Book Nook: One Arm But Not Unarmed

One Arm But Not Unarmed is an empowering look at how one woman turned her own personal tragedy into a calling to help other trauma victims begin anew and ultimately become better versions of themselves. Suzan Nguyen was just 22 when she lost her right arm in a tragic accident. She spiraled downward and made a series of bad decisions before finding a way out of the darkness. Through One Arm But Not Unarmed, she shares her transformative five-step process for overcoming bitterness and adversity, and choosing to live your best life.

I had a chance to interview Suzan to learn more.

Why did you decide to write this book? As another platform to spread my message. To give hope to others, to remind them overcoming adversity is possible with the correct mindset and to lead them on their healing journey to #bebetter instead of being bitter. 

What was the most surprising thing that you've discovered about adjusting to life with one arm? My strength was completely tested during this time, without a doubt. I've learned so much about myself but most of all; how strong I really am. 

Can you explain a little bit about gradient shades of pain? Gradient Shades of Pain was also the title of a TEDTalk I presented. There are many gradient shades of pain that we may go through when dealt with a traumatic experience. We must recognize, confront an embrace each shade in order to be able to heal successfully. If you allow it, pain can actually benefit you in a positive aspect after being able to over come it.  

How can you peel back the layers of tragedy to find joy? I speak about this fully in my book but I can share a few of my favorite layers to peel back in order to create joy from within-

'Identity/Ego' (this was a BIG one for me to peel back during my recovery and possibly the most difficult) I feel like this is the first layer that must be peeled back in order to create joy from within.

I needed to accept my new identity which completely and dramatically affected my ego. 

When we experience trauma, it can be extremely difficult for us to accept our current situation. We are unable to because we are in denial and just  not  ready  to. 

Once we are able to, then we can move forward and peel back the next layer.  

'Time'

Many of us wait for the future or reminisce in the past but rarely live in the present. 

We must truly be in the moment, which is the only time we can fully experience moments of pure joy 

We all have a choice of how to feel about any given moment 

What is happening in the past is no longer happening-

Who really knows what the future brings?

Worrying about the future/or distracted by the past will block your present joy

Embrace every moment

'Conditioning'- 

(This was another BIG one during my recovery)

We may be conditioned to feel or act a certain way- it has been our way of life. (I.E listening to a song and it making us feel a certain way)

I had to rewire my brain in order to start my life over living with one hand. I've been conditioned my whole life to respond with action. It's a trigger. 

Once you understand and embrace how you were conditioned and your patterns, then you can learn how to break it. Breaking those patterns and creating new ones- effective more positive ones.

To learn more about Nguyen, please visit www.bbnbcoaching.com. Connect with her on Instagram at @suzan_nguyening and on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter at Suzan Nguyening.