inMotion Magazine

Power 3 Power. It’s the theme of this issue of inMotion and it’s a word that carries a lot of weight in so many ways. In this edition of the magazine, we cover a lot of topics related to the theme of power. We talk about advocacy and reaching out to Members of Congress to enact change that supports people living with limb loss and limb difference. One of our youth camp counselors writes about how powerful it feels to be together with people who understand you. Readers tell us who their heroes are. You’ll read about power in managing your health to prevent infection. And, you’ll learn about how to navigate something new — a telehealth appointment — and feel powerful while doing so. Our 2020 National Conference took place virtually in August, and this year’s theme was “The Power of YOU”. No one knows what limb loss or limb difference is like better than people who actually live it. You know your body. You know how you feel day in and day out. You have a voice to use to advocate for what you want and need. There is great power in that. There is power in taking care of one’s experience and mind. There is power in using your voice as a force for change. There is power in standing up for what you believe in. There is power in vulnerability. There is power in admitting that the COVID-19 pandemic has made a lot of things really hard, and makes us feel lonely, sad, and frustrated. There is power in reaching out and asking for what you need. So, how do you harness the power of YOU to help live the life you want? There are a few things I have learned that may be helpful to you. 1) Embrace your emotions. Tune into how you feel, recognize the emotions, name them, and be okay with them. 2) Reframe stressful moments. Do you default to anxiety when you’re stressed out? Instead, catch that thought and turn it around. 3) Be deliberate about what you do well. And do more of it. Keep track of your successes, no matter how small or how large. Refer to that list of successes when you’re feeling down; it can be motivating and help you do more of what you do well. 4) Help others. Become an Amputee Coalition Certified Peer Visitor. Join an online support group and be a good listener and helper. Volunteer and share your story. 5) Connect, connect, connect! No one gets through life alone and even introverts understand the value of connection. There is great power in reaching out to connect with others … to learn from them and to share information and stay in touch. 6) Take action! Become an advocate with the Amputee Coalition and educate your Members of Congress about issues important to people living with limb loss and limb difference. Every one of us has power inside of us. I hope you’ll share with me what experience has taught you about feeling powerful. Please follow us on our social media channels (Twitter: @AmputeesUSA and Facebook: @AmputeeCoalition) to meet others in the limb loss and limb difference community. And check out all the resources available to you, free of charge, on our website at amputee‑coalition.org. You are powerful. You are valuable. And you are part of a community that believes in you and all you have to offer. It is my pleasure to help our community harness its power and work to improve all of our lives, together. Warmly, Mary Richards President and CEO Amputee Coalition By Mary Richards, President and CEO MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT AND CEO