THANKS A TON for all the amazing messages guys! You inspire me and it motivates me to keep on posting new video's. Please let me know what you would like to hear about in upcoming video's, I'll do my best to get to your request. Take care :-)
Hi Chris, when feeling sorry for myself or a little bit down I just look at the world around me and then realise that I'm lucky to be "just an amputee".
Hi Lourens, I think that an "attitude of gratitude" goes a looong way towards healing and living well. You're right, there are many people with big challenges. I share your sentiments - everything beyond my paragliding accident has been a gift.
TH-cam didn't notify me you had a new video out gahhhh!!! I'm so late. Thank you so much for your kind words about me! And more importantly, thank you for such an important message. I think it is often overlooked - positivity is an incredible thing but like you said, it is not sustainable. Experiencing that hard time after so many highs traveling makes a lot of sense. I hope that you're able to spend as much time as possible with those six things soon. 😊
Hey Jo! Aaah thanks a stack for the message and for sharing the sentiments. As I've followed your own journey and (just about) lived through many ups and downs with you, I've felt encouraged to make this video, as its usually the side of myself I prefer not to expose to others. Buuuut ... its just another part of who I am, so why not take it out there and, who knows, maybe my own experience can help someone else see that its a part of the amputee life experience, and that with support and self care we can re-ignite the other side of ourselves which is always accessible (in my view). I'm in a real good space now, have been for a while and back in my rhythm @ home and work. Really nice to see your name come up in the comments :-)
This morning I am headed to my prosthetist for another socket fitting as I celebrated my 100 days as a left leg AK last week (10/1/19). I want to tell you Chris that your videos give me so much hope for my future at a time in my life where I too am in a dark place. Like you, I was a very active person who’s happy place was always somewhere out in nature, prior to my amputation. Not being able to enjoy the outdoors because of my physical limitations is incredibly frustrating. I should also mention that I’m not a very patient person and being fitted for a prosthetic takes a very long time (relatively speaking). Anyway, your videos make me realize that I’ll one day look back on this time & know that it was all worth the wait. Also, I need to stop and be thankful for all of the people in my life who love and support me. Without them, I don’t know where I’d be.
Hi Kevin, thanks for a wonderful message with something in for us all to gain from. I am amazed at your determination - to have a prosthetic fitted after just 100 days is unusual, so really well done for going for it. It makes me so happy to hear that you get something good from these video's. By being a part of our community you also help me (and others i'm sure) to live with our challenges. Your message in this comment for me is one of patience, yet also the importance of consistently moving forward towards an improved quality of life. I remember being in your situation and wondering if and when things will improve, and how much of my life I will get back. Today I am amazed by what is possible ... Finally, your words of gratitude will make such a big contribution to how well you heal and with who you will walk this road. I look forward to more chats with you - take care mate!
I would have to agree with you Kevin Chris has motivated me tremendously with his videos I’m glad to hear that they’re fitting you for another socket I hope everything works out fine
Glad to see you Chris, I’ve missed you brother. In my opinion you make the best videos with the most relevant content for us amputees of anyone on you tube. I’m 13 months into my above knee traumatic amputee and I’m struggling right now at the present. Haven’t worked in 14 months trying to get qualified for disability and it keeps getting drug out. The subject that hit didn’t have any insurance and I’ve about lost everything that my family had let alone all the medical issues that I am still having. But I can always count on one of your videos when I’m at my lowest. You know Chris life isn’t fair, man it isn’t. Glad to see your doing well, you are truly an inspiration, would be a dream of mine to me you.
Hey mate its good to hear from you again!! Its hard to hear that you're having such a difficult time, one feels so powerless in these situations. You're right - it's true that life isn't fair, this I've experienced and it's out there to see every day. What I've come to realise is thats its all a part of my reality, and that as long as I made my external reality the problem I would never be free... I had to change how I dealt with these realities ... to stop abusing alcohol and substances, to let people into my life, and to try my best to assist those who struggle. This did not change reality or how unfair life can be, but it did change how I dealt with it and felt about it. I don't know your difficulties or realities but I deeply wish the best for you, and that you find a way to live and deal with these struggles. If you had suggested that my life would change for the better 10 years ago I would have thought you were crazy. But it did and I believe that its out there for us to find. Please keep in touch, I appreciate your messages and honesty. You help me to keep on making these video's, for that im very grateful :-)
Chris, I can’t think you enough for taking time out of your day to respond to my comment, no one has ever done that on TH-cam or in my personal life either, it’s indescribable what that means to me. I can’t think you enough. Your awesome man.
