PDF Summary:On My Own Two Feet, by Amy Purdy

In On My Own Two Feet, Amy Purdy tells her harrowing story of battling a rare bacterial meningitis that claimed her legs and nearly her life. She takes the reader through her relentless fight for survival, the grueling recovery process, and her steadfast determination to reclaim her mobility and independence.

Purdy's journey weaves inspiring tales of overcoming adversity. You'll learn how she reignited her passion for snowboarding, co-founded Adaptive Action Sports to empower disabled athletes, and embraced personal growth through spiritual awakening. Her resilience and positivity shine through as she discovers her purpose and empowers others facing challenges.

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• Proper alignment and fit are crucial for performance and comfort in sports. Ill-fitting prosthetics can cause pressure points, skin irritation, and reduced control, impacting an athlete's ability to perform.
• Overcoming setbacks often involves an entrepreneurial mindset, where individuals must think creatively and take initiative to solve problems that lack existing solutions.
• This quality involves finding quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties. For adaptive athletes, it can mean using available materials and technology creatively to enhance performance and comfort in sports.
• The process may involve using advanced materials and technologies, such as carbon fiber or 3D printing, to create lightweight and durable prosthetics.
• Regular events and workshops within the community provide opportunities for sharing knowledge, testing new equipment, and fostering innovation.

Purdy's Perseverance and Creativity Led Her to Pioneer Snowboarding Adaptations, Competing at Elite Levels

Through a combination of unwavering determination, creative problem solving, and a willingness to experiment, Purdy not only returned to snowboarding, she excelled at it. She became a pioneer in adaptive snowboarding, competing at elite levels and earning numerous accolades. The author details her participation in national and global snowboarding competitions, emphasizing the camaraderie and the shared sense of purpose she experienced with fellow adaptive athletes. In this section, the reader truly witnesses Purdy’s transformation into a world-class athlete. She defied expectations and demonstrated the transformative power of passion and perseverance, inspiring fellow adaptive athletes to pursue their own dreams, regardless of physical limitations.

Practical Tips

• Partner with a friend for mutual accountability in pursuing a shared goal. Find someone interested in either returning to a past activity or starting a new one, and agree to check in with each other regularly. This could involve weekly meet-ups to practice a language both of you want to relearn, sharing resources, and encouraging each other when motivation wanes.
• Volunteer for a project or role that requires skills you don't currently possess. This could be helping to organize a community event or contributing to a group project in a different field. The experience will force you to adapt and develop new problem-solving strategies, which you can then apply to other aspects of your life.
• Create a "variation log" for a skill you're already practicing, such as cooking or photography. Each time you engage in the activity, change one variable, like using a new ingredient or camera setting, and note the outcomes. This method encourages incremental experimentation and can lead to innovative techniques or improved results over time.
• Explore cross-training with sports that improve balance and coordination to indirectly boost your performance in activities like snowboarding. Engage in activities such as yoga, Pilates, or even balance-focused video games that require physical interaction. These can enhance your core strength and stability, which are crucial for sports that demand a high level of physical control.
• Create a goal-setting plan that mirrors an athlete's training regimen by establishing clear, measurable objectives for a personal or professional skill you wish to develop. For example, if you're learning a new language, set a target to learn a specific number of words each day, practice with native speakers weekly, and measure your progress with regular proficiency tests.
• Engage in deliberate practice sessions focused on weak points, akin to an athlete's training. Athletes spend time working on their weaknesses to become well-rounded in their sport. Identify areas in your personal or professional life that need improvement and dedicate specific times each week to work on them. For instance, if public speaking is a challenge for you, you might practice speeches in front of friends or join a local Toastmasters club to hone your skills.
• Start small by participating in local snowboarding or sports events to build your competitive experience. Just like stepping onto a larger stage requires practice, you can begin by entering local competitions, which are often more accessible and less intimidating. This will give you a taste of the competitive atmosphere and help you develop the skills and confidence needed for larger events.
• Engage with a community of aspiring athletes online or locally by joining forums, groups, or clubs where you can share tips, challenges, and encouragement. Being part of a community can provide motivation, accountability, and the opportunity to learn from others' experiences.
• Partner with a friend to embark on a 'Defy Expectations Challenge' where you both commit to a task that seems daunting, such as running a half-marathon or writing a short story, and support each other through regular check-ins and shared resources. This mutual encouragement can amplify your motivation and resilience.
• Create a "Perseverance Playlist" filled with songs that inspire resilience and determination. Listen to this playlist when facing tasks that require sustained effort. The music can serve as a motivational backdrop, helping to maintain focus and energy. For instance, if you're preparing for a marathon, listening to your Perseverance Playlist during training runs can help you push through fatigue and maintain a strong pace.
• Create a personal blog to share your journey as an adaptive athlete, focusing on the challenges and triumphs you encounter. By documenting your experiences, you can inspire others facing similar situations. For example, if you've found a way to adapt a workout routine, share detailed instructions and photos to help others try it themselves.

