On the Living Strong Radio Show, we believe that our defining moments—those experiences that test us, shape us, and ultimately transform us—are the heart of what it means to “Live Strong.” Today, we honor the story of Ms. Amanda Tagliavia, one of my longtime black belt students, whose journey of resilience is a testament to courage, strength, and the power of never giving up.
A Childhood Tested by Loneliness and Bullying
Amanda grew up a good student, active in church and Girl Scouts, but behind the bright surface, she carried deep wounds. From the age of nine through her teens, she lived with her grandparents after her parents’ separation. During those years, she endured constant bullying at school and struggled with emotional pain at home.
Loneliness weighed heavily, and at one point, seeking love and belonging, she ran away. Betrayed by those she trusted, she quickly discovered how fragile misplaced trust can be. Yet even in that painful moment, there was grace—one true friend and her family took her in until her grandparents returned. Soon after, Amanda was given an ultimatum: stay with her grandparents or move in with her father. Choosing change over despair, she stepped onto a new path that closed some doors but opened others, guiding her toward a future of growth.
Breaking Free and Choosing Strength
Years later, another defining moment came. At 29, Amanda was at her heaviest weight and trapped in an abusive marriage. Mental, emotional, and physical wounds left her feeling like only a shadow of the proud soldier she once was. For years, she hid the abuse out of shame, but her father saw through the silence.
With her young son by her side, Amanda faced a choice: remain in abuse or fight for a better life. She chose to fight. Leaving the marriage, she and her son began a journey in martial arts that transformed them both. What started as an activity to rebuild confidence became a way of life—restoring her strength, her identity, and her courage.
Anchored by a Father’s Wisdom
Amanda credits her father, Leigh, as her most influential guide. His words—that knowledge is the greatest self-defense—shaped her approach to life. He taught her to use what she learns wisely, carefully, and always for the right reasons. His enduring lesson: never give up.
Lessons for Her Younger Self
Looking back, Amanda would tell her 25-year-old self to trust her gut and to make the hard decisions sooner. She now understands that even when her grandparents gave her tough ultimatums, it was out of love, not rejection. Life’s challenges weren’t punishments—they were gifts pushing her toward growth.
Living Strong: A Personal Definition
When Amanda thinks about what it means to “Live Strong,” she describes it as living life positively, facing challenges with courage, and holding firmly to moral values regardless of what storms may come.
Her wisdom today is simple yet profound:
“Life will always change, and challenges will come. Stay true to yourself. Don’t sacrifice your values just to appease someone else. Things may not always work out the way you want, but they will work out the way they need to. You are important. You are loved.”
A Defining Voice for All of Us
Amanda’s journey—through bullying, betrayal, abuse, and renewal—is a reminder that Living Strong isn’t about avoiding struggle. It’s about finding strength inside the struggle, trusting the wisdom of those who care for us, and believing that we are worthy of love and purpose.
Her story is not only her own; it’s a light for anyone standing at a crossroads, unsure if they can endure. Amanda’s defining moments show us that we can.