Bethany Hamilton: Bitten, But Not Broken

Today’s blog shares another powerful example of resilience and self-belief. It’s the story of someone whose dreams were torn away in a single, devastating moment—but her response set her apart.

 
One moment changed her life.
 
“Bethany Hamilton was just 13 years old when her life was forever changed. An up-and-coming surf prodigy in Hawaii, she had already secured a national reputation for her talent and dedication.
 
But on Halloween morning in 2003, while surfing off the coast of Kauai, she was attacked by a 14-foot tiger shark. In a matter of seconds, her left arm was torn off just below the shoulder.
 
The attack could have ended not only her surfing career but also her sense of identity. She lost over 60% of her blood and was in critical condition. Most would have understandably walked away from the ocean—traumatised, fearful, and broken.
 
But Bethany was different.
 
Remarkably, just one month after the attack, she was back in the water. Her return wasn’t without fear or frustration, but it was driven by an unshakable belief that her story wasn’t over.
 
With a custom-made surfboard and sheer determination, she learned how to paddle, balance, and compete again—this time using just one arm.
 
By age 15, Bethany was surfing competitively. By 17, she had placed in the top 5 at a World Surf League event. She not only adapted to her new physical reality, she excelled within it, facing fierce waves and elite competition with relentless courage.
 
She shared her story.
 
Bethany’s story, however, extends beyond surfing. She co-wrote her memoir, Soul Surfer, which became a New York Times bestseller and was adapted into a major motion picture.
 
She has since starred in several documentaries, including Unstoppable, which chronicles her life, motherhood, and return to surfing after becoming a parent.
 
What fuels Bethany is more than grit—it’s a deep faith, a powerful mindset, and a desire to uplift others. She speaks openly about how her Christian beliefs gave her peace and perspective after the attack.
 
Her quote, “I don’t need easy. I just need possible,” became a mantra not only for herself but for millions inspired by her strength.
 
Foundation to help others.
 
Bethany now uses her platform to mentor others through her foundation and outreach work, particularly supporting young girls in overcoming fear and building confidence. She is also a strong advocate for body positivity, resilience, and the beauty of adapting to life’s challenges.
 
Bethany Hamilton reminds us that while we can’t always control what happens to us, we can choose how we respond. With faith, courage, and support, even the most devastating events can lead to strength, purpose, and extraordinary achievement.”
 
 
We can choose our reaction.
 
One of my favourite quotes is: “It’s not what happens to you in life that counts, it’s how you respond that makes all the difference.” We can’t control what life throws at us, but we can always choose our reaction. That choice shapes everything that follows.
 
When adversity strikes—and it will—our response determines the direction we take. If we give in to defeat, we risk staying stuck. But if we face the challenge with belief, courage, and hope, we open the door to growth, healing, and even success. We grow stronger, we rise, we rewrite the ending.

 
 Key Learnings: 

• Adaptation Is Key: Resilience is not about bouncing back—it’s about evolving and finding a new way forward.
• Faith and Focus Matter: Her spiritual foundation anchored her through trauma and recovery.
• Support Fuels Strength: Family, friends, and community played a vital role in her return.
• Your Story Can Inspire Others: By sharing her journey, Bethany permitted countless others to dream again. 

 
Thoughts for the week: 

1. What challenge have you faced that could become a turning point in your life?
2. What would it look like to adapt, rather than give up, when something feels impossible?
3. Where do you draw your deepest inner strength from?
4. Who might be inspired by the way you’ve overcome your adversity? 

 
Well, that’s it for this week. Have a wonderful weekend and stay motivated.
 
Warm regards

John

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