Issue link: https://tmcpulse.uberflip.com/i/564353
t m c » p u l s e | s e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 5 33 "It's a lot easier to have someone who's been there and experienced what I've experienced," said Bullitt, a couple months into treatment. "You don't want to say 'can't' around here, because they're going to make it to where you can. I've progressed more here than I ever thought possible." Six years took Potter from patient to therapist. Getting to where she is today was not always easy, and Potter admits to struggling at times. She encourages her patients to seek out a therapist to talk through any emotional issues, something she did at the beginning. "I had a phase of two years where I felt sorry for myself and got a little bit depressed," said Potter. "I believe in tough love, and I had to have some tough love myself, to say, 'You have got to get yourself mov- ing.' Once I did that, I did better. The picture of where you are now is not what it's going to look like in a week, two months, a year." That tough love is something she shares with her patients. The first task after injury, getting up out of the bed, is often the hardest, Potter said, but it leads to bigger and better things. You might be moving differ- ently, but you're still moving forward. Using a wheel- chair will change your life, but it doesn't define it. "I knew I wanted to do something with my life and I knew I wanted to give back, but I don't think I ever could have imagined I'd be as fulfilled by my job and life in general." said Potter. "Get up out of the bed, get in a chair and do something. Then you build momen- tum and all of a sudden, you're out living your life." I can get away with saying some things to them at times, like, 'Hey, we've got to get you to this next level. I've been there, I know how hard it is, but let me give you some advice.' — EMILY POTTER