Meet Amy Thurman

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Amy Thurman a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Amy, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

As an educator and social worker, I once believed my worth was defined by how well I could serve others. Helping people was my identity, my purpose. Until the day everything changed. One moment, I was working at a major university, carting my three children to and from their activities, and the next, I couldn’t even take myself to the restroom; I was completely incapacitated.

I was left with a sheared brainstem, a traumatic brain injury, and a broken neck that went undetected for six agonizing months. My body was shattered, and so was my spirit. I went from being the person everyone depended on to being completely dependent on others. The loss was unbearable. I couldn’t help anyone, not even myself.

I refused to live like that. I didn’t see a way forward. The pain was constant—physical, emotional, spiritual. I decided that if I couldn’t be the person I once was, I would end it. I had enough pain medication to make it easy, and I was ready to use it. That was my plan.

But my soul had other plans. In the darkest moment, a moment of clarity washed over me. A voice—quiet but certain—spoke to my heart: “What if you don’t have to die? What if you can make a different choice? What if you take the same energy you’re using trying to die and use it to fight to live instead? Maybe your story could help someone else.”

I wanted to dismiss it. My head was screaming “No way!” But somewhere deep within, my heart whispered “Yes. Let’s fight. Let’s live.” And so I did.

What followed has been the most excruciating, traumatic, and painful decade of my life. It’s been frustrating and overwhelming. But I didn’t just survive—I found a new purpose in the midst of the pain. I discovered that while I couldn’t help people in the ways I once did, I could turn my suffering into strength.

Through each agonizing step of the journey, I began to see glimpses of something more—something stronger within me. In the darkest hours, when I felt utterly alone, I started to realize that I wasn’t waiting for someone else to save me. The hero I needed had been there all along—it was me.

I found my hero within when I made the choice to fight for my life, even when I didn’t know if I had the strength. I found her in the moments of brutal honesty, where I faced the limitations of my body but refused to let them define my spirit. I found her in the quiet moments of reflection, when I realized that my worth wasn’t tied to my ability to help others in the ways I used to. It was in my resilience, my refusal to give up, and my willingness to let this experience shape me into someone stronger than I ever thought possible.

And through this journey, I found something even deeper—I found my purpose. My purpose wasn’t in the work I did for others before my accident; it was in the way I could use my story, my pain, to reach people in a way I never could have before. My purpose became clear when I realized that every ounce of suffering I had gone through had given me the insight, the empathy, and the strength to help others in their darkest moments.

Finding my purpose came from embracing my struggle, not running from it. It came from recognizing that my pain had meaning—that it could be the catalyst for healing, not just for me, but for others too. It wasn’t about returning to the life I had before; it was about stepping into a new life with more intention, compassion, and understanding than ever before.

I fought my way back, not just to live, but to live with purpose. To use my journey—every painful, messy part of it—to help others who feel like they can’t go on. I found a way to turn my pain into purpose, and in doing so, I discovered a deeper meaning to my life than I ever imagined. This is how I learned to fight—not just for myself but for anyone who feels like they’ve lost hope. Because the truth is, the hero you need is already inside you.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’d love to share a bit about my journey and what I’m focused on today. My work is deeply influenced by the lessons I learned throughout a decade of living with a broken neck, and navigating medical and disability challenges, which I detail in my best-selling book, “Finding My Hero Within”. That experience shaped everything I do now, and today, in addition to promoting my book, my focus is on two projects that mean the world to me.

On one side, I run a for-profit business called Polish the Mirror, where I’ve been expanding my work as an inspirational speaker. I share my story of hope and resilience, not just to inspire others but to give them practical tools to find their own strength and authenticity in the face of adversity. On the other side, I’ve launched a nonprofit called Resilient Futures, which focuses on building stronger connections between schools and communities while fostering resilience in youth.

What excites me most about these projects is how they tap into the core of who I am and what I believe in. Through my own journey of self-advocacy and overcoming the battles that transformed my life, I came to realize that our deepest struggles can lead us to our greatest strengths. That’s the driving force behind everything I do—helping others find their resilience and purpose, whether it’s on an individual level or as part of a larger community.

With Polish the Mirror, I guide people to clear away the layers of doubt, pain, and fear that hold them back, helping them to shine in their full authenticity. Whether I’m on stage or in a boardroom, my goal is to connect with people who are looking for hope and a path forward. It’s not just about telling my story—it’s about empowering others to navigate their own challenges with resilience and authenticity.