This is soo true Chris! I know exactly what you said about the crash after a positivity high, that’s when you really need your support circle of people that will be honest with you (sometimes brutally but it’s needed) I think having a counsellor/therapist is so important to talk things thru with in a neutral voice and ask you questions to help you see the bigger picture again. This life is a rollercoaster and sometimes you need take a pit stop to stay on track. It’s amazing how much getting our prosthetic set up right can open our world, the difference since getting my rheo XC setup is night and day(which I know I’m so fortunate for having) I’m so happy for you reaching over 1000 subscribers that’s fantastic I can’t wait to see how many more people your videos will help. Congratulations Chris 🥳🎉 Your photography is absolutely gorgeous I can’t wait some more of your images. Thank you for being so real and for just being you 🤗🥰🤗
Aaaah this is such a cool message! Thanks a ton for your support and contributions to this community. I love your rollercoaster ride and pit stop analogy, that sounds about right. Also important to have the right team in that pit stop :-) The Rheo XC is awesome, its changed my life in so many ways... and like you I feel privileged to have access to gear like this. Your words are really kind and motivates me to keep on making video's - thanks for that :-)
Hi Olga, yeah I had a wonderful time - it is a photographers heaven out there. I will start working on the video of my chat with Jo soon. Thanks for your kindness - you take care too :-)
Thanks Danie - sorry I missed this after you posted. I hope you're well and having a good holiday season - also here is to a good 2021! Also I'm happy to say we are up to 2000 subs now, I really appreciate all the support and your messages - please keep them coming! Take care
Congrats on the 1000 subs . You are so write about needing friends new and old I really appreciate your videos they have helped me get out of dark places in my mind because of you and a couple other Amputee videos helped me out tremendously and I thank you I’m only coming up on my two month mark so I still have away’s to go before I get my prosthetic leg once again thank you sir
You're welcome Willie, its my pleasure and a privilege to converse with you and our other community friends. Just a small suggestion - let your stump heal well before fitting a prosthetic. Your prosthetist should be able to assist you with all this info. Please keep on communication with us, we are here to help and support. Cheers mate!
Yesssss....you're back! So great to see you and looking so well too. Delighted you've had what sounds to be an amazing trip. Spending quality time, one to one with your loved one is so important. Your photography is absolutely fantastic ! You're so sincere Chris and always so honest with how you're feeling. So right about positivity, it's not always sustainable. I like to think I'm a really positive person but some days I feel like staying under the duvet and feeling sorry for myself. I'm fortunate to have a prosthetic leg now but still have ongoing problems with the socket fitting well, some days the damn thing just keeps on falling off, my stump is very short and it's getting the suction right! Often, I go out full of positivity and enthusiasm only to be walking along and can feel my leg coming loose. My confidence plummets and I just feel like giving up and going back home. That's when I struggle to keep positive. But as all of us do, we pick ourselves up and just get on with it! Keep the video's coming. Congratulations on getting over 1000 subscribers, you really are the best in my opinion for amputee's on TH-cam! Big hugs xx
Hi Wynn!! Haha you always make me smile - this time a lol! I'm sorry to hear that you're struggling with your socket ... I really hope that you find a sustainable solution soon ... you're such a positive and giving person. Those days where it feels overwhelming come and go - you're so right. But, we're a resilient bunch with bigger inner resources than we're often aware of, or so I think. Somehow that extra bit is always there, and with the help of loved ones its accessible when we ask for help. Thanks being a part of the 1000+ You are all a really important part of my life now, I am so grateful to have connected with this community. Keep on sending them positive vibes Wynn ... I'll keep on posting them video's :-))
Hi Janice, thank you for your message, I really appreciate it. It is my pleasure and a privilege to meet you and the other amputees or supporters of amputees on this Chanel. If you found a helpful message in this video it makes it all worth it a 1000 times over. Take care and all the best for 2021 ☀️
Thank you for your great series of videos! I lost my leg in a paragliding accident 5 years ago. Completely agree with you that being positive in the mind makes all the difference!
