Paralympic snowboarder Amy Purdy has described the process of writing her forthcoming book as a deeply therapeutic, though challenging, experience. The work, set for release this spring, focuses on practical tools for building resilience and navigating life’s hardships.
Purdy, who lost both legs below the knee after a battle with bacterial meningitis in her youth, shared that writing allowed her to channel years of personal struggle and triumph onto the page. “It was an incredibly vulnerable process,” she noted, revealing that she wrote over 300 pages in just 22 days. “I poured my heart out. These are the stories and practices that helped me not only survive my darkest days but also reach my greatest ones.”
While excited to share her story, Purdy admitted feeling some apprehension about releasing such personal reflections to the world. Her primary hope is that the book reaches those who may benefit from it most. “If someone going through a transition—big or small—can pick it up and find a tool that helps them move forward, then I’ve succeeded,” she said.
The athlete, a multi-time Paralympic medalist and former “Dancing with the Stars” finalist, has faced significant health challenges beyond her initial amputation, including a major blood clot in 2019 that threatened her mobility and required difficult medical decisions. Today, she emphasizes the importance of finding joy in the journey, not just the outcome.
Ahead of the upcoming Winter Games, Purdy offered advice to fellow competitors: “Yes, aim for gold, but remember to soak in the experience. The moments with teammates, the connections with athletes from around the world—those are often what you cherish most. Happiness is found along the way.”
Purdy’s perspective on celebrating small moments of joy aligns with her recent involvement in a campaign centered on happiness as “the real gold.” She continues to advocate for a balanced approach to sport and life, where resilience and mindfulness pave the way to fulfillment.