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Josh Bleill: Losing my legs in Afghanistan didn't mean I had to give up my life
Learn more at www.InspirationWithVal.com. Sign up for the Carpe Diem Daily 12 Month Challenge by texting VAL to 38470.
Episode 92 with Marine and motivational speaker, Josh Bleill: Losing my legs in Afghanistan didn’t mean I had to give up my life.
Summary:
Josh Bleill was a Marine stationed in Afghanistan when a bomb explosion took both of his legs, and also the lives of many of his friends. He now works as a motivational speaker for the Indianapolis Colts, and during this inspiring interview he shares how he recovered – both physically and mentally – from the accident. Josh talks about the strategies and techniques he uses to put himself in the right mindset, and how he gets through tough times without giving up.
History and background 2:10
Born and raisedin Indiana, Josh had a great family growing up. He played a lot of sports most of his life. And after 9-11, he felt a calling to join the marines. His grandfather and father had served before. So in 2003 he joined the Marine Corps, and in 2006 Josh got called to activated duty. He was in the middle of a tour in Irag and was stationed in Afghanistan when Josh was injured from a roadside bomb attack. He lost two of his good friends in an instant and both of his legs, but he was still thankful to be alive. After a long recovery, Josh has a family now and has a new job with the Indianapolis Colts as a motivational speaker.
Losing Both his legs 6:40
A lot of emotions came over Josh after realizing he just lost both his legs. He experienced a great deal of anger, sadness, and shock. His faith was tested and he experienced a lot of guilt over the loss of his friends.
Getting better 10:30
There were a lot of people around Josh that helped him get better. He mentioned the staff and his physical therapist who kept encouraging him. But it was really the guys and girls who were hurt before him that showed him that life does go on. Realizing that the world was just not going stop just because he felt sorry for himself, Josh realized that he had to get up each day to get his life back.
Life after the Marine Corp 13:00
After the Marine Corps, Josh didn’t know what to do. He was not sure what his next career could be, but he believed in his faith that there is a plan for him. Then the Colts owner offered him a job as a spokesperson for them and now Josh goes to different schools and organizations talking as a motivational speaker.
After 7 years 21:00
Things have changed for Josh after his injury, and all for the good. Physically his walking is good, he has a great job with the Colts, a wonderful wife, and kids. Josh also enjoys travel and talking to other people.
He doesn’t take a lot for granted anymore and notices the small things in life. Josh also mentioned that his family is his greatest accomplishment and his work with the Indianapolis Colts keeps him going.
What keeps Him going 29:40
Humor is a big part of Josh’s life. He enjoys a joke and hearing his kids laugh brings him happiness. Even the everyday humor of life or even his own occasional stupidity really brings joy into his life.
Where to find inspiration 31:30
Meeting other people and hearing their stories keeps Josh inspired. He loves when people come up to him and tell him what they’ve been through.
His role model 33:05
Josh’s role models are his father and grandfather. His grandfather was a soldier in World War 2; he got shot and survived. His grandfather was the kind of guy who loves talking to people and hearing their stories which is inspiring to Josh.
About the Josh Bleill Book:
One Step at a time:
Josh Bleill tells people he had "one bad day". On October 15, 2006, while on a combat patrol in Fallujah Iraq, an IED (improvised explosive device) struck Josh's Humvee. The explosion tore through the vehicle killing two of his fellow marines and severely injuring Bleill and his best friend. Josh awoke five days later with the news of the loss of his two friends and both of his legs. One Step at a Time: A Young Marine's Story of Courage, Hope, and a New Life in the NFL follows his journey from his enlistment then on to active duty in Fallujah, through two years of rehab, and ultimately to his job as the community spokesman for the Indianapolis Colts. Readers will be inspired by his undying enthusiasm, infectious joy, and sense of humor. Everyone has had that "one bad day". Josh discovered that life begins when we embrace our bad days and keep going forward, one step at a time.