Hi Wei, thanks for your comments and encouraging words! I'm sorry to hear about your accident, I hope you're doing well now. Yes being positive is a huge part of having a very fulfilling life now, the dips in between are a part of the experience and also amplifies all the good stuff. Please keep in touch and would love to hear your ideas on topics for future videos. All the best mate!
Hi Geraldine, its my pleasure and privilege to share with you guys. I hope you're doing OK as a recent amputee, from what I gather in your message. We are all here to help, thanks for joining this community and please keep in touch. I hope to hear from you again, please let me know if you would like a video on any specific topic. Take care :-)
Thanks Chris. I’m doing well. Just about 4 months since my BKA amputation. And now beginning the prosthetic process. I had a lot of mobility issues stemming from a congenital issue. It just got so difficult to walk so I decided to have the amputation in hopes of walking better with the prosthetic. I’m 50 yrs old so I thought it’s now or never. I am getting around better with one leg and the crutches than I did with two legs. I am cautiously optimistic about the prosthetic. Everyone keeps telling me I’m going to walk so well with the prosthetic. I just don’t want to get my hopes up. I know there are going to be challenges with that. I also follow Jo so I thinks that’s so cool that you got to meet her! In regards to video suggestions. Maybe some about daily living and care of the prosthetic. And how it was in the beginning. Greetings from New York. PS My niece is leaving on her honeymoon next week to South Africa. Thanks again for sharing your story of your ups and downs.
@@geraldinejones7290 Thanks for the suggestion for video content Geraldine, I think both of them are excellent topics. Our stories are very similar - a decision to amputate to improve mobility, made later on in our lives (I am 53 now). Please keep us updated on the progress with your mobility, it can be valuable for so many of our community friends. Many of the recent comments have been from new amputees. Your niece is going to love this country, it is a beautiful place - I hope she makes it to Cape Town and Stellenbosch (where I live) - two of the highlights here. One day I will visit NY again. I was there in 1994 and had suuuuuch an awesome experience. All the best with all the new experiences as an amputee - and please reach out if you need anything :-)
@@geraldinejones7290 Thanks Geraldine, I've been thinking of doing this video since you suggested it, just trying to figure out what to share and how to do so. Hope the prosthetic process is going well - look forward to hearing some more :-)
Hi. The prosthetic process is going. Awaiting the insurance approval. Hoping within the next 2 weeks I should be able to move forward. Looking forward to your next video. My niece made it to your country. By the looks on Instagram she is having an amazing time. She had said she thinks she booked a winery tour in your town.
Hi Chris, thanks for then new video! I sometimes find myself thinking of the past and what could have been and that then really brings me down, so I excepted what happened and now live for tomorrow. I does get tough some days especially since I have not been able to work for the last 5 years and counting and I am still waiting for the RAF to settle my case and its very stress full. But you look healthy and strong so know there are people out there that will be there for you when you stumble! Looking forward to the next video!
Hi Otto, real nice to see your name come up in the comments again! I'm sorry to hear about your frustrations with the RAF, I hope you have good support helping you with this claim. I also really appreciate your comment about help being nearby if I stumble. Your and other subs participation in this community is such a big motivation to live fully, I'm real grateful for having these messages pop up in my inbox :-) Please keep us posted wrt your progress with the RAF. My wish for you is that the door to what you're after opens soon - take care mate.
The Amped Life with Chris Don’t push yourself too hard with making videos :) you can take a break anytime. you don’t need to constantly upload something, just let us know if you gonna take a long break so that we don’t get worried about you :)
THANKS A TON for all the amazing messages guys!
You inspire me and it motivates me to keep on posting new video's.
Please let me know what you would like to hear about in upcoming video's, I'll do my best to get to your request.
Take care :-)
Hi Chris, when feeling sorry for myself or a little bit down I just look at the world around me and then realise that I'm lucky to be "just an amputee".
Hi Lourens, I think that an "attitude of gratitude" goes a looong way towards healing and living well. You're right, there are many people with big challenges. I share your sentiments - everything beyond my paragliding accident has been a gift.
TH-cam didn't notify me you had a new video out gahhhh!!! I'm so late. Thank you so much for your kind words about me! And more importantly, thank you for such an important message. I think it is often overlooked - positivity is an incredible thing but like you said, it is not sustainable. Experiencing that hard time after so many highs traveling makes a lot of sense. I hope that you're able to spend as much time as possible with those six things soon. 😊
Hey Jo! Aaah thanks a stack for the message and for sharing the sentiments. As I've followed your own journey and (just about) lived through many ups and downs with you, I've felt encouraged to make this video, as its usually the side of myself I prefer not to expose to others. Buuuut ... its just another part of who I am, so why not take it out there and, who knows, maybe my own experience can help someone else see that its a part of the amputee life experience, and that with support and self care we can re-ignite the other side of ourselves which is always accessible (in my view).
I'm in a real good space now, have been for a while and back in my rhythm @ home and work.
Really nice to see your name come up in the comments :-)
Once again, not only good advice for amputees, but anyone
This morning I am headed to my prosthetist for another socket fitting as I celebrated my 100 days as a left leg AK last week (10/1/19). I want to tell you Chris that your videos give me so much hope for my future at a time in my life where I too am in a dark place. Like you, I was a very active person who’s happy place was always somewhere out in nature, prior to my amputation. Not being able to enjoy the outdoors because of my physical limitations is incredibly frustrating. I should also mention that I’m not a very patient person and being fitted for a prosthetic takes a very long time (relatively speaking). Anyway, your videos make me realize that I’ll one day look back on this time & know that it was all worth the wait. Also, I need to stop and be thankful for all of the people in my life who love and support me. Without them, I don’t know where I’d be.
Hi Kevin, thanks for a wonderful message with something in for us all to gain from. I am amazed at your determination - to have a prosthetic fitted after just 100 days is unusual, so really well done for going for it.
It makes me so happy to hear that you get something good from these video's. By being a part of our community you also help me (and others i'm sure) to live with our challenges. Your message in this comment for me is one of patience, yet also the importance of consistently moving forward towards an improved quality of life.
I remember being in your situation and wondering if and when things will improve, and how much of my life I will get back. Today I am amazed by what is possible ...
Finally, your words of gratitude will make such a big contribution to how well you heal and with who you will walk this road.
I look forward to more chats with you - take care mate!
I would have to agree with you Kevin Chris has motivated me tremendously with his videos I’m glad to hear that they’re fitting you for another socket I hope everything works out fine
+Willie Bulletman thanks for your kind words Willie 👍
Chris you are soooo fortunate to your family. Esp Helena
Glad to see you Chris, I’ve missed you brother. In my opinion you make the best videos with the most relevant content for us amputees of anyone on you tube. I’m 13 months into my above knee traumatic amputee and I’m struggling right now at the present. Haven’t worked in 14 months trying to get qualified for disability and it keeps getting drug out. The subject that hit didn’t have any insurance and I’ve about lost everything that my family had let alone all the medical issues that I am still having. But I can always count on one of your videos when I’m at my lowest. You know Chris life isn’t fair, man it isn’t. Glad to see your doing well, you are truly an inspiration, would be a dream of mine to me you.
Hey mate its good to hear from you again!! Its hard to hear that you're having such a difficult time, one feels so powerless in these situations.
You're right - it's true that life isn't fair, this I've experienced and it's out there to see every day. What I've come to realise is thats its all a part of my reality, and that as long as I made my external reality the problem I would never be free... I had to change how I dealt with these realities ... to stop abusing alcohol and substances, to let people into my life, and to try my best to assist those who struggle. This did not change reality or how unfair life can be, but it did change how I dealt with it and felt about it.
I don't know your difficulties or realities but I deeply wish the best for you, and that you find a way to live and deal with these struggles. If you had suggested that my life would change for the better 10 years ago I would have thought you were crazy. But it did and I believe that its out there for us to find.
Please keep in touch, I appreciate your messages and honesty. You help me to keep on making these video's, for that im very grateful :-)
Chris, I can’t think you enough for taking time out of your day to respond to my comment, no one has ever done that on TH-cam or in my personal life either, it’s indescribable what that means to me. I can’t think you enough. Your awesome man.