Amy Founds Adaptive Action Sports to Support Community

This chapter explores Purdy's entrepreneurial journey in co-founding Adaptive Action Sports, a national non-profit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities to pursue extreme sports. It showcases her passion for community building and her unwavering commitment to expanding opportunities for athletes with adaptive needs.

Recognizing Community Needs, Amy Co-founded Aas For Training, Equipment, and Competition

Driven by a desire to share her love of snowboarding and her inspiring journey with others, Purdy, along with her partner, Daniel, established Adaptive Action Sports (AAS). Recognizing a lack of resources for aspiring adaptive athletes, especially in action sports, the author envisioned an organization that would provide training, equipment, and competitive opportunities for people with disabilities. This chapter recounts the early days of AAS, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of building a national non-profit from scratch. They faced logistical hurdles, resource limitations, and a general lack of awareness surrounding adaptive sports, but their unwavering commitment to their mission ultimately led to the organization’s success.

Practical Tips

• Connect with a friend or acquaintance who shares a passion for a cause and discuss starting a small project together. This could be as simple as a book club that focuses on social issues, a blog that raises awareness about a local problem, or a craft group that makes items for a charity. The key is to combine your interests with a purpose that benefits others. For example, if you both love cooking, you could start a cooking club that prepares meals for a local shelter once a month.

Other Perspectives

• There could have been informal networks or community-led initiatives supporting adaptive athletes that were not recognized as formal resources, thus leading to the perception of a lack of resources.
• The timing of AAS's founding could have coincided with a growing interest in adaptive sports, suggesting that market trends and timing were also key to its success.

Advocating Paralympic Inclusion for Snowboarding by Disabled Athletes

A major goal for Purdy in AAS was to elevate the profile of adaptive snowboarding and advocate for its inclusion in the Paralympic Games. This section of the book details her tireless efforts to organize competitions, secure sponsorships, and raise awareness for the activity. She organized events, collaborated with international snowboarding organizations, hosted training camps, and reached out to the Paralympic Committee to demonstrate the athleticism and the competitive nature of snowboarding for people with disabilities. While initially met with resistance, the author's unwavering commitment to her vision and the growing number of athletes participating in the sport eventually helped pave the way for its inclusion in the Sochi 2014 Paralympics.

Practical Tips

• Encourage local schools and community centers to include information about adaptive snowboarding in their newsletters or on bulletin boards. By providing materials or suggesting content for these communications, you help spread the word to families and individuals who might not be aware of adaptive snowboarding opportunities.
• Offer to showcase sponsor logos or mentions in a creative way that adds value to their brand. If you're organizing a local sports event, for example, you could design the course or uniforms to incorporate sponsor branding in an eye-catching manner, ensuring they get noticed by participants and spectators.
• Develop a personal project that requires input from various international perspectives. Start a blog, podcast, or YouTube channel focused on your topic of interest and invite contributors from around the world to share their stories and expertise. This not only broadens your understanding but also connects you with a global community.
• Encourage a school or community group to include adaptive sports in their physical education or extracurricular activities. By reaching out to educators and group leaders, you can help create opportunities for young people to learn about and participate in adaptive sports, fostering an inclusive environment from an early age.
• You can amplify the achievements of disabled athletes by sharing their stories on social media. Use hashtags, tag relevant organizations, and write engaging posts that highlight their skills and accomplishments. This not only raises awareness but also can create a ripple effect, inspiring others to share and support these athletes.

