Smile. It's Friday :)

Happy Friday! Today's inspiration comes from IDEOnista Lisa!

For years, pain held her back as she wasn't able to push herself or work hard in her fitness goals. In Lisa's words, "It was like I was a ball of energy trapped in a body that just wasn't able to keep up with it." Now with the help of the IDEO, Lisa is doing more than she EVER imagined possible! She's been trying to master the pull-up forever (which is no easy task!) and since receiving the IDEO, she's been able to get not only one but two pull-ups -- take a look at the video below! While the IDEO has not physically made her upper body stronger, it has brought back the spark in her life that she needed. Lisa continues to push her limits and find new things to accomplish! YOU GO GIRL.

So make today amazing and go for your dreams. As Lisa shows, anything is possible with hard work and a positive attitude (& of course an IDEO) :)

Note: If video doesn't play on your mobile device, try it on your computer :)

#beYOU #beAMAZING #IDEOnista

IDEOnista Spotlight: Lucy

Hi Everyone! Today, I have a very special post about an amazing IDEOnista friend of mine named Lucy. Not only will she wow you with her insightful perspective, positive attitude, and gracious spirit, but her words will remind you that sometimes the greatest gift is a transformation within.

How long have you had the IDEO? 10 months

How do you pair the IDEO with your outfits? I tend to wear skirts more now, with black leggings and socks in the winter, without leggings in the summer (I've found Australian Rules Football (AFL) socks work best - but not sure if they're sold outside Australia!). (Not sure either, but I'm going to have to check these out!) If I'm wearing pants, I skip the long socks and put a compression sleeve on over the knee clasp at the top. I wear the IDEOs on the outside of my skinny jeans and on the inside of baggy ones. It all depends, but there is always a way to make it work! (yes!!) When I perform in an orchestra, I wear a full-length gown and you would never know I had a pair of IDEOs underneath, except that I walk and stand so much better. (how cool is that?!) Because I have two IDEOs, I've often had people comment on my "cool boots", before explaining that they're not just a fashion statement, which just goes to show how seamlessly they can fit into an outfit. (LOVE THIS.)

Favorite shoe brand to wear with the IDEO: I wear my ASICS when I am exercising. At work, I've found Ecco shoes are best, but success can vary a lot from shoe to shoe, so I'm still trying new brands whenever I can. (I definitely want to try Ecco, too!)

Advice for other IDEOnista's: In my experience, things feel different than they look and it's the way things feel that is really the transformative part. I wondered before I got the IDEOs whether it might be difficult to wear them in terms of looks, but it hasn't even crossed my mind. Not being in pain is so transformative that it isn't even a decision. The way you feel is so much more important in life and as Beth shows on this blog - there is always a way to work the IDEO into any outfit! (That's right, there is always a way!)

What makes you feel confident in the IDEO? I feel stronger when I walk now. I stand upright and don't limp. I'm building strength in my legs that I've never had before in my life. This newfound strength has had a positive effect on my confidence in a way that I never anticipated. There is really interesting research into embodied cognition in the field of Psychology - the effect our body has on our mind - that I bet could offer some insight as to why changing your body's experience, with a set of IDEOs, also changes your mind. (Such a great insight...)

What is your proudest moment in the IDEO so far? Not sure whether it's managing to get them to look hip with a pair of jeans for the first time (haha YES!), finally beginning to walk up stairs fluently or doing my first real squat (the last two have really fed off each other - my muscles were so weak before I got the IDEOs!). A couple weeks ago, I participated in a 14km fun run  (for those who don't know (aka me), this is 8.7 miles!). This was the BEST. I wasn't entirely ready to run the whole 14km, I ran some, walked some, but most of all, I wasn't in pain. I could do it! (that's HUGE!)

City2Surf 14km - I DID IT!

Any special goals for 2015? My main goal this year was to make it to the end of the 14km City2Surf fun run in Sydney. I achieved this goal and although it's a huge achievement, it's just the beginning... :) (so proud! you go girl!)

How has the IDEO changed your life? It's the day-to-day stuff I notice the most. I genuinely couldn't wait to do my first fun run last week, but that's all icing. It's the everyday walking and standing and living not in pain that's really extraordinary. Like being able to perform music standing up without half of my attention being on pain and balancing. The IDEOs definitely add elegance to the way I walk, too. It feels like a huge weight has been lifted. And while as with anything, there is hard work and challenges along the way, most days have a lightness that wasn't there before. (this makes my heart happy!)

Favorite Quote: "Between stimulus and response there is space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom." - Viktor E. Frankl

What is the one thing you wish people knew about you? I practice mindfulness most days. I think this coupled with a set of IDEOs has really put me in a position where I am able to live each day, unlike ever before. (CARPE DIEM!)

Lucy's final words: Gratitude, gratitude, gratitude. Without the wonderful support, encouragement, and patience of people in my life and the amazing team in Gig Harbor, none of this would have been possible. (Amen sister. Amen.)

Thank you, Lucy for reminding us that receiving the IDEO is more than being given a device; it's a journey. A journey of body, mind and spirit and a realization of what it means to live life to the fullest.

#beYOU #beAMAZING #IDEOnista

just some reminders that it's awesome to have an IDEO.

Most of us can say we spent weeks, months, or even years wondering if there was some type of technology or possibility out there to help with our injury & pain.... lo and behold, the IDEO! Today's post is about reminding you just how lucky we are to have it. There are many benefits of the IDEO, but here are 5 of my favorite!

1. You get to run, hike, and bike again! 

Giving people back their ability to be active is possibly one of the greatest benefits of the IDEO. Every time I enter a race, I look down at my device and am reminded of what a gift it truly is. #nolongeronthesidelines

2. You feel more confident than EVER that your life will not continue on in pain.

Before the IDEO, I had to face the fact that I may have to live in chronic pain. Nearly two years into the IDEO, I feel confident that pain does not control my life anymore. #byebyepainpills

3. You believe in the power of your dreams. #ICANDOTHIS!

During the hardest times with my injury, I remember thinking that I didn't know if I could really set goals for my life anymore. (Pain will do that to you!) Now with the IDEO, I almost have to curb my enthusiasm! I've been able to move cities, hike mountains, go on dates again, run adventure races, and train for a half-marathon (only six weeks away now!)! Life is back and dreams are important :) #HOLLA

4. You have the ability to make an impact on others.

You have the power to show people what it means to never give up. There have been times in races where someone will come up behind me and say, "You are an inspiration. Thank you." Recognize the power you have to make a difference in the world. When people see you giving your best and smiling despite the odds, they begin to see things differently in themselves too. #makeadifference

5. You embrace life with everything it has to offer.

If I could sum up how the IDEO has changed my life in one word it would be: LIFE-GIVING. (okay, two words haha!). The dictionary defines the word 'life-giving' as: revitalizing life & that's exactly what the IDEO has done for me! The IDEO gave me back my life and I haven't stopped embracing it since. #theCATALYST

BONUS: The IDEO can hold your coffee for you! #itsthelittlethings :)

be YOU. be AMAZING. IDEOnista.

How to Answer Questions.

All of us at one time or another have been asked the question, "What happened to your leg?". Whether you're new to the IDEO or not, it's likely you've had some type of brace or device for an extended period of time and have been answering this question for quite awhile. Let's face it, people are curious. :) The IDEO doesn't fit the image of a regular brace, yet it's not a full prosthetic either, which leads people to believe that whatever is on your leg must be temporary and therefore, it's okay to ask. Here are a few questions I've been asked in the past week alone: "Is that for shin splints?" "Did you sprain your ankle?" "Oh, I have one of those." "Did you kick him back?" "Those are all the craze these days." "How did you hurt yourself?" "Were you wearing that last week?" "How much longer do you have to wear that?" "Ouch, what happened?" "Is that for your ankle?" "Are you in the military?" "What is that for?"

Having worn some type of brace/cast for a few years and now the IDEO for nearly two years, it's fair to say I probably answer these types of questions at least three times a day. I used to think I had to explain my story to everyone who asked, but recently I've come to the conclusion that I don't have to give a complete explanation to every single person, especially people I will never see again (aka random people in the elevator, grocery store, restaurants, clothing stores). It's taken me awhile to come to this realization that it's okay not to share all the details on my injury. Just because someone asks you, doesn't mean you have to give out your full story. It's okay to say: "It's a permanent injury..." and then just move on with your business (of course, keep smiling!).

On the flip fide, I'm more than happy to share my story with people I have relationships with or people who I can tell genuinely care. You can spot the difference between the people who ask because they are curious or ask because they genuinely care and want to know more about you. It's your body and your story, not anyone else's and because you will likely be answering these questions for a long time to come, it's important to have a game plan so that you don't feel emotionally invested every time someone asks you.

Looking back, when I first got injured, I didn't mind one bit random people asking me what happened, because to me the injury was temporary... but as time passed and my injury became more permanent, my mindset shifted to this is who I am now. I think once you get to the place where you accept that you have a permanent injury, you can move forward knowing that this a part of who you are and with that acceptance comes peace of mind and wisdom on how to respond.

#beYOU. #beAMAZING. #IDEOnista

the IDEO goes to a wedding :)

This past weekend I attended the wedding of my friends Jaclyn & Mason and it was such a beautiful event! Below you'll see a couple IDEOnista outfits from the parties. I chose to pack my black Brooks Glycerin's and that was a great decision! I felt super in them and they worked seamlessly with both my dresses. Proof that tennis shoes don't just have to be for running! I would also like to point out that I ran 3 miles before the wedding... :) #runhappy

 

I unexpectedly received so many compliments on my outfits and more importantly, people were impressed with my dancing skills. haha #IDEOdancer But in all seriousness, I truly felt beautiful and so happy to be able to be out there pain free! I even had women coming up to me saying that I inspired them to want to wear tennis shoes with their dresses! They didn't know it could look as cute as it did!

I think one of the most memorable parts of the weekend was when a lady approached me at the wedding and said, "You know, I wasn't going to dance tonight but when I saw you out there, I thought to myself, if she can do it, I can too!" That made my day. Friends, you never know how being strong for others can make a difference. When you smile after all you've been through and you choose to see the beauty in yourself, people begin to see the beauty in them too. Recognize the power you have to show others that despite what life throws at you, you can find the silver lining. Choose to be confident in who you are and always wear your smile. That is beautiful.

I think Taylor Swift sums it up perfectly, "If you're lucky enough to be different, never change."

{ Be-YOU-tiful }

Hope everyone had a great Fourth of July weekend with family and friends. Today is a short post but a happy one at that :)

 

I want you to see below that the IDEO can easily be a part of your summer outfits. You can pair bright colored compression socks (see my new blue one!!) or you can stick with your black sock and break out the bright colors up top. The IDEO doesn't have to hold you back in your outfits... In fact, you can look pretty cute with it!

 

So today, choose to wear something bright and be your own kind of beautiful :)

 

To be beautiful is to be YOU. #IDEOnista





Wounded Warrior 10K & Fashion :)

A few weekends ago I ran in a Wounded Warrior 10K race! It was a really meaningful race for which I was incredibly grateful to be a part of. It wasn't my fastest race time but I gave it all that I had and truly ran for everyone who made the IDEO device possible.

Here is a picture from after the race! It was really hot but well worth it :) Only 14 weeks until the half-marathon!

Last weekend was my friend's bachelorette party and it was so much fun! You can't very well see the IDEO in this picture but I had on black tennies and a black compression sock. I felt very pretty and thanks to the IDEO, I danced the night away! #supersleek #blackiskey



Below are two other fun summer IDEOnista outfits! As you can see, I obviously love grey and black and a pop of color :)

A special thanks to a very close friend of mine who gave me this tank top (2nd pic) because it reminded her of me. It says: SOLID HEART. STRONG BODY.

That my friends is an IDEOnista. You have heart. You are strong. Be bold. Smile. You are an IDEOnista. Have a great week! #nevergiveup

IDEOnista Spotlight: Deidra

Hi Everyone! Today I'd like to introduce you to my IDEOnista friend, Deidra. Bonded by a desire to find the perfect tennis shoe, Deidra and I have shared many a convo about IDEO outfit ideas! I'm so happy to share with you a little bit about her and I know she will inspire you to never give up! She inspires me!

How long have you had the IDEO?: 9 months

What is your clothing style?: I wear whatever makes me feel good. Before I had my injury I dressed super girly. I want to get back to that :) (and you will!)

Favorite outfit to wear with the IDEO: A pair of linen pants, a colorful cute tank and a jean jacket. I'm short, so finding the right jeans has been a little tough. I think I'm going to have to buy some and just get them tailored. However, I'm excited to start trying new outfits and I'm super excited about finding a cute dress to wear with the IDEO!

Favorite shoe brand to wear with the IDEO: So far, New Balance has been the only brand I have found that have worked for me. I'm always on the search for a new shoe, but in the meantime the dark colored New Balance ones blend in pretty well! (I agree! NB - especially the men's versions come in great dark color blends!)

Advice for other IDEOnistas: Do what makes you happy. Wear what makes you feel fabulous. Your IDEO can be an accessory, not an eye sore! Dress it up or dress it down. Whatever makes you feel good. (Love this.) I'm actually really proud of my IDEO. It has given me some of my life back. I get excited when people ask me about it and I can tell them about it. I've already given out Ryan's information three times to people who have seen the IDEO and asked about it. If someone else can get a little bit of their life back.... AWESOME!!

Shopping Advice: Bring a shoe horn! Try on everything, you might be surprised what works :) (Absolutely!)

How do you dress up the IDEO?: I'm still working on that perfect outfit. In the meantime, some black pants that blend in and colorful tops... Oh, and a smile :)

What is your proudest moment in the IDEO so far?: The day after I got back from Washington, I went to a beautiful park with my sister. I walked about 3.5 miles, only stopping to adjust my shoelaces (I've got that trick down now!). When I found out how long we had gone, I think my sister and I were both in tears... Then an avid hiker friend of mine went hiking on a trail and I did amazing if I do say so myself! There were some spots I had to stop and think how I would navigate it (they were tricky), but I was so shocked at what I could do. It's those little moments where it clicks that these are things I couldn't do before the IDEO. (It's such an amazing feeling, isn't it?!)

Any special goals for 2015?: Building a wardrobe is my number one goal! Then I will be back for another spotlight on the blog ;)

Favorite Quote: Your day goes the way your mouth turns... SMILE!

What's one thing you wish people knew about you?: I'm pretty much an open book. I wish people understood the pain people like us go through on a daily basis. Although the IDEO has helped me quite a bit, I'm still not pain free.

Any lasting words?: Beth is an inspiration. Her story is an awesome testimony and her blog is so inspiring! Even though for so many reasons I haven't found the perfect outfit yet, I can't wait to get to that point! (You'll find your style girl, I know it!)

 





 "Do what makes you happy. Wear what makes you feel fabulous. Your IDEO can be an accessory, not an eye sore! Dress it up or dress it down. Whatever makes you feel good." -Deidra

Amen sister! #beYOU #beFABULOUS #IDEOnista

Have a great weekend everyone!

IDEOnista Spotlight: Dominique

Today's post is about a special IDEOnista friend of mine named Dominique.

Dominique wears two IDEOs (one for each leg) and let me tell you... she rocks it! She is an amazing woman and I know her words will inspire you. (She certainly inspires me!)

Dominique

"You are never fully dressed without a smile."

How long have you had the IDEO?: Two weeks :)

What is your clothing style?: Mostly preppy with statement jewelry

Favorite outfit to wear with the IDEO: Dresses! (Love it. Show off those legs, girl!)

Advice for people who are thinking about getting the IDEO: It can't hurt to look into it! The process started with reaching out to Ryan to see if I would be a good candidate. I learned that Ryan really only says you are a good candidate if he thinks there will be a huge impact on your life, so that is a great sign if he says yes! That process is easy, and worth the initial effort even if you are not sure.

Advice for other IDEOnista's: The device can be daunting at first. I know it isn't feminine, but I love how hardcore it looks. Rocking that with your feminine self is such an awesome combination. It defies stereotypes, and I am all about that! (LOVE THIS) I have worn AFOs my whole life. Of course people would stare. They think you can't see them staring, but you can. The IDEO has completely changed HOW people stare. Instead of looking at me like I'm sick and feeling sorry for me, they look with curiosity and assume I have some awesome story for why I have these carbon fiber devices. People have been much more likely to ask me about it, and engage in conversation over just assuming I am sick. It may sound strange, but I noticed that right away. It's a huge blessing to not feel like people are constantly pitying me!

Dominique's #happyIDEOs

How do you dress up the IDEO?: Dresses and wedges :)

Favorite shoe brand to wear with the IDEO: Payless Dexflex Comfort Wedges. I've never worn any type of heel! Since Ryan placed a wedge in my sneakers, this allows me to just wear the shoes without a wedge since they are the perfect height! I now own all three colors they sell :D Plus they are relatively inexpensive, which is great because I am sure I will be replacing them often. http://www.payless.com/womens-spectator-daylight-wedge/76007.html?dwvar_76007_color=white_black#start=2
(SO CUTE. Some of you may be able to make this work! I think it will just depend on your unique situation and how the IDEO is designed for your injury.)

What is your proudest moment in the IDEO so far?: Throwing away my AFOs at the Hanger Clinic. I still am not as mobile as I would like with the IDEO (it has only been two weeks), but throwing away my AFOs was an outward way of expressing my dedication to getting the most out of my IDEO. I can't go back!

Any special goals for 2015?: I would love to walk without a limp by September! Then I will focus on more high impact exercising. (You go girl!)

Favorite Quote: Let your smile change the world, but don't let the world change your smile.

What's one thing you wish people knew about you? I believe with my whole heart that God did not make my legs as a mistake. The IDEO is not something to "fix" me, but enable me to experience more out of life. I also believe that the IDEO was placed in my life for a reason. I can't wait to see where this path leads me! (What an amazing attitude!)

Dominique's Wisdom: My mantra is PMA. It's something my dad would always say. It stands for "Positive Mental Attitude". That keeps me going on the tough days.

IDEOnista Fabulous!

Wow! Now you see why this girl inspires me so much! I love Dominique's style, but more than that I love her attitude. To me, she fully embodies what an IDEOnista is: a woman who wears the IDEO with strength and confidence, knowing there is beauty in all that she has overcome. 

If you are someone who wears an IDEO on both legs, this girl is proof for you that you can make fashion work! So take heart my friends and embrace your feminine + hardcore image and step forward knowing that you are beautiful!

Thank you, Dominique. You are an inspiration to us all!

 

say hello to summer :)

Hi everyone! I'm happy to say the rain has left Dallas and the sun has finally returned! ☺

With warm weather and sunny skies ahead, I'm excited to post a few summer outfits in hopes that I can inspire you to break out your lighter wear clothes. As you'll see below, a maxi skirt is a great way to feel classy and dressed up while also camouflaging the IDEO. I'd recommend looking for length that covers your feet so that you can't see your tennis shoes. (This red maxi skirt happens to be a hand-me down from my mom so it's a little hard to add length to it at this point... but you get the idea!)

So earlier this week a friend asked me what advice I would give to other IDEO wearers who want to feel cute and fashionable in their clothes.

For me there are really three rules that I follow:

1. No white tennis shoes
2. No white socks
3. No bulky shoes

If you stick to these three rules, you will be headed in the right direction ☺It's not to say white tennis shoes or white socks are bad, but if you are trying to get dressed up, white tends to look very orthopedic and athletic. So if you are feeling in a rut, try for a darker colored shoe / sock and see if that doesn't help you to feel more classy and sassy! Bulky shoes can make you feel clunky... so when you are looking for shoes, try to ask yourself if you feel clunky in them and if the answer is yes, put them back. I followed this rule when looking for hiking boots and even though I had to try on a lot of shoes, I was glad I didn't settle! I think almost any outfit will look great with the IDEO but I really believe that once you find the right shoe, you will feel like a million bucks. You don't need to go out and buy new clothes... it's all about the shoes and socks people :)

 

 

Workout update: Next Sunday is the Wounded Warrior 10K race and I'm very excited! I've been keeping up with my training and am feeling strong. For me, it's really important that I keep my hip flexor and glute muscles strong so that I don't start overcompensating on one side so I've tried to keep this a focus of my training and it's really helped.  

As always, if you feel inclined, please send pics of your IDEOnista outfits so that we can share with others! Wishing everyone a fantastic week and remember, it's all about feeling confident. My tips are the just icing on the awesome person you already are! ☺#beYOU #beAMAZING #IDEOnista