Beyond the Surface: A Gold Medalist's Guide to Finding and Loving Yourself

by Jessica Long

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781649630957
Publisher:	Sounds True, Incorporated
Publication date:	10/01/2024
Pages:	184
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Jessica Long was born with congenital defects in her lower legs requiring double amputation and was 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 of Tokyo 2020). 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, Lucas, and their dog, Goose. For more, visit jessicalong.com.

Editorial Reviews

Jessica Long will inspire you to define yourself, challenge the narrative, and write your own story. This book is a must read!” —Billie Jean King, sports icon and equality champion

“In Beyond the Surface, Jessica Long teaches us how to rise above the limiting beliefs that make us question whether we belong and proves that you can come from anywhere and do anything as long as you believe in yourself.” —Gabby Thomas, two-time Olympic medalist and public health advocate

“From facing adversity head-on to becoming a Paralympic legend, Jessica Long’s story is a testament to resilience, courage, and unwavering determination. And, despite all her accomplishments and her challenges, she’s here to show that our worth isn’t measured by medals or performances—true worth comes from within.” —Missy Franklin, five-time Olympic gold medalist

“In Beyond the Surface, Jessica Long shares real-life examples and insightful exercises to teach us how to use our available influence to create change. Let the power of this book transform you and help you show up for the world in a more meaningful way.” —Michelle Kwan, Olympic ice skater and U.S. Ambassador

“Prepare to be captivated, empowered, and inspired by Jessica Long’s story, one that reminds us our bodies and minds are far more powerful than we could ever imagine. Beyond the Surface sheds light on the path of true self-acceptance, and is a book I recommend for anyone encountering self-limiting beliefs and destructive thought patterns.” —Rachel Macy Stafford, New York Times bestselling author, speaker, and certified special education teacher

“A deeply moving, inspiring, and heart-opening call to action that illuminates how self-acceptance is possible and essential for every single one of us. Amidst our epidemic of not-enoughness, Jessica’s book shines as a bright light of actionable hope.” —Nataly Kogan, author of Happier Now and The Awesome Human Project

“It’s been said that the best writing ‘makes the personal universal.’ By bringing us into her story, mind, and heart, Jessica Long achieves this with flying colors. Beyond the Surface is a rallying cry to show up for yourself, your dreams, and your world—and will fire you up to do just that.” —Katie Horwitch, founder of WANT: Women Against Negative Talk and author of Want Your Self

From the Publisher