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

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

2. The Power of Perspective: Turning Life’s Impact Into a Purpose

SEO Keywords: Finding purpose after hardship, turning pain into purpose, overcoming challenges with faith

Introduction

I didn’t choose to be in an accident. I didn’t choose to wake up in a hospital bed, unable to walk or talk the way I used to.

But I did choose how I responded.

I could have spent my time asking, “Why did this happen to me?” Instead, I started asking, “How can I use this?”

Perspective is everything. The way you see your situation can either trap you in it or help you rise above it. If you’re going through something painful right now, I want you to know that there is purpose in your pain—you just have to choose to see it.

How Changing My Perspective Changed Everything

After my accident, it was easy to feel like a victim. I had every reason to be angry. But I didn’t want to stay stuck in that mindset.

So, I made a shift: I stopped focusing on what I lost and started focusing on what I still had.

I still had a voice. I still had a purpose. I still had the ability to impact others.

That shift changed everything.

Now, I want to help you do the same.

How to Shift Your Perspective and Find Purpose in Your Pain

1. Stop Asking “Why Me?” and Start Asking “What’s Next?”

• I’ll never fully understand why my accident happened, but I do know that dwelling on the “why” wasn’t helping me heal.
• Instead of staying stuck in the past, shift your focus to what you can do moving forward.

2. Look for What You Can Control

• I couldn’t change the accident, but I could control how I responded.
• No matter what you’re going through, there is always something within your control—even if it’s just your mindset.

3. Use Your Experience to Help Others

• I could have kept my pain to myself, but I chose to use it to inspire and encourage others.
• Your story can help someone else, too. Don’t be afraid to share what you’ve learned.

Your Pain Has Purpose

I won’t tell you that what you’re going through is easy. But I will tell you this: you have the power to turn it into something meaningful.

If you need help finding your purpose after hardship, let’s talk. You’re not alone in this.

3. The Comeback Story: How to Write Your Own After a Major Setback

SEO Keywords: How to start over, how to create a comeback story, building resilience after a setback

Introduction

Everyone loves a good comeback story—but no one wants to live through the struggle that makes it necessary.

I didn’t choose to have my life turned upside down. I didn’t ask for the fight to regain my independence, my health, and my confidence. But I did choose to write my own comeback story.

And you can, too.

If you’ve been knocked down by life—whether it’s an accident, a loss, or a major failure—your story is not over. You still have the power to rise, rebuild, and make an impact.

How to Write Your Own Comeback Story

1. Decide That Your Story Isn’t Over

• The first step to a comeback is believing that you have one left in you.
• No matter how far you’ve fallen, you can always rise again.

2. Start Where You Are

• You don’t have to have it all figured out. Just start with one small step toward healing, growth, or change.

3. Let Your Setback Fuel Your Strength

• The things that challenge us the most often prepare us for something greater.
• What if your greatest struggle is setting you up for your greatest impact?

Your Comeback Starts Now

I know what it’s like to feel stuck. But I also know that with faith, resilience, and the right mindset, you can create a comeback story worth telling.

Let’s take that first step together.