Links:
Twitter: @Josh Bleill
Facebook: Josh Bleill
View all episodes
By Valerie GrothLearn more at www.InspirationWithVal.com. Sign up for the Carpe Diem Daily 12 Month Challenge by texting VAL to 38470.
Episode 92 with Marine and motivational speaker, Josh Bleill: Losing my legs in Afghanistan didn’t mean I had to give up my life.
Summary:
Josh Bleill was a Marine stationed in Afghanistan when a bomb explosion took both of his legs, and also the lives of many of his friends. He now works as a motivational speaker for the Indianapolis Colts, and during this inspiring interview he shares how he recovered – both physically and mentally – from the accident. Josh talks about the strategies and techniques he uses to put himself in the right mindset, and how he gets through tough times without giving up.
History and background 2:10
Born and raisedin Indiana, Josh had a great family growing up. He played a lot of sports most of his life. And after 9-11, he felt a calling to join the marines. His grandfather and father had served before. So in 2003 he joined the Marine Corps, and in 2006 Josh got called to activated duty. He was in the middle of a tour in Irag and was stationed in Afghanistan when Josh was injured from a roadside bomb attack. He lost two of his good friends in an instant and both of his legs, but he was still thankful to be alive. After a long recovery, Josh has a family now and has a new job with the Indianapolis Colts as a motivational speaker.
Losing Both his legs 6:40
A lot of emotions came over Josh after realizing he just lost both his legs. He experienced a great deal of anger, sadness, and shock. His faith was tested and he experienced a lot of guilt over the loss of his friends.
Getting better 10:30
There were a lot of people around Josh that helped him get better. He mentioned the staff and his physical therapist who kept encouraging him. But it was really the guys and girls who were hurt before him that showed him that life does go on. Realizing that the world was just not going stop just because he felt sorry for himself, Josh realized that he had to get up each day to get his life back.
Life after the Marine Corp 13:00
After the Marine Corps, Josh didn’t know what to do. He was not sure what his next career could be, but he believed in his faith that there is a plan for him. Then the Colts owner offered him a job as a spokesperson for them and now Josh goes to different schools and organizations talking as a motivational speaker.
After 7 years 21:00
Things have changed for Josh after his injury, and all for the good. Physically his walking is good, he has a great job with the Colts, a wonderful wife, and kids. Josh also enjoys travel and talking to other people.
He doesn’t take a lot for granted anymore and notices the small things in life. Josh also mentioned that his family is his greatest accomplishment and his work with the Indianapolis Colts keeps him going.
What keeps Him going 29:40
Humor is a big part of Josh’s life. He enjoys a joke and hearing his kids laugh brings him happiness. Even the everyday humor of life or even his own occasional stupidity really brings joy into his life.
Where to find inspiration 31:30
Meeting other people and hearing their stories keeps Josh inspired. He loves when people come up to him and tell him what they’ve been through.
His role model 33:05
Josh’s role models are his father and grandfather. His grandfather was a soldier in World War 2; he got shot and survived. His grandfather was the kind of guy who loves talking to people and hearing their stories which is inspiring to Josh.
About the Josh Bleill Book:
One Step at a time:
Josh Bleill tells people he had "one bad day". On October 15, 2006, while on a combat patrol in Fallujah Iraq, an IED (improvised explosive device) struck Josh's Humvee. The explosion tore through the vehicle killing two of his fellow marines and severely injuring Bleill and his best friend. Josh awoke five days later with the news of the loss of his two friends and both of his legs. One Step at a Time: A Young Marine's Story of Courage, Hope, and a New Life in the NFL follows his journey from his enlistment then on to active duty in Fallujah, through two years of rehab, and ultimately to his job as the community spokesman for the Indianapolis Colts. Readers will be inspired by his undying enthusiasm, infectious joy, and sense of humor. Everyone has had that "one bad day". Josh discovered that life begins when we embrace our bad days and keep going forward, one step at a time.
Links:
Twitter: @Josh Bleill
Facebook: Josh Bleill