I've read the book "Soul Surfer" at least four times, and I've probably seen the movie based on the book at least five times. I recently watched the movie again and I was reminded how much I look up to Bethany Hamilton. For those of you that don't know who she is, she's a professional surfer who got her arm bit off by a shark. She was only 13-years-old when the attack happened, but that didn't stop her from winning surfing competitions and becoming a professional surfer. She not only survived the attack, but she also handled everything that came from it with grace and determination.

I've always looked up to Bethany Hamilton because I have my own physical disability, so I can relate to her a lot. It's hard to find inspiration with things related to my disability because I don't know very many people with similar challenges, but luckily I felt a connection with Bethany after hearing her story. Whenever I feel like I just can't do something I tell myself "Well Bethany does so much with one arm, so I can do this with too."

There have been so many things I've been able to accomplish that I used to think I couldn't do, like learning how to surf, climbing Diamond Head, or even completing a 5k. With the support of my friends and family, and inspiration from Bethany Hamilton, I've been able to accomplish all of those things, and many others. I'm sure I could have done all of things without Bethany's inspiration, but just seeing her do all of these amazing things always encouraged me to push myself harder when I felt like I couldn't do it anymore.

My mom told me when I was in physical therapy as a child, the therapists were always amazed at how hard I pushed myself and how much I was able to accomplish because of it. I guess I always had the strength in me to achieve these things, but once I heard Bethany's story it made everything so much more real and tangible.

I know Bethany Hamilton probably gets fan mail everyday where people tell her how much of an inspiration she is, but I hope someday I get the chance to tell her how much she personally inspired me. Maybe Bethany is reading this now. If you are, thank you so much for sharing your story with the world, and thank you for persevering through your hardships and accomplishing your goals. If you're not reading this, then I hope I get to tell you all of this someday. Maybe in a letter or email. All I know is I want to personally thank you for being the strong, inspirational woman you are because you deserve it! Mahalo!