This is soo true Chris! I know exactly what you said about the crash after a positivity high, that’s when you really need your support circle of people that will be honest with you (sometimes brutally but it’s needed) I think having a counsellor/therapist is so important to talk things thru with in a neutral voice and ask you questions to help you see the bigger picture again. This life is a rollercoaster and sometimes you need take a pit stop to stay on track. It’s amazing how much getting our prosthetic set up right can open our world, the difference since getting my rheo XC setup is night and day(which I know I’m so fortunate for having) I’m so happy for you reaching over 1000 subscribers that’s fantastic I can’t wait to see how many more people your videos will help. Congratulations Chris 🥳🎉 Your photography is absolutely gorgeous I can’t wait some more of your images. Thank you for being so real and for just being you 🤗🥰🤗
Aaaah this is such a cool message! Thanks a ton for your support and contributions to this community.
I love your rollercoaster ride and pit stop analogy, that sounds about right. Also important to have the right team in that pit stop :-)
The Rheo XC is awesome, its changed my life in so many ways... and like you I feel privileged to have access to gear like this.
Your words are really kind and motivates me to keep on making video's - thanks for that :-)
Looks like you took some amazing pictures. Looking forward to seeing the collab video with you & Jo. Take care of yourself.
Hi Olga, yeah I had a wonderful time - it is a photographers heaven out there. I will start working on the video of my chat with Jo soon. Thanks for your kindness - you take care too :-)
Very true words, thanks for sharing. Congrats on the 1k subs.
Thanks Danie - sorry I missed this after you posted. I hope you're well and having a good holiday season - also here is to a good 2021!
Also I'm happy to say we are up to 2000 subs now, I really appreciate all the support and your messages - please keep them coming!
Take care
Congrats on the 1000 subs . You are so write about needing friends new and old I really appreciate your videos they have helped me get out of dark places in my mind because of you and a couple other Amputee videos helped me out tremendously and I thank you I’m only coming up on my two month mark so I still have away’s to go before I get my prosthetic leg once again thank you sir
You're welcome Willie, its my pleasure and a privilege to converse with you and our other community friends.
Just a small suggestion - let your stump heal well before fitting a prosthetic. Your prosthetist should be able to assist you with all this info.
Please keep on communication with us, we are here to help and support.
Cheers mate!
Yesssss....you're back! So great to see you and looking so well too. Delighted you've had what sounds to be an amazing trip. Spending quality time, one to one with your loved one is so important. Your photography is absolutely fantastic ! You're so sincere Chris and always so honest with how you're feeling. So right about positivity, it's not always sustainable. I like to think I'm a really positive person but some days I feel like staying under the duvet and feeling sorry for myself. I'm fortunate to have a prosthetic leg now but still have ongoing problems with the socket fitting well, some days the damn thing just keeps on falling off, my stump is very short and it's getting the suction right! Often, I go out full of positivity and enthusiasm only to be walking along and can feel my leg coming loose. My confidence plummets and I just feel like giving up and going back home. That's when I struggle to keep positive. But as all of us do, we pick ourselves up and just get on with it! Keep the video's coming. Congratulations on getting over 1000 subscribers, you really are the best in my opinion for amputee's on TH-cam! Big hugs xx
Hi Wynn!! Haha you always make me smile - this time a lol! I'm sorry to hear that you're struggling with your socket ... I really hope that you find a sustainable solution soon ... you're such a positive and giving person.
Those days where it feels overwhelming come and go - you're so right. But, we're a resilient bunch with bigger inner resources than we're often aware of, or so I think. Somehow that extra bit is always there, and with the help of loved ones its accessible when we ask for help.
Thanks being a part of the 1000+ You are all a really important part of my life now, I am so grateful to have connected with this community.
Keep on sending them positive vibes Wynn ... I'll keep on posting them video's :-))
Thank you more than words....
Hi Janice, thank you for your message, I really appreciate it. It is my pleasure and a privilege to meet you and the other amputees or supporters of amputees on this Chanel.
If you found a helpful message in this video it makes it all worth it a 1000 times over.
