Announcement: IDEOnista --> ExoSymplyAmazing

Happy November! So, today I have a pretty big announcement to make....

As many of you know, when I first started this blog, the IDEO (Intrepid Dynamic Exoskeletal Orthosis) was the name of the leg device. However, recently, the IDEO has evolved into what is now called the ExoSym (Exoskeletal Symmetry) and in order to roll with the times, I've decided to update the blog. While it has been harder than I thought to part with "IDEO" (I feel like I'm changing my identity!), I do want to make sure that new patients who receive the device will be able to find this site as a resource. Therefore, I am rebranding the blog from IDEOnista to ExoSymplyAmazing. I know it will take some getting used to for all of us and while I still catch myself calling it the "IDEO", I am consciously working on starting to call it the "ExoSym". --> (I've only been calling it the IDEO for the last two years... it shouldn't be that hard for me to switch names, right!?)

From the beginning, it has been my goal that this blog would make a positive difference and I am happy to see the impact it is had over the last year. It is my hope that this site would continue to inspire ExoSym wearers to find the beauty in their strength and all that they have overcome and to remember to be ExoSymplyAmazing! I'm excited to say that with this transition, I will be working to generate more stories about all the patients (men & women alike!) who have received the device. While I will still offer style advice & inspiration, I am hoping to be able to share more of these special features & accomplishments because each one of you has a special story to share :) So with that being said, please make sure to email me if you are interested! You never know how your story might impact someone's life.

With this being said, please bear with me as I transition the blog! It involves a pretty detailed URL transition from BlogSpot to Wordpress... as I would like to make it to where all IDEOnista links redirect to the new ExoSymplyAmazing site :) but hopefully there will be very few hiccups! Please note that once the new site is up, you may still see "IDEO" and "IDEOnista" referenced from time to time. I am planning to leave the original posts with "IDEO" as a tribute to the name that started it all. :)

More to come on this and new features for the blog to share, but just wanted to give you all a heads up of what is in the works! I will let everyone know once the site has made the switch.

*If you are currently subscribed to the IDEOnista blog, I may need you to resubscribe to ExoSymplyAmazing, but I will let you know more about that as the transition gets closer.

Have a wonderful week & remember you are stronger than you know. Be amazing always!

XOXO ♥

PS I was Mia Hamm for Halloween :)

confidence, wear it like makeup :)

Happy Fall Everyone! Truly one of the best times of the year! Pumpkin spiced lattes, leggings, scarves and sweaters. ☺ In today's post, we will cover fall style tips, current shoes in my closet (+ tips on purchasing / maintaining your shoes), and some of the latest adventures in my IDEO! ☆

Let's start with fashion. Now that the weather is getting a little cooler, it's a perfect time to find yourself some leggings! (black is my go to color!) Two of my favorite places to look are TJ Maxx and Nordstrom Rack - you can find some great deals there!

Things to look for in leggings: breathability of the fabric (look for moisture wicking materials / avoid 100% cotton), texture (don't go crazy here because you don't want the fabric to disrupt the fit of the IDEO), and fit (don't buy too loose or the fabric will bunch at the ankle and you won't want that!). For these reasons, I tend to look in the sports section of the store - lots of options there!

A few of my other favorite places to shop are Ann Taylor Loft, Lululemon (when there is a sale!) and Gap Fit. All great places for comfortable fitting & flattering styles for the IDEO bodied woman!

Key piece of advice: If you opt for skinny jeans / leggings, look for a flowy or long shirt / sweater up top. I think tennis shoes and boots looks great with skinny jeans and by adding a less fitted shirt up top, it will accentuate those great legs you have! :)

Next: Current shoes in my closet.

Right now, I have three pairs of Brooks Glycerin's and one pair of Ahnu Montara Boots (which I absolutely LOVE). Brooks just came out with the Glycerin 13 and the updates are great! I was a Brooks wearer long before I was injured and I'm so glad they still fit me with the IDEO! (I have probably worn every version since I first started wearing them in high school!) The 13 has a strong outer fabric - not mesh like other running shoes - which really helps with longevity for the force the IDEO applies to the shoe!

When you are looking for tennis shoes, follow these three rules:

1). Feel the fabric of the shoe with your hand and make sure it has strength. If you buy a shoe that is completely mesh, your IDEO will break through the fabric in no time and you'll wonder what happened. You want a shoe that has reinforcement built into the fabric, so it's important to observe the construct of the shoe when you are out looking.

2.) If the IDEO looks like it's going to poke through the sides of the shoe when you try it on, that is not a good fit. The IDEO will definitely push up against the sides of shoe, but you don't want it looking like it's about to bust through when you first put them on. If you keep this tip in mind, this will help to ensure your shoes last longer. For this reason, look for shoes with a wide toe box (my favs: New Balance, Brooks).

3.) Look at the men's shoes. Men's shoes are naturally wider than women's so this helps my IDEO feel better in my shoe. If you're finding that the IDEO fits too tight in women's shoes, try on men's. In the picture above you'll see a red/black shoe and a blue/silver shoe - these are the actual Brooks Glycerin's I have in my closet! The great thing about men's shoes is that their color schemes aren't as wild/bright as women's so they go great with outfits :) To give you an idea of sizing of Glycerin's, I wear a men's 8 on my good foot and a men's 10 on my IDEO foot. (If I remember correctly, I think I used to wear a 9.5 in women's Glycerin's pre-injury). I can't say enough good things about Brooks. They aren't cheap, but man do they feel good! It's like having the Lexus version of a shoe. Once you put them on, you never go back. I can't wear anything else now haha. If you have small feet and are struggling to find a small enough men's size to fit your non-IDEO foot, try on women's for non-IDEO foot and a men's version for your IDEO foot. The colors may be a little different, but see how it feels! You never know - it might feel really awesome! :)

As for the Ahnu Montara boots - I ♥ these boots. They are amazing. These are the only non-tennis shoes that I have found to fit my IDEO and I feel so cute in them. (& they are women's - yay!). I purchased these @ REI and my life has never been the same! These boots are so comfortable.... I'm saving up money to try out some of their other versions! If you get a chance, definitely check out Ahnu brand online -- I love them so much! (Note: I did have to buy two different sizes to fit (non-IDEO is women's 9 and IDEO size is women's 11. It's just the nature of the beast!).

Last piece of advice on shoes: I find that if you rotate your shoes (as in you don't wear the same ones every day & don't wear the same pair to work that you workout in) you can make your shoes last A LOT longer! I know it's expensive to purchase multiple pairs up front, but trust me, it will save you $$ in the long run because you won't be out buying shoes every 3 months. I also like to glue a thin piece of leather on the inside sole of my shoe (think where the sweet spot is when you land in the IDEO). If you run a lot, this helps to reinforce the sole which is where I tend to break through the shoe after an extended period of time. Not sure it's necessary for you to glue in leather at the bottom if you are not out running like a wild banshee like me haha, but if you are finding places where your shoe rips or breaks through, try duct taping (duct tape comes in a lot of fun colors now) or gluing leather in the shoe to reinforce it from the beginning. It's the small things :)

Oh and one last thing, Brooks has a cool SHOE FINDER tool on their site to help you decide which version of their shoe will fit you best. Check it out - it's pretty handy! I have a neutral foot so Glycerin works for me, but if you pronate / supinate - they have versions for that too!

Next: IDEO adventures :)

I've been in Austin a little over a month now and it's been GREAT! Such a cool city with a great fitness community. I've been riding my bike, kayaking on Lady Bird Lake, running through downtown & doing a little day hiking! I started Crossfit a little over a week ago and I love it. It's something I've been wanting to try for awhile now so I'm finally taking the plunge! After the half-marathon, I've been trying to decide 'what's next?" and I think Crossfit is that for me! I'm excited to really focus on my core and strength training. (#jaredwouldbeproud). I also joined an intramural dodgeball team - games start next week so more to come on that! I've been drafted as a free agent so we'll see what team I get on haha. #IDEOtakesonDODGEBALL

Kayaking through Austin :)

Lastly, can I just say "What a small world?" I was at a dog event yesterday and as I was walking through the booths, a man came up to me and asked if I could come talk to his wife because he thought we had the same device. I of course immediately thought he was confused (as I never see anyone in Texas with the IDEO) but I decided to go anyway :) I couldn't believe it when I realized she really did have an IDEO! We immediately hugged and I'm pretty sure my first words were, "Wait, do you know Ryan?" I'm so happy I met Lisa! Such a cool day. Very special! #IDEObuddies #heyyoulooklikeme

IDEOnista Lisa

I hope everyone has a great week! Go out there and BE BOLD. BE BRAVE. BE YOU.

And remember, as Ralph Lauren says: "Fashion is something that comes from within you."  ♥

inspiration friday :)

 #bebrave #nevergiveup #IDEOnista

giving up is simply not an option :)

Where to begin? Having just returned from an amazing trip to Gig Harbor, WA for the Race for a Soldier 1/2 Marathon, it's hard to put into words what this past week/weekend meant to me! Not only was I reunited with the wonderful Hanger Clinic staff and fellow IDEO buddies, but I was fortunate enough to meet new patients and their families as well as be a part of the Race for the Soldier event with the military community.

When I think back to the person I was two years ago, I see a girl who had flown half-way across the country to the Hanger Clinic having been through 4 surgeries and countless therapies, not yet willing to take "the pain management" route so many doctors and specialists handed to her. To her, this would mean giving up & that was simply not an option. Never thinking that a soccer injury would change her life forever, but not yet knowing the depths of her determination and the extent of her will, she prayed the IDEO would help her. She never let herself think about how hard these times had been or what she would do if it didn't work out because she knew if she did, the weight would be too heavy to carry. Fast forward two years from the day she hobbled into the clinic to receive the IDEO, she returns to run a half-marathon. How does this happen? 3 words: Faith, Hope, and Love. Sounds cliché but honestly, it's true and I'll tell you why.

Faith: I always knew this was not how God was going to let my story end. Never lose your faith or your smile. Life may not turn out how you want it to, but if you stay positive and keep your faith, God will see you through and maybe give you an IDEO (•‿•)

Hope: He who has hope, has everything. Never, ever lose your hope. No matter how many people tell you to stop believing.

Love: Without the love of family, friends, coworkers, I would be not be where I am today. However, it is Ryan Blanck's passion to make a difference in the world and his love of helping people with the IDEO that has been most life-changing.

I am SO thankful for how the IDEO has changed my life. It's truly incredible, which is why I think I felt so emotional about this whole experience! I can't tell you how many people told me I would never run again and then to have that given back to me and run a half-marathon --- it's the best gift I've ever been given. There will never be enough "thank you's" that I can give to Ryan Blanck for what he has done for my life.

Me & the amazing Ryan Blanck

Lastly, I just want to say I was deeply moved by seeing all the patients who received their IDEOs while I was there last week. It's truly remarkable to see how much the IDEO program has grown since I was last there. From young to old, I loved talking with everyone and hearing their stories and passing on my "IDEO wisdom." If I could just hangout there all day, everyday I would! So much fun.


Hanger Clinic team @ Race for a Soldier

So with all that said, let's talk about outfits :)

As you may know, I am a firm believer that fall and winter are the absolute best times of the year for IDEOnista outfits! Long oversized sweaters and dresses with tights / leggings / skinny jeans are a perfect look for work, parties, or just hanging out! There are so many options! Check out a few outfits below! One of my favorite finds this year is a boot sock that feels like a regular sock at the bottom and at the top has a cute little design. See first picture to the left. I've wrapped the material over the top of the knee clasp - so cute! These are made by Nine West -- check 'em out here: Boot cuff - Nine West. The reason these are so great is because the only fabric part of the sock is at the cuff so it doesn't bother your skin or take up too much room in the IDEO! (& they come in several colors!).

 

Friends, as you go on your way this week, remember that though it can be difficult to look back at the hard times that you've been through, it is in these moments that you see who you are and who you have become. Without struggle, there is no strength. #nevergiveup

#beYou. #beFABULOUS. #IDEOnista.

IDEOnista Spotlight: Liz

Today's post is about a very special IDEOnista named Liz. Though young in years, she is wise at heart and it was a privilege to interview her. ♥ I am so happy to share with you a little more about this amazing girl as well as share her insight and advice. We all know high school can be a hard time, especially when you have something that makes you feel different, but Liz has come to see that being confident in who you are and recognizing your uniqueness is what makes you, YOU. Read on to learn more about this awesome girl!

 
Time in IDEO? Almost 4 months (even though it feels much longer!)

Number of IDEOs: 2; One for each leg

Clothing style: Comfortable - shorts, leggings, and my favorite of all, workout pants!

IDEOnista Style: I like to make my outfits work based on how they feel. If the IDEO feels better under my pants or over, it just depends. I try not to base my outfit on the IDEO devices because it shouldn't matter if I'm wearing them or not. I'm still the same person with or without them on - I don't need to hide anything from anyone. (That's the spirit!)

Favorite Shoe Brand: I haven't tried too many pairs of shoes with the IDEO. With how I was born and all of the surgeries I've had, my feet are naturally very wide by themselves. The extra width on the IDEO makes finding shoes a bit more difficult, but not impossible. My favorite pair of shoes would have to be my Men's Nike Air Monarch's. They are extremely comfortable and black matches just about everything. (Once you go black, you never go back. I love my black shoes too!) :)

Advice for other IDEOnista's: The best advice I could give to anyone looking into this or who has the device is not to let other people's opinions bother you. When I first got my IDEOs in Gig Harbor, I was confident as can be, but once I got home I was nervous because no one else was like me. No one had even heard of the devices, so it made me feel very insecure until I realized that the quality of life is much more important than anyone's opinion of you. (SO TRUE.)

What makes you feel confident in the IDEO: The support pages on Facebook help a lot because you see people going through the same life changing experiences as you are and it's amazing to see everyone's unique journey with their IDEO. In addition to the Facebook pages, I think one of the things that gives me the most confidence is the fact that I can do things I couldn't do before -- and I can do certain things better than I ever could before I received the IDEOs.

Proudest Moment in IDEO so far: My best memory in the IDEO so far would be just running itself. I used to not be able to run without pain and now with the IDEO & help of Ryan & Jared, I can run without pain. Of course with running there is still a lot that I need to do in order to run longer distances, but it's just an amazing feeling to be able to run at a speed I have never been able to reach before without any pain. (That's so amazing!)

Special Goals for 2015: I hope to continue to train my body to get stronger throughout the year and carry that into the new year. I also hope that I can help anyone who is unsure about getting the IDEO device or anyone who has them and is feeling stuck or insecure. I just want everyone to be able to experience this amazing feeling. ♥

IDEO Life Changes: The IDEO has changed my life in many ways. It has given me opportunities I never thought I would have. I am able to go to amusement parks without renting a wheelchair or needing to sit down constantly. It's made my life so much more enjoyable. I can never thank Ryan enough. (IDEO + Ryan = life changing)

Favorite Quote: "Waking up to who you are requires letting go of who you imagined yourself to be." - Alan Watts

What Liz wants you to know: Clubfoot has caused me to become very depressed (along with the ups and downs of high school) and embarrassed to be myself. As the years have passed and the IDEO has come into my life, I've realized that the past is something to progress from. Everyday you wakeup is a new chance to do better and be better.

What an amazing attitude. As Liz reminds us, "Everyday you wakeup is a new chance to do better and be better." I have no doubt Liz will continue to achieve great things and inspire many people along the way! She is proof that believing in yourself and having confidence in who you are as a person is the first step in moving forward to become the person you were always meant to be.  Thanks Liz, you rock!

#IDEOnista #beYOU #beAMAZING

Stay Positive. Beat the Odds.

Hi Everyone! Only 18 more days until the Gig Harbor Race for a Solder Half-Marathon! So excited -- I've been waiting for this day for so long! It's going to be an incredible feeling to run a half-marathon in the same city where I hobbled in on crutches two years ago. So crazy to think how far I have come in such a short time. I'm forever grateful for how this device has changed my life and the people who helped to make it possible.

 

As I approach my two year anniversary in the IDEO this fall, I am reminded that though this injury changed a lot of things, it didn't change my spirit. #thankyoujesus. If I've learned one thing over the last four + years, it's that though life will throw you lemons, you must learn to make your own pink lemonade and find the good in what remains. Never forget that self confidence is the best outfit. Rock it, own it & be your own kind of beautiful.

 

 

"Never let the odds keep you from doing what you know in your heart you were meant to do." ♥

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