77 - Craig Towler - Life Can Change in a Flash - a podcast by Nicole DeBoom

Meet Craig Towler - a man with strength, resilience and gratitude well beyond what most of us will ever imagine in this lifetime. In July 2016, Craig was struck by an impaired driver while unloading supplies from his car in front of his home in Boulder. Both of his legs were disconnected from his body in the impact. He survived – barely – and today he faces the world as a double amputee, a title he is working hard to embrace as he continues to pursue the life that he dreams about.

I reached out to Craig after following his story for a year, and asked if he would meet me to decide if he wanted to be a guest on my podcast. The minute I met Craig, I knew I was in the presence of someone who was put here to cast a light on this world and everyone he touches. Yes, the accident changed him and in some ways, opened his eyes, but I truly believe that he would be leaving his mark of positivity no matter what direction his life took and what direction it continues to take.

I know that some of you will wonder about the accident and specifically, the driver who hit Craig. I know I did. You can feel free to google it and you’ll find some information, but the truth is, Craig doesn’t want to focus on that part of his story. It doesn’t help him move his life forward, so we don’t discuss it. Today we have a long discussion about so many different aspects of life from relationships with others, to our relationship with our own bodies, the technical details of having amputated limbs, including a great cameo from his prosthetist Angela. We also have a few fun interruptions and another on-the-spot cameo from Craig’s girlfriend Amanda. It's a lively one for sure!

Craig is a mix between the guy-next-door who you want to hang out with everyday and one of the most inspirational and enlightened people who walk this earth. And when I say walk, you’ll see what I mean when you follow Craig on Instagram. Actually I mention this in the interview – our goal is to get Craig up to 10k followers on Instagram. So make sure you follow craig.a.towler – it will help him get the word out about his new business Amputee Concierge – a free service he wants to provide to help other people who are going through limb loss. Because that’s what Craig does – when faced with a setback that meant he had to push pause on his progress with his prosthetic legs and spend months back in a chair, Craig started a business – a business to help others on that note!

Today we talk about:

Adapting to life as a double amputee
Relationships with people around you through the good and tough times (including a cameo by his girlfriend Amanda)
Relationships with our own bodies: embracing who we are regardless of how we look
July 4, 2016: The accident
Craig's ongoing recovery
Accepting reality and staying in the moment when things are out of our control
Physiological changes (Craig "runs hot" now!) & dietary changes
The importance of sharing things that are difficult - how it can help you grow
Getting back up on legs - Craig's prosthetist Angela explains the process
Amputee Concierge: Craig's new business with a mission to help people who are dealing with limb loss
No Bull: How a pair of shoes gave Craig motivation

After listening to this episode, you may want to support Craig - you can donate to him and his cause. Your money will help Craig get Amputee Concierge off the ground, as well as continue to assist with the ongoing costs of life as a double amputee.  There is no reason not to follow and support this amazing human being!

I love every guest I interview and I truly believe that they are put on this planet for a purpose. I believe in my heart that Craig is meant to do incredible things. He already is. Just by putting himself out there to share the moments that he said are hardest for him. Those are the moments that help the most people.

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