Take care and all the best for 2021 ☀️
Thank you for your great series of videos! I lost my leg in a paragliding accident 5 years ago. Completely agree with you that being positive in the mind makes all the difference!
Hi Wei, thanks for your comments and encouraging words! I'm sorry to hear about your accident, I hope you're doing well now.
Yes being positive is a huge part of having a very fulfilling life now, the dips in between are a part of the experience and also amplifies all the good stuff. Please keep in touch and would love to hear your ideas on topics for future videos.
All the best mate!
Chris. Great. You inspire not only amputees but all of us. Love you ma.
Ah thanks mom, love you always x
Thanks for sharing your story. As a new amputee it’s great to see all you can accomplish.
Hi Geraldine, its my pleasure and privilege to share with you guys.
I hope you're doing OK as a recent amputee, from what I gather in your message.
We are all here to help, thanks for joining this community and please keep in touch.
I hope to hear from you again, please let me know if you would like a video on any specific topic.
Take care :-)
Thanks Chris. I’m doing well. Just about 4 months since my BKA amputation. And now beginning the prosthetic process. I had a lot of mobility issues stemming from a congenital issue. It just got so difficult to walk so I decided to have the amputation in hopes of walking better with the prosthetic. I’m 50 yrs old so I thought it’s now or never. I am getting around better with one leg and the crutches than I did with two legs. I am cautiously optimistic about the prosthetic. Everyone keeps telling me I’m going to walk so well with the prosthetic. I just don’t want to get my hopes up. I know there are going to be challenges with that.
I also follow Jo so I thinks that’s so cool that you got to meet her!
In regards to video suggestions. Maybe some about daily living and care of the prosthetic. And how it was in the beginning.
Greetings from New York.
PS My niece is leaving on her honeymoon next week to South Africa.
Thanks again for sharing your story of your ups and downs.
@@geraldinejones7290 Thanks for the suggestion for video content Geraldine, I think both of them are excellent topics.
Our stories are very similar - a decision to amputate to improve mobility, made later on in our lives (I am 53 now).
Please keep us updated on the progress with your mobility, it can be valuable for so many of our community friends. Many of the recent comments have been from new amputees.
Your niece is going to love this country, it is a beautiful place - I hope she makes it to Cape Town and Stellenbosch (where I live) - two of the highlights here.
One day I will visit NY again. I was there in 1994 and had suuuuuch an awesome experience.
All the best with all the new experiences as an amputee - and please reach out if you need anything :-)
@@geraldinejones7290 Thanks Geraldine, I've been thinking of doing this video since you suggested it, just trying to figure out what to share and how to do so.
Hope the prosthetic process is going well - look forward to hearing some more :-)
Hi. The prosthetic process is going. Awaiting the insurance approval. Hoping within the next 2 weeks I should be able to move forward.
Looking forward to your next video.
My niece made it to your country. By the looks on Instagram she is having an amazing time. She had said she thinks she booked a winery tour in your town.
Hi Chris, thanks for then new video! I sometimes find myself thinking of the past and what could have been and that then really brings me down, so I excepted what happened and now live for tomorrow. I does get tough some days especially since I have not been able to work for the last 5 years and counting and I am still waiting for the RAF to settle my case and its very stress full. But you look healthy and strong so know there are people out there that will be there for you when you stumble! Looking forward to the next video!
Hi Otto, real nice to see your name come up in the comments again! I'm sorry to hear about your frustrations with the RAF, I hope you have good support helping you with this claim.
I also really appreciate your comment about help being nearby if I stumble. Your and other subs participation in this community is such a big motivation to live fully, I'm real grateful for having these messages pop up in my inbox :-)
Please keep us posted wrt your progress with the RAF. My wish for you is that the door to what you're after opens soon - take care mate.
Finally a new video :D
Haha thanks for the message - I will post more often so please watch this space :-)
Hope to hear from you again after the next video!
The Amped Life with Chris Don’t push yourself too hard with making videos :) you can take a break anytime. you don’t need to constantly upload something, just let us know if you gonna take a long break so that we don’t get worried about you :)
Great stuff Chris !!! Yes I’ve had trouble staying positive, it’s not easy, but I’m working through it. Thanks for the videos.😊
Thank you Tommy, keep it up mate, it's worth it.
You are cool as a fan