What do you do when life keeps throwing curveballs at you?   In this episode of The Darin Olien Show, I chat with Oksana Masters about her childhood and how those first few difficult years of her life helped her become who she is today.    While it could have been understandable for Oksana to feel a bit bad for herself given the experiences she lived through, she did not allow herself to dwell for too long. And as life threw more challenges at her, she continued to push through. As she looks back at all of the obstacles she surpassed, she shares with us her wisdom about the hard parts of life.   Oksana also shares what motivates her to keep pushing in sports and reach excellence, despite all the challenges she faces.   Oksana Masters is the most decorated Winter Paralympian in U.S. history. She’s won 17 Paralympic medals — 14 at the Winter Games in cross-country skiing and biathlon, and three at the Summer Games in rowing and cycling. She’s recently added the title of “author” to her extensive resume and her book, “The Hard Parts: A Memoir of Courage and Triumph,” details her adoption story as well as the chilling traumas she endured during her time in the orphanage system in Ukraine.    What we discuss:   002:47: About Oksana 06:52: Where does Oksana’s drive come from? 13:41: Does Oksana view herself as a victim? 18:36: How did Oksana learn from her second leg amputation? 24:45: What’s the hard part of Oksana’s experience? 28:55: What is Oksana’s experience in the orphanage? 33:02: How does being uncomfortable help you grow? 42:47: What’s Oksana’s experience with being “in the zone”? 46:36: Did Oksana feel like she was escaping from herself through sports? 49:27: Who is Oksana now? 52:05: When is Oksana’s book coming out? 54:32: What is Oksana doing next?   Find more from Darin:   Website: https://darinolien.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Darinolien/ Book: https://darinolien.com/fatal-conveniences-book/ Down to Earth: https://darinolien.com/down-to-earth/     Find more from Oksana:   Website: https://www.oksanamastersusa.com/about-me/ Book: https://www.instagram.com/oksanamasters/     More links:   Shop Therasage and use code DARIN to save 15% on your purchase here: https://therasage.com/pages/shop   Pre-order Fatal Conveniences: The Toxic Products and Harmful Habits That Are Making You Sick - And The Simple Changes That Will Save Your Health here: https://darinolien.com/fatal-conveniences-book/