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via Imago

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Bethany Hamilton is a very inspirational athlete. She has faced tragic adversity in her life, but she has beaten the odds and emerged from the ashes like a newborn phoenix. In 2003, an unthinkable accident changed Hamilton’s life forever. At just the age of 13, she lost her entire left arm when a tiger shark bit it off. Instead of accepting defeat, she showed exemplary resilience.

It wasn’t even a month after the attack when Bethany Hamilton started surfing once again. Her story of overcoming her trauma has inspired people from all around the world. The surfing community has started to consider her somewhat of a philosophical influencer. Recently, she shared a motivational message on her Facebook page, and this is what she wrote.

Bethany Hamilton shares a beautiful message

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Hamilton is a big believer in spirituality and health. It is no doubt that coming so close to death has made her appreciate her life even more. She took to Facebook to share some pictures giving an insight into her life, and talked about some things she is passionate about. In the caption, she wrote, “There are so many things that I feel passionate about because I’ve found them so valuable in my own life.”

In addition to surfing, she has found other noble pursuits to care for. “Obviously surfing, but more importantly, health as a whole: spiritually, physically, relationally and personally.” Bethany Hamilton has set out in search of new and better ways to respect her body. Hamilton has also strengthened the bond with her family. She wrote, “For me, whether I’m getting curious about ways to honor my body through nutrition or finding new ways to live connected to my family, it’s all held together by a sound foundation of knowing who God is and who He created me to be.”

According to her, emerging unfazed from the curveballs that life has thrown at her has helped her in reaffirming her identity in this world. She added, “I’ve found a lot of surety and wholeness in my God-given identity… even through life’s crazy hard challenges.”

Hamilton inspired many with her philosophy

Hamilton herself was surprised by the effect that she has on her followers. She expressed her gratitude by writing,  “It’s been amazing that people want to hear what I have to share about these topics, that you’re here reading this right now! And I have so much more that I want to say. I look forward to finding more meaningful ways to share about how I’m continuing to learn to live life to the fullest.”

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Her advice has garnered the appreciation of many people, and they have expressed this through their comments. A follower admired her courage and commented, “Amen Bethany. Still following you after all these years. Keep going sister.
Her courage has been a constant source of power for her followers. One fan wrote, “You are such an encouragement. I always think, if Bethany can do it, I can! 

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Losing an entire limb is not a tragedy one can bear so easily. When it was understandable and so very easy for Hamilton to give up, she persevered and did not let her misfortune dictate her life.