Walking Out Joy
The PACER Method by Amberly Lago
When people see me speaking on stage or coaching high-performing entrepreneurs today, they’re often surprised to learn that my journey to joy began with a devastating motorcycle accident that left me with a 1% chance of saving my leg. After 34 surgeries and $2.9 million in medical expenses, I discovered that true transformation isn’t just about physical healing; it’s about completely reimagining your relationship with joy.
As a former fi tness model and professional dancer, I built my identity around physical perfection. Being T-boned by an SUV on Ventura Boulevard changed everything in an instant. My leg was shattered, my career vanished, and my sense of self crumbled. But through this journey, I discovered something profound: joy isn’t just a feeling; it’s a practice.
In my darkest moments, when I couldn’t see a way forward, I got on my knees and prayed. I asked for help. That glimmer of hope I held onto? I believe it came from God. It was through my faith journey that I began to understand that even in our deepest pain, we’re never truly alone.
I developed what I call the PACER methodology, a framework that helped me move from survival to thriving.
I keep a note on my desk that says, “God doesn’t waste pain.” I truly believe that. Joy isn’t found in perfect circumstances but in how we choose to show up each day. Because ultimately, that’s what joy is about: not the absence of difficulty, but the presence of purpose.
The truth is, we’ve all been hit by something. Joy isn’t about avoiding these hits; it’s about developing the resilience to rise stronger.
P – Perspective: The fastest way to shift your mindset is through gratitude. When I was in the hospital, staring at my leg held together by metal rods, I began writing thank-you notes to every nurse, doctor, and visitor. This simple practice transformed my outlook from despair to appreciation.
Every morning, I write down 10 things I’m grateful for and share them with the ladies in my “God Squad.”
A – Acceptance: True change begins with accepting where you are. This doesn’t mean giving up; it means getting in the driver’s seat of your life. When I fi nally accepted my scars, both physical and emotional, I found freedom. As I often tell my clients, “Being in acceptance doesn’t mean you’ve admitted defeat; it means you’re ready to move forward.”
C – Community: Joy multiplies through connection. I learned this the hard way, trying to handle everything alone until I realized that connection is the opposite of addiction and loneliness. Surround yourself with what I call the “puppy uppers” and distance yourself from the “doggie downers.” Your energy is too precious to waste.
E – Endurance: Success requires staying power, but not at the expense of your health. Remember: your impact is only as strong as you are healthy. With the right support and the right mindset, any obstacle becomes manageable.
R – Rest: This was my hardest lesson. As a professional athlete, I viewed rest as weakness until burnout forced me to realize that rest is a crucial strategy. I schedule recovery time with the same priority as my speaking engagements. I even take Sundays off to recharge, be with family, and be with the Lord.
Amberly Lago is the bestselling author of Joy Through the Journey, motivational speaker, and coach who continues to inspire audiences around the world with her message of resilience. Her PACER Method offers practical steps to walk out joy, shaped by her personal faith and anchored in the biblical truth of Nehemiah 8:10: “The joy of the Lord is your strength.”