Other Perspectives

• The resistance could have been part of a standard procedure for vetting new sports to ensure they align with the Paralympic Games' values and objectives.
• The increasing number of athletes participating in adaptive snowboarding suggests a growing interest and talent pool, but it does not necessarily establish the causality that this was a direct and primary reason for the sport's inclusion in the Paralympics.

Aas Became a National Organization Empowering People With Disabilities to Pursue Athletics

Through Purdy's relentless efforts, AAS developed into a robust national organization, empowering individuals with disabilities to pursue their athletic dreams. It provided resources, training, and a supportive community to athletes with adaptive needs across a variety of extreme sports. The author emphasizes the impact AAS made on countless people, showcasing the transformative power of sport and its ability to build confidence, promote inclusion, and redefine limitations. Purdy’s vision of a world where capacity and disability are not seen as mutually exclusive concepts took shape through the organization's work, fostering a community where individuals could challenge themselves, support one another, and celebrate their accomplishments.

Practical Tips

• Start a fundraiser to purchase adaptive sports equipment for a local school or community center. This initiative can help provide the necessary tools for athletes with adaptive needs to engage in extreme sports. You could organize a community garage sale, a charity run, or an online crowdfunding campaign, with all proceeds going towards buying specialized sports gear.
• Organize a monthly "Skill-Share" session with your network where individuals can teach each other something new or share a personal triumph. This could be done through video conferencing platforms and allows participants to challenge themselves by learning new skills and celebrating each other's growth.
• Start a book club focused on narratives by authors with disabilities to broaden perspectives. Choose books across different genres that are written by authors with disabilities or feature protagonists with disabilities. This can help you and your book club members gain insight into the lived experiences of people with disabilities, fostering empathy and understanding.

Purdy's Spiritual and Personal Growth, and Finding Purpose

This section explores Purdy's awakening of spirituality, her exploration of personal growth, and her transformative journey to find purpose in the wake of her illness and amputation.

Purdy's Quest for Enlightenment and Desire for Deeper Meaning

This chapter explores the profound impact of Purdy's brush with death on her understanding of life and her desire for a purposeful, intentional existence. It highlights her exploration of spiritual teachings and her belief in a greater power guiding her journey.

How a Brush With Death Gave Amy Greater Purpose

Purdy's brush with death while comatose served as a catalyst for her spiritual transformation. The author describes her encounter with three enigmatic beings who presented her with a choice—either to continue onward with them or to return to the living world. This encounter left her with a profound sense of purpose and a belief that she had been granted another opportunity to live for a reason. The experience sparked a deep desire to be intentional, to ensure each moment counted, and to use her life to make a positive impact on the world.

Context

• Experiencing an NDE can lead to lasting psychological changes, such as reduced fear of death, increased empathy, and a greater appreciation for life.
• Encounters with mysterious beings during near-death experiences are often interpreted as spiritual awakenings, prompting individuals to reevaluate their beliefs and priorities, and to seek deeper meaning in their lives.
• Facing mortality can lead to existential reflection, where individuals reassess their life goals, values, and priorities, often leading to a more intentional and purpose-driven life.
• The realization of having a "second chance" can be a powerful motivator for individuals to pursue dreams or goals they previously set aside, often leading to significant life changes.
• An intentional approach to life often includes developing resilience and adaptability, allowing individuals to navigate challenges and changes with a positive and proactive mindset.
• Many people find purpose by contributing to their communities or engaging in acts of service, which can make their time feel more valuable and impactful.
• Through her writing, Purdy shares her journey and insights, aiming to inspire readers to find purpose and strength in their own lives.

Amy Explored Spiritual Teachings, Viewing Challenges As Growth Opportunities

Driven by her spiritual awakening, Amy started to explore a variety of spiritual teachings and philosophies. The author describes her immersion in the works of writers like Deepak Chopra and Wayne Dyer, finding resonance in their messages of self-empowerment, interconnectedness, and seeing obstacles as opportunities for growth. She embraced the concept of viewing challenges as a means to discover her inner strength, to redefine her limitations, and to connect more fully with her authentic self. Through her explorations, Purdy developed a belief system that emphasized compassion, gratitude, and aligning with her values.

