you’re not alone. So many people deal with this, to the point of being afraid of being out in public, or having a significant other leave them after amputation. STOP! Stop putting yourself through that. Change your thinking and see the positive in this moment. I mean, really, what other choice do you have? It’s not like you are going to grow that limb back. It’s time to adapt and change, leave the old you in the past and find your worth. This is your moment, you can use this change to reinvent yourself, to challenge yourself, and grow into newness. This is a chance to try new hobbies, to build your character, and to challenge yourself. I want you to believe that you are going through this for something greater. You probably can’t see that now, but trust me. When I was in the midst of multiple surgeries and then choosing amputation, I would never have thought I would be making podcasts or creating help groups for women amputees, yet here I am. I open my mind up to the possibilities that could be and tried new things. I was open to whatever was coming my way. Somethings were meant to be, others, not so much, but at least I stayed open-minded. You are Be-YOU-tiful, just the way you are! So be YOU!! What we all go through in life, builds us for something else, a greater purpose, a moment that may help someone else in need. And I have found that in helping others I have helped myself. Yep, that’s right. By finding a way to use my experiences to help others I have found healing for myself, and a purpose that I never would have thought I had to offer. Without my experiences I could never talk to you about mindset or getting through phantom pains. I add validity because of my experiences. These experiences have given me purpose again, but in a way I had never expected in my life. Embrace this change. Find a way to enjoy this journey. So, who are you? What version of yourself do you dream of, it’s all a matter of your desire and mindset. Set your sights and keep an open mind. It’s your time to shine. This week, I want you to repeat positivity into yourself. “I am beautiful/handsome” “I am worthy” “I add value to those around me and my life” “I am more than my body” “I love who I am” Write these down someplace you’ll see. Say them over and over again, each day, all week. Say them and BELIEVE them! You are more than a physical body. You have survived a great storm and are still here. You have purpose and value. Believe these things. Hold your head up high. Smile, even if you have to fake it at times. And don’t forget to cry when needed, it can be very healing, just don’t linger there too long. Yes, life is a struggle, but you were made to be a warrior. Your story is being written everyday, and isn’t finished until you take your last breath. So take a deep breath and get out there. You MATTER!! I hope you charge forward today like the warriors I know you are. Have a beautifully blessed day, and until next time, Be Healthy, Be Happy, Be YOU!!!! Much love,