The Gift of Perspective: Wisdom I Gained from Losing a Leg and Two Lungs

by Lindsey Roy

"Lindsey Roy proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that joy and happiness are just on the other side of the mountain you are climbing."
—Katherine Wintsch, CEO of The Mom Complex; author of Slay Like a Mother

A corporate executive, wife, and mother reflects on what she lost, what she didn’t see coming, and the power of new vantage points.

At age 31, Lindsey Roy was named vice-president at Hallmark Cards — one of the youngest in the company’s more-than-100-year history. Her life was abruptly transformed five years later when she was nearly killed in a boating accident. Left with an amputated left leg and severe limb injuries, and facing a long and difficult recovery ahead, she was determined not just to heal, but to emerge stronger. She eventually shared what trauma had taught her about happiness in a TEDx talk that has been viewed nearly 200,000 times.

Eight years post-accident, fully adapted to her circumstances and genuinely thriving, Lindsey confronted the unexpected she was diagnosed with a rare and progressive disease that destroyed the blood vessels in her lungs, requiring a double-lung transplant. This profound setback challenged her to actively shift her viewpoint in order to discover the hidden advantages of her situation and new depths of resilience in herself.

Now a sought-after speaker, she’s imparting these hard-won lessons to help you adapt, persevere, and innovate in your own life. Brimming with valuable insights forged in the fire — from Lindsey’s journey and from other inspiring individuals she’s met along the way — The Gift of Perspective is ready to meet you where you are, and no matter where adversity may find you.

176 pages, Hardcover

Published November 7, 2023

Reviews

[Darrell J Roy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most of us never face one life threatening situation, let alone two. Lindsey Roy shares her story with fact, truth and the kind of emotion only she can share. To find perspective and put it on paper they way she does is something we all should learn from. This is a must read for all of us searching for what life is all about. Five stars ++

[Lennese · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really great book for helping to reflect on how much of a privilege it is to be able bodied and in good health. Also some good strategies for shifting your perspective. I wasn’t that impressed by the writing style but the essence of the story is still very impactful.

[Anika Roy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book offers exactly what the title promises: perspective. It makes you think differently about hardship and reminds you of the hidden advantages that exist in the challenges we face as humans. Lindsey Roy‘s writing is raw and authentic, and makes you feel like you’re simply having a conversation with her. This is a must-read for anyone who’s experienced something difficult in life (so, everyone)!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking and inspiring. I found myself reading this at times with tears welling in my eyes as I could relate to some of the feelings she had going through the loss of her leg and a double lung transplant. While we haven’t gone through anything “similar”, we have felt similar feelings, especially as Mom’s.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who might be in a place that they feel everything feels stacked up against you. Allow this book to truly be the gift of perspective and that we can rise above all that we have been dealt, especially when we can learn to give it to God.

[Cathlina Bergman · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at p. 39; skimmed parts of the rest

I'm not the right audience for this book, for sure. I don't really love motivational speaking/writing.

The author basically took a Ted Talk and tried to stretch it out to be a 170-page book. I don’t think it really worked, but, again, this book isn't my vibe. She references other people who dealt with similar trauma and what she learned from them, and she quotes or references all of the typical motivational people: Churchill, MLK, Jr., Brene Brown, Michael J. Fox, etc.

[Angela]

I love how the book shares perspective and insights through the authors life and the amazing stories of the people she has met along the way! Great read that has made me think differently about many aspects of how to treat people and how to be thankful in every situation. Just what I needed.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an inspiring book written by a fellow Hallmarker. I’m so thankful I took the time to read it even though I’ve heard Lindsey speak on this several times. She is such an inspiration. Definitely recommend!

[Shirley Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a great book.

The author wrote with such honest courage. She touched my soul. This is a book I will always remember and recommend.

[Sara K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this in one day because I didn't want to put it down! Inspirational and encouraging...a wonderful reminder that we can endure and persevere through the hard times in life.

[Becky Nash · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as a gift, and I was so inspired by the author’s story. She has been through so much, and her strength and resilience shone through her words in each chapter. I am amazed and impressed with her courage and vulnerability in this book.

[Athena Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

clear look at life when it definitely does NOT go the way we had planned ... change your "perspective" to make it work, even when it doesn't work