When Life Hits Hard: How to Rise After Unexpected Impact
Introduction
Life can change in an instant. I know this because it happened to me. One moment, I was teaching, coaching, and living the life I had worked so hard for. The next, I was in a coma, fighting for my life after being hit by a street racer going 109 MPH.
I never saw it coming.
Maybe you didn’t see your challenge coming either. Maybe you’re facing something that has shaken you to your core—something that has left you wondering how you’ll ever get back up. If that’s where you are, I want you to know there is a way forward. You can rise again.
My story is proof that even after life’s hardest hits, we can rebuild. It’s not easy, and it doesn’t happen overnight, but I promise you: your story is not over.
How I Found the Strength to Keep Going
When I woke up from my coma, I was disoriented. My body was broken. My brain had suffered a traumatic injury. I couldn’t just go back to the life I had before—I had to relearn how to live.
Doctors weren’t sure how much I would recover. I had a choice: I could let my circumstances define me, or I could fight for my life—again.
And so, step by step, I chose to fight.
Now, I want to share with you what I’ve learned about getting back up when life knocks you down.
How to Rise After Life Knocks You Down
- Accept What Has Happened—but Don’t Let It Define You
- I had to come to terms with the fact that my life had changed. It didn’t mean I had to give up, but I had to accept where I was before I could move forward.
- Your situation does not define you. What you do next does.
- Find Your Why
- In the hardest moments of recovery, I had to hold on to something bigger than my pain.
- For me, it was my family, my students, and my purpose. When life knocks you down, find your why—something worth fighting for.
- Take It One Step at a Time
- At first, even the smallest tasks—moving, speaking, remembering—felt impossible. But I learned that progress is made one small step at a time.
- Don’t focus on how far you have to go—focus on the next step.
- Surround Yourself with Support
- I didn’t do this alone. My family, my community, and “Amber’s Army” lifted me up when I couldn’t do it myself.
- If you’re struggling, don’t be afraid to ask for help. You were never meant to do this alone.
- Turn Your Pain into Purpose
- What happened to me was painful, but I refuse to let it be meaningless. Now, I use my story to help others.
- Your struggles can shape you, but they can also be the very thing that helps someone else.
You Can Rise Again
I don’t know what challenge you’re facing, but I do know this: you are stronger than you think. You can heal, you can rebuild, and you can create a life that’s even more meaningful than before.
If you need encouragement, support, or just someone to remind you that you’re not alone—I’m here. Let’s walk this journey together.