On the nonprofit side, Resilient Futures is all about creating lasting, meaningful connections between schools and communities. We teach students to be resilient and engaged, responsible members of their communities, while also giving communities the tools to better support their youth. It’s about laying the foundation for a future where students and communities grow stronger together.

Everything I do, whether through public speaking, Resilient Futures, or my writing, is built around the belief that healing and growth happen when we connect with ourselves and each other in meaningful ways. I’m excited to keep expanding these ideas and initiatives, and sharing them with even more people.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, there are three qualities that have been absolutely essential to my journey: resilience, vulnerability, and authenticity. Each of these has shaped not only how I faced my challenges but how I continue to live my life today.

Resilience:
Resilience is like a rubber band. The first time you stretch it, it only goes so far before snapping back to its original shape. But each time you stretch it again, it goes a little farther, becoming more flexible. Resilience isn’t about bouncing back to who you were before, but about bouncing forward and growing into a new version of yourself with every stretch.

When life pulls you, and it will, you stretch beyond what you think you’re capable of. At first, it’s uncomfortable, maybe even painful. But over time, with each challenge, you find that you’re able to handle more than you ever thought possible. You don’t just return to the same place; you grow stronger, more adaptable, and more prepared for what’s next.

My advice for building resilience is to embrace the stretching. Don’t be afraid of the discomfort—it’s how you grow. Each time you’re stretched, you’re being shaped into someone stronger and more capable. Focus not on returning to what was, but on stepping into the new version of yourself that emerges with each challenge.

Vulnerability:
This was one of the hardest lessons for me to learn because for so long, I equated vulnerability with weakness. I thought I had to keep it all together for everyone else. But in reality, it’s in those moments when we allow ourselves to be vulnerable that real connection and healing happen. When I first started sharing my story, I left out the suicidal ideation part because I was ashamed. As a social worker, I was one of the people who received the call when a client had suicidal thoughts and now I was on the other side of that conversation. When I began sharing the suicidal ideation part of my story, everything started to change. I was able to reach, and help, many more people when I decided to get over myself and embrace vulnerability. My advice here is to begin to let your guard down. Be honest with yourself and with others about what you’re going through. Vulnerability creates space for growth, connection, and transformation.

Authenticity:
Authenticity has been one of the most powerful lessons in my life. For years, I tried to fit into the boxes others expected of me, wearing a mask that only got heavier over time. But true authenticity is about peeling back those layers and embracing who you are—your strengths, fears, passions, and vulnerabilities. It’s not just about being “real” with others; it’s about being honest with yourself.

Living authentically means showing up as your true self, even when it feels risky. When you do, you start attracting the right people and opportunities that align with who you truly are. It’s a practice, not a one-time decision, and it’s incredibly freeing. The more you embrace your authentic self, the more life falls into place around you.

If you’re struggling with authenticity, start by reflecting on who you are when no one else is watching. Make small choices that honor your true desires, and remember that being yourself is your superpower. You don’t have to fit anyone else’s mold—living authentically is about stepping into the person you were always meant to be.

If you’re just starting out on your journey, my advice is to embrace these three qualities: resilience, vulnerability, and authenticity. When life challenges you, be resilient—don’t just bounce back, bounce forward. When you feel overwhelmed, be vulnerable—ask for help, and you’ll find strength in connection. And through it all, stay true to yourself. Authenticity is your superpower, and the more you lean into it, the more you’ll uncover the strength and purpose that’s already within you.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Absolutely! I love collaborating and I’m always looking to partner with people and organizations who are passionate about making a lasting impact.

I’m especially interested in working with parents, educators, school leaders, and community groups who are focused on teaching students resilience; not just academically, but in life. When schools and communities work together, everyone benefits.

I’m also eager to collaborate with event organizers or anyone looking for an inspiring keynote speaker. I speak on topics like hope, resilience, mental health, and the power of authentic relationships, but I also focus on managing suicidal thoughts, drawing from my personal journey of navigating the struggles that redefined my purpose. My goal is to create spaces where people feel empowered to talk about these struggles openly and are equipped with tools to manage them. I want my audience to walk away not just inspired, but ready to take action for themselves and others.

If this resonates with you, I’d love to connect! You can reach me at [email protected] or through my social media links found on my website https://www.getamyshelp.com. I’m always open to exploring how we can create something powerful together to bring more resilience and hope into the world!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.getamyshelp.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amycthurman
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amy.thurman1
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amythurman
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@polishthemirror

Image Credits

Rony Armas
Blair Kaplan-Venables
Rachel Jamieson