136 | VISION: Kijuan Amey’s Journey From Tragic Accident to Resilient Recovery

About the Guest

Kijuan Amey is the Chief Motivational Officer at Amey Motivation, a company focused on inspiring individuals to overcome life’s challenges. A former Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force and an in-flight refueling specialist, Kijuan’s life took a transformational turn following a devastating motorcycle accident that left him blind and with numerous physical injuries. Despite these challenges, Kijuan has become a motivational speaker and author, sharing his journey of resilience and purpose.

Episode Summary

In this gripping episode of Becoming UnDone, hosted by Toby Brooks, we delve into the emotional and inspiring journey of Kijuan Amey. Once an ambitious airman dreaming of piloting military aircraft, Kijuan’s trajectory dramatically shifted after a motorcycle accident. The episode begins by painting a vivid picture of Kijuan’s early dreams and ambitions in sports, engineering, and the military, before the narrative takes a dramatic turn, highlighting the incident that left him blind and changed his life’s course. As Kijuan recounts the momentous day of his accident and the extensive recovery process that followed, listeners gain profound insights into the resilience and mental fortitude required to overcome life-altering challenges.

Through an engaging conversation, the episode highlights themes of resilience, faith, and the power of reimagining one’s identity after trauma. Kijuan discusses the mental and physical hurdles post-accident and how he has come to see his journey not as a setback, but an opportunity to inspire and motivate others. By exploring his concept of having lost sight but not vision, Kijuan sheds light on his approach to turning adversity into a platform for motivation and leadership through Amy Motivation. He shares poignant examples of how he’s lived a full and adventurous life, even after blindness, leading to a powerful message of undeterred spirit and purpose-driven existence. This episode is a testament to human resilience and the capacity to grow and thrive beyond one’s wildest expectations.

Key Takeaways

• Resilience in Adversity: Kijuan Amey’s story exemplifies how resilience can transform life-altering challenges into opportunities for personal growth and leadership.
• Faith and Purpose: Kijuan discusses how his faith played a crucial role in reshaping his purpose, providing a sturdy foundation during his recovery.
• Overcoming Physical Challenges: Despite losing his eyesight, Kijuan has engaged in activities like skiing and rock climbing, proving that physical limitations do not define one’s capabilities.
• Mental vs. Physical Vision: Kijuan emphasizes the distinction between physical sight and mental vision, maintaining that although he lost his sight, his vision and drive remain intact.
• Impact of Positive Influence: Through Amy Motivation, Kijuan has embraced the role of a motivational speaker, aiming to inspire others who find themselves facing their own adversities.

Notable Quotes

1. “I lost the physical sight, but I didn’t lose my mental vision.” – Kijuan Amey
2. “The purpose—the why—we have to continue to hold to it. If you forget what your why is, you forget why you are here.” – Kijuan Amey
3. “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” – Kijuan Amey
4. “The devil thought he had me… but that’s when someone greater stepped in my situation.” – Kijuan Amey
5. “Why not you? In order to have a message, you have to deal with the mess.” – Kijuan Amey

Resources

• Kijuan Amey’s Website: ameymotivation.com
• Book: Don’t Focus on Why Me by Kijuan Amey
• Social Media: Kijuan Amey on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook

Immerse yourself in Kijuan’s compelling story and draw inspiration from his journey by listening to the full episode. Stay tuned for more transformative stories on Becoming UnDone, where adversity is merely the starting point for an incredible journey ahead.