In today’s episode, Nick sits down with BPN Ambassador Hannah Hutzley. On October 27, 2017, Hannah's life changed forever when she got into a car accident which left her paralyzed. As much as her physical life changed, her outlook and perspective never weaned.

Prior to her accident, Hannah never experienced a truly difficult situation which required resilience and perseverance. She recalls the day of the accident and the events which led up to the moment which completely changed her life. She was ejected from the car window and landed on her back on a barbed wire fence, paralyzing her instantly. Instantaneously with the impact, all she remembers was seeing all black, then opening her eyes and feeling as if she was floating in the clouds amongst colors she had never seen before. Throughout her whole body, she felt a voice repeatedly telling her “All is well.” Two days later, she woke up in a hospital and was told she would never walk again, but Hannah felt so peaceful at that moment that she hardly cared at all. She later learned that being ejected from the vehicle is what ultimately saved her life and gives all credit to God for his intervention.

Hannah spent about 2 months in inpatient rehabilitation. Her biggest concern was to prove to her friends and family that she was still the same Hannah and always would be, regardless of the circumstance. She felt truly grateful and appreciative to be alive during a time when most people would feel that their life was over for good. Hannah explains how she approaches people who, despite being able-bodied, are unhappy and unfulfilled. She herself is living proof that we can do all of the things we want to do. The more we tell ourselves things are good, the more we will begin to believe it.   

Hannah has learned to put aside the things she can’t change and focus on the things she can instead. There is always going to be someone out there who can’t do the things you may take for granted, so be thankful for all you do have. Through therapy, she highlights the person who has spoken life into her and encouraged her through thick and thin. Without this challenge, she believes she never would have become a BPN ambassador. She explains how her perspective in terms of hardships has shifted and the silliness of many peoples complaints. 

Then, Hannah marvels at the energy of the BPN team and recalls her feelings of belonging there during the ambassador program. Nick explains that they are super selective in terms of who they bring on in the ambassador team. As a person who believes in investing in the right people, he knows it’s never a mistake to bring the right people on and together. The BPN ambassadors are not a group who talk about themselves, but instead talk about what they can do to lift up other people. Community is everything. In order to build a really solid community, you have to first take stock of the people already around you. Focusing on people who bring you energy and fuel you will always make you better. To do this, you’ll have to be prepared to have hard conversations.  Anything in life can be taken away at a moment's notice and there’s no going back. To Hannah, to go one more means going above and beyond, because the day will come when you won’t be able to.

Timestamps:

0:00- Nick introduces the episode and today’s guest, Hannah Hutzley

2:20 - Hannah describes her life prior to the accident.

6:53 - Hannah recalls the day of her accident.

15:30 - Hannah’s initial reaction to learning she will never walk again.

18:36 - How does Hannah approach people who are negative and unhappy but still able bodied?

27:55 - The importance of treating others with kindness.

34:27 - Han