Living beyond limits | Amy Purdy | TEDxOrangeCoast

Amy Purdy talks about the power of imagination. She explains how our lives are not determined by what happens to us, but by the choices we make. Imagination allows us to break down borders, to move beyond our circumstances, to create and constantly progress.

Amy Purdy has been through hardships that most of us will never face -- or can even fathom. But what makes her story so incredible is not that fact that she lived a "normal" childhood and spent her high school years as a passionate artist and snowboarder, then traumatically lost both her legs at age 19, but how she has persevered, taking implausible challenges and rising above them.
Today, Amy is an athlete; currently the top ranked adaptive female snowboarder in the world. Amy also spends a good amount of time helping others; specifically those with physical challenges get involved with snowboarding, skateboarding, wakeboarding and other action sports through the organization she co-founded Adaptive Action Sports. Challenging herself while making a positive impact on the world is a true testament to Amy's spirit.

About TEDx.
TEDx was created in the spirit of TED's mission, "ideas worth spreading." The program is designed to give communities, organizations and individuals the opportunity to stimulate dialogue through TED-like experiences at the local level.

At TEDx events, a screening of TEDTalks videos -- or a combination of live presenters and TEDTalks videos -- sparks deep conversation and connections. TEDx events are fully planned and coordinated independently, on a community-by-community basis.

[mariasharp]

I'm reading her book now. What an amazing person she is! Thank goodness the human race is still able to produce people like this. Amy Purdy restores my faith in humanity.

[wadani]

"To live with the reality is the only thing that you can go forward" that's absolutely right!!!.

[caraleejohnson]

I am humbled and overwhelmed at the courage and strength this young woman, Amy Purdy, has shared. You are an inspiration to all.
Best of Luck in all you do. And how you blessed you are to have such wonderful parents! They are great neighbors!!!!

[HaythamIbrahim]

Our borders and our obstacles can only do two things:
1. stop us in our tracks, or
2. force us to get creative."

[CPOglobal]

People like Amy are motivating thousands everyday to never give up control of their life, no matter how bad the situations are.

[binah]

Amy Purdy's story was the most uplifting story I think I ever heard. her personal victory is astounding. She is a person that has/is achieving the highest of human potential... Not because of what she has accomplished with the tests that she has been given, but even more so, because of her attitude and he strength. I love her... I am a mom of nine kids.

[XIronCross]

Very inspirational. I love the part about how when you face a hardship you can do one of two things.

1) Let it beat you down, or
2) Get creative and discover a way to use it to your advantage. Amy was faced with a problem but she decided to keep living her life anyways.

I find that some of the worst circumstances can, if you choose to, be the best learning experiences you'll ever have.

Embrace change and embrace yourself!

-Great Video!

[becp]

Why the hell are there 101 dislikes on Amy's wonderful story? I don't understand people who could dislike her.

[frankcelaya]

I have listened to you over and over again to remind myself that I have no excuses not to live my life with direction and passion. You are truly an inspiration!! Pushing away from obstacles is a great way to meet the challenges in our lives. Here's hoping that you be able to continue to write more happiness into your book of life.

[Pattybluehayes]

Such a long overdue thank you to Amy for sharing her story.  I was in the darkest, place I'd ever experienced after my husband left in 2010.  I must have watched Amy's video 25 times at least, always trying to keep perspective on my situation.  She was truly an inspiration to me as I know she is for so many others.

[somsnoble]

Added to all her successes, the meaning of the idiom “to break a leg- means to be successful“ all because of her ❤️

[AlmaSdance]

I bet she could be an amazing actress too. So sensitive and beautiful inside and out. It's so rarely that one sees a beautiful soul swimming in the person's eyes like this. So magnificient! She reminded of Nietzsche's ethereally intelligent musings

[changeorbeextinct]

Today while fast forwarding ads on my DVR got a glimpse of her in a Toyota ad and had to back up to see the full clip. Then said to myself is this for real? My teenager said yes she is real. So had to google and found this.
Amazingly inspiring woman and an exceptional Ted talk. Thank you so much.

[esgehtimmerweiter]

What a beautiful and strong human being she is. Truly amazing

[MsGnor]

I started watching this thinking 'what does this pretty & perfect girl have to tell me about limits?' Now I just think you're pretty perfect Amy. I'd love to know what you do with the next decade. Best wishes and thanks!!

[ashleywalker]

This gives me the inspiration I need to push it as hard as I can this winter :) the only thing holding us back are the limits we create in our minds! She's amazing.

[nathanj]

As a person who's in school to become a prosthetic practitioner, this is inspiring and I can't wait to get out in the field and work with these incredibly spirited people.

[carmenguevara]

hands down, the best talk about getting rid of excuses and having the nerve to pursue what we honestly want.

[christinam]

I love TED videos because I find them very interesting and powerful as far as Amy goes she is one of the top inspirational spokespeople for TED and I love how she is referring to all walks of life and pointing out that no matter what setbacks you have at the moment you will overcome them and continue on the path of your choose

[MrSumeetshrestha]

wow... I was watching this video almost closing my eye to sleep but she made me to get up and give a comment here...which I rarely true inspiration. Lovely way to think for Hope all people this world be as positive as you are...love u.... :)