My New Beginning

As many of you know, I recently made a decision to change the course of my future life for the better. On March 15th, I went under the knife to have a below the knee amputation on my right leg. I know what you may be thinking, "how can an amputation change the course of my life for the better?", but those of you that have been in my life in the last 6 and a half years know the struggles I have been dealing with having had 8 surgeries on my right leg during that time span, and a total of 10 throughout the course of my life. At this point in my recovery, I can honestly say that the chronic pain I had been experiencing is gone, my spirits are up, and I feel as though a giant weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Additionally, I'm extremely excited for what the future holds, getting my prosthetic leg and becoming much more mobile and active for my lovely ladies (Kristin, Maddie, & Maya), which brings me to the title of today's post, "My New Beginning."

Ok, enough about my medical history. I would like to talk about the "Outlook from Otis," my nickname and sometimes alter ego (I will explain how I got the name at a later time). I've always been considered a positive and passionate person, and I would like to think that I do a relatively good job of helping those around me achieve their goals and serve as a good friend to them. One of my many passions is my ongoing search for some quote, saying, or book that I can utilize in my life. I have always found myself doing this throughout my entire life, whether was when I was younger playing sports and going to school; in college to prepare myself for my career; when I was teaching and coaching; in my current position as an administrator; in my family life; or as I've been dealing with the many adversities my leg has presented me. I often reference these books suchs at The Radical Leap, The Radical Edge, Greater than Yourself, You Don't Need a Title to be a Leader, and many others. I try to pull something from each one to help shape and mold my "Outlook" and aproach to life.

Ironically, I heard a quote today that I could truly identify with while watching a favorite show of mine, LA Ink (tattoos happen to be one of my passions as well). Coincidentally, it was an amputee who was in the shop looking for a tattoo on his prosthetic leg. He said

"The pleasure you get in life is equal to the attitude you put into it!"

His words resonated with me, as I could truly identify with this quote. I've always tried to see the positive in everything in my life, whether it appears to be an obstacle or not. As crazy as it sounds, I truly feel blessed with everything that has happened to me in my life, even what has happened to my leg since it has made me realize the value of hard work and appreciate what I do have.

So, it is the goal of mine through this blog to provide everyone with "something" they can hold on to and hopefully put to use in their lives. I would be remissed if I did not tell everyone a giant THANK YOU for all you have done for me and my family throughout my recovery!!! We can not say how much it has meant to us to receive the support we have had. It has truly been overwhelming and we can't thank you enough for your support as we enter "our new beginning."

Sorry for such a long 1st post, but I felt the need to let it all out! I hope to you find this useful and come back again. Until we meet again, take care, remain positive, and stay strong!!!

Otis