Context

• The concept of living in alignment with one's true nature, values, and beliefs, rather than conforming to external expectations or pressures.
• A common theme in both authors' works is the idea of interconnectedness, suggesting that individuals are part of a larger, universal consciousness. This perspective can foster a sense of belonging and purpose.
• Both authors are known for their work in personal development and spirituality. Chopra often focuses on the mind-body connection and holistic health, while Dyer emphasizes self-actualization and the power of intention.
• Historical figures like Nelson Mandela and Helen Keller have famously turned personal and societal challenges into opportunities for growth and change, inspiring others to adopt similar mindsets.
• Facing and overcoming challenges can lead to changes in the brain, known as neuroplasticity. This can enhance problem-solving skills and emotional regulation, contributing to a stronger sense of self.
• Amy competed on "Dancing with the Stars," showcasing her ability to overcome physical challenges and redefine her capabilities in a highly demanding and public arena.
• From a psychological standpoint, facing and overcoming challenges can lead to increased self-awareness and self-acceptance, which are key components of authenticity.
• In many cultures, compassion and gratitude are seen as essential virtues that contribute to social harmony and cohesion. They encourage altruistic behavior and can strengthen community bonds.
• Values are core beliefs or principles that guide a person's behavior and decision-making. They often reflect what is most important to an individual, such as integrity, compassion, or perseverance.

Amy Was Compelled to Share Her Story and Motivate Others, Becoming a Driving Force in Her Journey

Purdy's journey of growth led to a deep desire to share her story and inspire others. The author describes her growing awareness of her ability to connect with people, to offer hope, and to empower them to overcome their own challenges. The longing to motivate others became a driving force for her, fueling her passion for public speaking and her commitment to serving as a role model for individuals facing adversity. Through her vulnerability and her willingness to share her struggles and triumphs, Purdy demonstrated the transformative power of resilience and the importance of finding meaning and purpose amid hardship.

Context

• Frequent appearances on television and in interviews allowed her to share her message of hope and perseverance with diverse audiences, broadening her influence.
• Purdy co-founded Adaptive Action Sports, an organization that helps individuals with physical disabilities participate in action sports, demonstrating her commitment to empowering others.
• Demonstrating vulnerability in public speaking can foster trust and authenticity, encouraging listeners to engage more deeply with the speaker's message.
• Sharing personal struggles openly can create a strong emotional connection with an audience, making the message of resilience more impactful and relatable.
• Different cultures have unique ways of interpreting and finding meaning in suffering, often through spiritual or communal practices that provide support and a sense of purpose.

How Amy Became a Mentor and Speaker

This chapter explores Purdy’s transition into a highly sought-after motivational speaker and her powerful impact on individuals with disabilities or chronic illnesses.

Resilient and Positive, Amy Became a Top Inspirational Speaker

As Purdy's journey gained wider recognition, she began to receive invitations to share her experiences with others. Initially hesitant, she eventually embraced the opportunity to connect with audiences and inspire them through her message of resilience, self-empowerment, and defying limitations. The author describes the nervous excitement she experienced as she honed her speaking abilities, learning to channel her authenticity and connect deeply with people through storytelling. Her captivating narrative and undeniable charisma resonated with audiences, leading to a thriving career delivering motivational speeches globally and spreading her empowering message.

