OVERCOMING FEAR & FRESH STARTS
IMAGE: Aaron Leiber
A surfing prodigy at just 13 years old, Bethany’s future in the sport looked promising, but in one tragic incident, her life was changed by a shark attack that resulted in the loss of her left arm. With faith and courage, she refused to be a victim, and her story of survival and her return to competitive surfing has inspired millions.
WE LOVE TO START OFF OUR INTERVIEWS BY ASK OUR GUESTS A FUN QUESTION, TELL US ONE FACT ABOUT YOURSELF?
…….. I LOVE manatees.
For those who don’t know they’re basically a sea cow!!
HOW HAVE YOU MANAGED TO KEEP SUCH A STRONG FAITH IN GOD DESPITE EVERYTHING YOU HAVE GONE THROUGH?
The grounding foundation my faith had established helped bring me peace and strength. No matter what happened, I had hope in life in Jesus Christ.
Jesus said “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (ESV).
This verse reminds me that God knows what we may face, that this life will have hardship. But I can wake up each day, no matter what happens, knowing that God loves me and has overcome the world and all that’s in it.
DOES ANYTHING STILL SCARE YOU TODAY? HOW DO YOU MANAGE THOSE THOUGHTS?
Of course!!! I have healthy fears, especially being a mother!
I find that preparation and prayer are the best ways to manage fear and to focus on the present, not dwell on the what-ifs.
WHAT BIBLE VERSES DO YOU LIKE TO READ OVER WHEN YOU FEEL OVERWHELMED OR FEARFUL?
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THE YOUNGER GIRLS WHO ARE READING THIS?
When I was growing up there was this surfer girl on our island who I really admired. She was an incredible surfer with so much potential. But as she got into her young adult years, she got caught up in drugs and alcohol and I watched her throw her talent and skills away. When I saw her life get completely thrashed by this lifestyle, I committed to never go down that path and I set boundaries for myself to not even dabble. I didn’t want anything to prevent me from my goal of being a professional surfer, and the best athlete I could be
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I want to encourage you to Think Long Term as I did. Think Health for your life and your future. Commit today to not even dabble with things that could steer your life away from your passion, dreams, and relationships.
Choose good friends and rock the best version of you!
You are unique in your God-given talents, ambitions, and life circumstances. Rather than compare yourself in a negative way with those around you (especially when it comes to social media!), shine brightly in what makes you YOU; and love those around you well by spending quality (face to face) time with them and building the friendships you need!
For women facing personal challenges, I want to say we can overcome challenges!!!
I would encourage you to be strong and think about the things that you know are good and true, and focus on what you are thankful for. Life is so precious and should be cherished.
There are lessons to be learned. Often, through challenges and difficult times, we have the opportunity to grow, mature, and learn our strengths. Or it may show our weaknesses that we can work on and grow in. I cling to my hope in Jesus Christ. When I am weak, He is strong.
2020 HAS BEEN A TOUGH YEAR FOR SO MANY OF US. WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE FOR PEOPLE LOOKING FOR A FRESH START IN THE NEW YEAR?
If you are in that place of feeling stressed, unmotivated, and trapped by all the challenges coming your way, I hear you. This year has been one of the hardest years of my life and I’m very thankful for the tools and mindset I’ve learned over the years. Life can be so frustrating and dark at times. I've seen both sides of that - the challenges and the good - that comes from it. Know that like me, you too can overcome!
I invite you to pop on over to my website to dive more into this! Through my site, I share 5 Keys to Living an Unstoppable Life, and Appreciation is the first step in my A.D.A.P.T. Approach. You CAN be unstoppable, and I’d love to help guide you in your journey.
YOU HAVE CREATED ‘UNSTOPPABLE YEAR’ ONLINE COURSE, IS THIS SOMETHING YOU WOULD RECOMMEND TO OUR READERS?
I wanted to go from a place of inspiration to also equipping people with the mindsets and tools that have helped me overcome and thrive. That’s where this course came from! The Unstoppable Year has become the Unstoppable Life Courses, and we now have 13 courses available at shop.bethanyhamilton.com.
Yes! We highly recommend the courses! It is a great opportunity to equip yourself with the mindsets you’ll need to get you through life’s toughest challenges.
THANK YOU BETHANY
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FOR MORE INFORMATIONPHOTO CREDITSMary Ernsdorf - @rockingseaphotographyAaron Leiber@bethanyhamilton