What It Really Means to Bounce Back Wholeheartedly

Written By Amanda Campbell

We often hear the phrase "bounce back" when talking about getting through a tough time. After a setback, a health flare-up, or a period of intense stress, our goal is to simply get back on our feet.

But what does it truly mean to bounce back? Is it simply about surviving a challenge and moving on, or is there something deeper at play?

This question took on profound meaning when I sat down with Kijuan Amey, founder of Amey Motivation and a wounded Air Force veteran. His story illustrates the difference between simply surviving and truly bending like bamboo.

When Life Changes in an Instant

On May 5th, 2017, everything changed for Kijuan. A devastating motorcycle accident left him fighting for his life—1-2 months in a coma, multiple surgeries from head to toe, and when he finally regained consciousness, he discovered he had lost his eyesight. His face was crushed, his jaw broken and wired shut, leaving him unable to speak or see.

"I panicked due to the lack of my ability to communicate," Kijuan shared. "This was my rock bottom."

The once-independent military professional who had served a decade in the US Air Force could not bathe or feed himself. "When I could not bathe or feed myself, I was humbled," he admits.

The Bamboo Philosophy in Action

But here's where Kijuan's story demonstrates what true resilience—what bending like bamboo—really means.

As he so powerfully states: "I may have lost my sight, but I did not lose my vision."

Resilience, as Kijuan defines it, is "how we bounce back literally, emotionally, and physically. The harder part can be the mental component." This isn't about being rigid and resisting the storm, nor is it about staying bent after it passes. It's about reclaiming yourself fully and moving forward stronger than ever.

Real Talk About Wholehearted Recovery

Kijuan's journey shows us that if a part of you remains fractured, depleted, or emotionally scarred, have you truly bounced back? His advice comes from lived experience:

  • Seek help — "I advise seeking help, as no one can do this alone. Get therapy, counselling, physio."

  • Don't mask your pain — "Don't drink; it only masks your issues."

  • Talk about it — "Don't internalise your emotions; be truthful about how you feel."

He addressed the barriers that often prevent people from seeking support: "What stops us? Pride, shame, and the stigma that mental health is weakness, and we can be looked at differently when we have challenges here."

Finding New Purpose

Today, Kijuan serves as a motivational speaker, former vice president of the Carolina regional group of the Blinded Veterans Association, and mentor for the Air Force Wounded Warriors program. Through his darkest moments, he discovered that authentic relationships flourished—finding "a much better, authentic relationship" with his new partner and working with his "amazing therapist" to develop strategies for moving forward.

This is the essence of bending like bamboo—transforming personal pain into a mission that serves others, bouncing back not just physically or mentally, but wholeheartedly.

At Bend Like Bamboo, we understand that resilience touches every part of our being. Healing and growth begin when we commit to this wholehearted bounce back, embracing every part of the journey with grace and courage.

Listen to my full conversation with Kijuan Amey on the Bend Like Bamboo Resilience podcast, where we dive deeper into his remarkable journey from darkness to light: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pduu9UD2aVI

Read more about Kijuan's inspiring story and discover practical strategies for building resilience: https://www.amandacampbell.com.au/blog/the-power-of-resilience-with-kijuan-amey

Get your free resilience toolkit and explore the Resilience Formula designed to support your physical, mental, and emotional comeback here: https://www.amandacampbell.com.au/

Connect with Kijuan

To learn more about Kijuan's inspiring journey and work:

Connect with Amanda
Amanda Campbell is a Sports Kinesiologist, Speaker, and Author who helps CEOs and leaders build resilience to thrive through life's challenges. She hosts the Bend Like Bamboo Resilience Podcast and offers programs designed to maximise performance whilst reducing stress and preventing burnout.

You are welcome to book a complimentary discovery call to explore how we can work together: ​https://calendly.com/amanda_campbell_/15min?month=2025-01​

 

Speaking & Events: Amanda delivers wellness workshops and keynotes both in-person and virtually. To book: hello@amandacampbell.com.au | www.amandacampbell.com.au

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