Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Wais
Hi Amanda, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
As far as I can tell, I had an easy upbringing in a somewhat normal family. So simple that I didn’t even know what I believed in because I didn’t suffer enough hardship to have to make decisions of my own.
So I just always tried to smile.
Other people would go through traumatic events, and I could not relate. Their pain made me uneasy. All I could think to say was, “At least you didn’t die.” or “You can find someone better, I bet.” And in a way, I was correct, but nobody wants to hear the silver lining when they’re grieving. It’s as useless as waxing a car that’s just been stuck in the mud. You have to scrub and fix that puppy up before a shine has any impact.
What was worse though, was that I couldn’t make decisions to improve my own life. I would always doubt my choices and do what I thought other people wanted me to do.
But in 2014, my son was born with Down syndrome.
We had no idea he was coming out with that extra 21st chromosome, but suddenly, he was in my arms with wise eyes and a defective heart. Our hospital room was somber as we embarked on this impromptu journey into the unknown.
As quickly as he was born, I became a nurse — not with a license, but out of necessity. I had to keep this tiny child alive. He was on oxygen, took medications and was scheduled for open heart surgery. I was a first-time mom living (quite literally) at the end of the earth in Copper Harbor, Michigan — a town of 100 year-round residents with no major resources in the middle of Lake Superior. His dad traveled for work, as per our pre-child agreement, so I stayed at home with our son until one of his grandmothers came up to help for a week at a time. My heart is full of gratitude for those grandmas.
I can go on and on about our first year of a traumatic life, but you can read the whole story in my memoir Digging for Light – A Memoir to Inspire Humanity. In a nutshell though, by being forced to learn my priorities in order to keep that little guy alive, advocating for him medically and therapeutically, and seeing that what’s in my heart is what matters most, I became a different person.
A better person.
An authentic warrior for humanity. I switched from writing in the freelance industry about travel and adventure to writing my own heartfelt books and blog.
And I went on to have many more fearsome events in life that shook me to my core. Events that put me in the shoes of all those “other people” who had emotions I used to be afraid of. But now, I can relate. I can look them in the eyes, so they have a safe place to cry. And if they need a hug, I have a giant one waiting for them.
I currently write books about inclusion and humanity. I write a blog about life with my special little guy on the shores of Lake Superior. I host and produce a podcast celebrating people who move with passion, purpose and perseverance. And I vow to raise my son so one day he will soar and be the superhero he came to this earth to be.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I don’t know how much you care to expose. None of this needs to be mentioned if you don’t think it’s appropriate for your readers. I’m just being open and honest. It’s been a journey.
I struggled with binge drinking alcohol until one day it nearly killed me. I will never drink again.
I went through a divorce with my son’s dad. We are now quite amicable and great at co-parenting. I am grateful
After the divorce, I tried to satisfy my need to feel loved by sacrificing other parts of myself and falling for manipulation techniques. Yikes. After enough of that, I decided to focus on myself and find love for myself while swearing off men for a while. After doing that, the right one came along. Hearts.
For a couple years, I had a great paying job with the township, making way more money than I ever have. But it was a job in numbers, and I’m a writer. I made the tough decision to quit that job to focus on my writing and media career. I am currently just getting by financially, but I am happy! And I believe I will soon reap the benefits of chasing my dreams in a purposeful way.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Well, my purpose on this planet is to help raise the consciousness of humanity to its highest potential.
That is the basis of everything, and I mean everything I do. Here is how I showcase and promote that in my work:
– Writing books about humanity, struggles and inclusion. The sequel in my novel series is about to drop this spring and my readers are sooooo excited! That will be the fifth book I authored and published. I plan to write books until I die. There’s so much in me just waiting to come out!
– I am also a ghostwriter, so I can help other people get their impactful story out of their heart and into their hand. Through The Cheeky Scribe, I offer this and all the other services necessary for writing a book, articles blogs and more. Because the topics I take on can be emotional, I am currently becoming certified in assisting in people’s transformation, so I can hold their hand and help them grow through this journey. Oh, it is just the most beautiful, meaningful thing! Hearts!
– I host and produce “A Fresh Air Inspired Life.” A podcast celebrating people who move with purpose, passion and perseverance. I initiated this endeavor with guests from the Keweenaw, and I’ve expanded to interview people from all over the world. I released episode #53 today and my ratings keep rising. I like to put the microphone right up to people’s hearts and let it speak.
– I have been blogging for nearly 20 years. It started as a way to showcase my crazy adventures in Copper Harbor, and has since morphed into “Downs By the Bay,” a blog about raising a little boy with Down syndrome on the shores of Lake Superior. People love the rawness and consistency of that blog.
Any big plans?
I am working on my speaking career. I have such a powerful message that I want to take it to the stage as well. I’ve been attending speaker trainings and working with speaker coaches. I am excited to see where this goes!
I’m about to start a couple programs where I can work more closely with aspiring authors in a group setting to share my tips and give them camaraderie. This is called Fresh Author Sessions, and I’m so excited to launch!
My next novel, “In the Dirt 2 – New Rules” comes out this spring, and I’m so excited! It’s even better than the first one!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.copperharborvitality.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/copperharborvitality/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Chvitality
- Other: https://www.copperharborvitality.com/cheekyscribe