Practical Tips

• Volunteer to speak at local events about your experiences. Contact community centers, schools, and non-profit organizations to offer your services as a speaker. Prepare a compelling presentation that includes your personal story and the insights you've gained, and use feedback from these events to refine your message and speaking skills.
• Use social media to start conversations around topics you're passionate about. Post questions, share anecdotes, or create short videos that invite engagement and discussion. For instance, if you're interested in sustainable living, you could post a photo of your zero-waste kitchen setup and ask followers to share their eco-friendly tips.
• You can start a conversation with someone new each day to practice connecting with different personalities. Begin with simple topics like the weather or a current event, and gradually move to more personal subjects to build rapport and learn how to inspire others through genuine interest and empathy.
• Create a "Resilience Reflection Journal" where you write about daily challenges and the specific actions you took to overcome them. This practice encourages you to recognize your own resilience and learn from your experiences. For example, if you faced a difficult conversation at work, jot down how you managed your emotions and found a solution.
• Volunteer for opportunities that require public speaking, such as reading to children at the local library or giving a toast at a family gathering. These low-stakes environments provide a supportive space to practice speaking skills and manage nervous excitement in a real-world context.
• Start a micro-podcast series using a simple voice recording app to share empowering stories or thoughts with friends and family. Keep episodes under two minutes for easy consumption. This practice not only spreads positivity but also improves your communication skills and confidence in sharing your ideas.

Other Perspectives

• Learning to channel authenticity could be seen as paradoxical, as the act of learning to appear authentic might come across as inauthentic to some.
• Charisma can sometimes overshadow the depth of the message, leading to a scenario where audiences are entertained rather than truly inspired to take action.
• The global reach of Amy's motivational speaking career could be challenged by cultural differences that may require her to adapt her message to be effective in various international contexts, which is not always an easy task.

Amy Empowered People to Reframe Challenges and Pursue Dreams

Purdy’s talks went beyond recounting her personal journey. She actively encouraged audiences to reframe their own challenges, to embrace their unique strengths, and to pursue their dreams with unwavering commitment. The author emphasized the importance of self-belief, the transformative power of positive thinking, and the need to view obstacles not as roadblocks but as opportunities for growth. Through her compelling presentations, Purdy empowered individuals to shift their perspectives, to discover their inner resilience, and to tap into their limitless potential.

Context

• In practice, reframing might involve viewing a job loss not as a failure but as an opportunity to explore new career paths, or seeing a personal setback as a chance to develop new skills or strengthen relationships.
• This approach encourages diversity of thought and creativity, as individuals who leverage their unique strengths contribute varied perspectives and ideas to teams and communities.
• Her teachings often focus on cultivating a resilient mindset, emphasizing the importance of mental strength in achieving personal and professional goals.
• Studies in neuroscience suggest that self-belief can activate brain regions associated with reward and motivation, enhancing overall performance.
• It can improve mental health by reducing stress and anxiety, as it encourages a more optimistic outlook on life.
• This approach aligns with cognitive-behavioral strategies that emphasize reframing negative thoughts to improve mental well-being and motivation.
• She highlights the role of community and support systems in helping individuals shift their perspectives, suggesting that surrounding oneself with positive influences can facilitate personal growth.
• Resilience refers to the ability to recover quickly from difficulties and adapt well in the face of adversity, trauma, or stress. It involves maintaining flexibility and balance in life as challenges arise.
• A growth mindset, a term popularized by psychologist Carol Dweck, is crucial for tapping into one's potential. It involves believing that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work.

Amy's Impact: Mentoring Individuals With Disabilities and Chronic Illnesses

Purdy’s message resonated deeply with individuals facing their own unique challenges, particularly those living with chronic illnesses and impairments. The author describes the countless individuals who contacted her seeking guidance, support, and inspiration. This led to her becoming a mentor for many, offering encouragement, sharing her experiences, and providing practical advice on navigating the emotional and physical challenges of living with a disability. Through her advocacy work and her willingness to serve as a visible role model, Purdy helped countless individuals feel seen, heard, and empowered to create fulfilling lives, regardless of their circumstances.

Practical Tips

• Partner with a friend to exchange weekly check-in messages that highlight an accomplishment or a positive aspect of your week. This practice encourages you to recognize and share your successes, no matter how small, and helps build a support network that focuses on positive reinforcement. Your messages could include something like, "I managed to walk an extra block today," or "I found a new recipe that accommodates my dietary restrictions and it was delicious!"
• Start a peer support group with friends or colleagues to share guidance and encouragement. Meet regularly to discuss challenges, exchange ideas, and celebrate successes. This creates a supportive environment that fosters growth and accountability among members.