Bethany Hamilton explained how her mindset shift helped her adapt to daily activities, including one-armed surfing.
The 32-year-old surfer, who lost her left arm in a shark attack at the age of 13, posted a video on Instagram Monday of caring for her kids, exercising and cooking.
‘Changing your mindset is free. That doesn’t mean it’s a quick or easy fix. It’s up to you to be honest with yourself and start working on it,” says the inspirational post.
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Bethany Hamilton, 32, took to Instagram on Monday to share an inspiring video showing all she’s learned to do after losing her left arm nearly 20 years ago.
The surfer talked about how changing his mindset helped him adapt to daily activities with one arm.
While mountaineering, Hamilton found creative ways to continue his training, including using a foam roller to support his left shoulder.
The pictures show everything Hamilton has learned over the years with one arm.
With a glass between his neck and shoulder, he can be seen opening the egg with one hand, with his hair in a bun.
Hamilton shares three children, Tobias, seven, Wesley, four, and Micah, with her husband, Adam Dirks, and took pictures of herself while caring for their children.
The athlete also found creative ways to continue his workouts. She uses a foam roller to keep her left shoulder up during mountain climbing and has a special one-handed jump rope.
Hamilton was 13 years old when he was attacked by a shark while surfing on the Hawaiian island of Kauai in 2003. He lost both his arm and 60 percent of the blood in his body.
Hamilton, who has three children under the age of eight, uses his feet to open doors and bottles when he needs extra help.
The athlete can also break eggs with one hand and lay eggs during breakfast.
But he didn’t let the accident affect his surfing dreams and started racing professionally four years later in 2007.
She became the twentieth female surfer in 2010 and has won at least eight different surfing competitions in her career.
“I think it’s crazy that some people still think it’s not possible to surf with one arm,” he explains in his post. “I am a living example, and there are many other great adaptive athletes and people who have done amazing things that people thought were impossible.
“And those who are willing to adapt and make the most of what they have? THE WAY TO THINK.’
Hamilton noted that changing attitudes takes time and is “something we may have to work on forever” – but stressed it was well worth it.
“I promise that you won’t regret changing your mind to constantly be more grateful, optimistic, more what and how… I can make this life my best…
Hamilton was 13 years old when he was attacked by a shark while surfing off Kauai in 2003. He lost both his arm and 60 percent of the blood in his body.
Hamilton (pictured in 2004) didn’t let the accident affect his surfing dreams. He began competing professionally four years after the attack.
“I think it’s crazy that some people still think it’s not possible to surf with one arm,” he explains in his post. ‘I am a living example’
“I don’t need more – I don’t need the easy stuff, maybe I just do,” he finished. “I hope this encourages you to adapt to your life today and beyond. YOU CAN DO.’
Hamilton inspired many after sharing his story in his 2004 book Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board.
The book was later adapted into the 2011 movie Soul Surfer, starring Dennis Quaid and Carrie Underwood. Hamilton was played by actress Anna Sophia Robb.
Hamilton’s post received more than 110,000 likes, including one from Robb.
One fan commented, “Incredibly inspiring.” ‘It shines so brightly and is a beautiful quality to share with the world. Thanks for this message!
Another added: Your movie “Unstoppable” really helped me change my way of thinking. Everything is possible.’
“You are truly amazing Betania!!” someone else wrote. “I’ve always admired your strength and determination!”
Hamilton shares three children – Tobias, seven, Wesley, four, and Micah, one – with her husband, Adam Dirks.
Proud mom regularly posts pictures of her kids enjoying the ocean
The surfer also documents his children’s love of surfing and skateboarding on Instagram.
Hamilton is not only a parent, but also serves as a surf teacher for his three sons.
It’s not the first time the surfer has posted his daily lifestyle on Instagram; Last year, she shared a post describing how she coped with caring for a baby after the birth of her youngest son, Micah, who was then two months old.
He co-wrote in April 2021: “I am raising our third child so that tricks and adjustments are better in every child”.
“When they’re this young and have a rocking head and need constant attention, grooming, diaper changes, tummy tuck, plenty of sleep and of course smiles, kisses and more.”
Bethany continued to talk about creative ways to care for her newborn baby, admitting that it wasn’t always easy with one arm.
“I use my feet to change diapers, many breastfeeding pillows, an all-day baby carrier, and awkward positions to hold baby’s head,” she wrote.
“It can be frustrating at times, but I need to keep going, take little breaks and keep it positive!” she loved it. “Also, I remember doing it before. And we make it happen as a family!’
Source: Daily Mail
