beyond the surface: a gold medalist’s guide to finding and loving yourself

Inspirational speaker and Paralympic champion Jessica Long shares her story--and powerful principles to help you find your own path to unconditional self-acceptance.

Jessica Long is one of the most compelling figures of our time. From having her lower legs amputated as a toddler, she has gone on to become one of history’s most decorated athletes. Yet her true successes--and struggles--are not about winning medals or setting world records. ＂Our worth cannot be placed in external things--our looks, job, or approval of others,＂ she says. ＂No achievement will make us feel worthy unless we can love ourselves without judgment.＂

With Beyond the Surface, Jessica offers an intimate exploration of the hard-won lessons she learned on her extraordinary journey. She opens up about the toughest challenges she faced--not just the trauma of multiple surgeries and prosthetics, but the anger, resentment, and insecurity of trying to find her place and identity in a world that viewed her as less than whole.

In each chapter, she reveals the resources and support that allowed her to overcome hardship--and translates them into practices to help you create a bedrock of self-acceptance that you can rely on even in the most difficult times.

Part 1 invites you to look within--to examine your beliefs about yourself, how they came to be, and how you can move from self-criticism and unworthiness to the freedom and possibility of unconditional self-love. Part 2 urges you to look outward--to challenge the cultural narrative and systemic forces that stand in the way of a more inclusive and equitable society.

＂In sharing my story,＂ says Jessica, ＂including the ugly and uncomfortable parts, I hope to inspire you to love yourself just as you are. It is our differences that make us so incredibly beautiful and human and strong.＂

Beyond the Surface is a guide to fathoming the depths of your life experience--to both that which makes you utterly amazing and unique, and the essential dignity and value we all possess.

Jessica Long was born with congenital defects in her lower legs requiring double amputation, and placed for adoption at 13 months old. Supported by the love of her family, she has become a world champion swimmer with 29 Paralympic Medals. As one of America’s most decorated and recognizable athletic champions, Jessica focuses on succeeding in the water and inspiring others outside the pool. She lives in Baltimore, Maryland, with her husband and their dog, Goose. For more, visit jessicalong.com.