Episode 178: Don't Focus on Why Me with Kijuan Amey

“Don’t focus on the ‘why me’—focus on the things that say ‘I still can.’ When somebody tells me I can’t, I’m going to show them why I can.”

— Kijuan Amey

This week, we're honored to welcome Kijuan Amey, a resilient Air Force veteran, motivational speaker, and author of “Don’t Focus on Why Me.” Raised in Durham, North Carolina, Kijuan’s adventurous spirit and drive led him to serve as an in-flight fueling specialist in the United States Air Force, and to pursue entrepreneurial and academic goals. But everything changed in an instant when a motorcycle accident left him blind and facing a long, difficult recovery.

Kijuan takes us on a powerful journey through his transformation from independent achiever to someone forced to confront unimaginable loss—and ultimately, to a passionate advocate for overcoming adversity. He shares the pivotal moment in his hospital bed when, after questioning “Why me?”, he found a new sense of purpose and faith, choosing not to let his accident define him. Instead, Kijuan embraced his love of music, especially drumming, as a source of healing and self-expression, and discovered new ways to participate fully in life.

In this episode, we explore the depths of resilience, the importance of community and faith, and how Kijuan’s story inspires others to move beyond a victim mindset. Through vulnerability and humor, he reveals how he rebuilt his life, found meaning in empowering others who feel lost, and continues to break barriers as a speaker, coach, and adaptive athlete. Join us for an uplifting conversation about finding strength in the face of darkness, redefining what’s possible, and living with intention—no matter the challenges life brings.

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Kijuan and Scott also discuss: