She was celebrating the end of the school day and running toward her mother when a taxicab struck 11-year-old Michelle Kuei.

Catapulted 100 feet by the impact, she spent the next four years in and out of hospitals. Rehab was grueling, but the pre-teen years presented the greatest challenge.

"Do I even belong here?"

Shorter and walking with a limp, Michelle so desperately wanted to fit in she'd wear stockings and pants on stifling hot days, just to hide the scars that shamed her. Facing the rejection of her peers eventually triggered a rebellious, "I'll just be weird" persona that also didn't quite "fit."

After a series of failed relationships, Michelle's true "Aha!" happened in her 40's. "I finally decided to treasure myself."

That decision led to baby steps...first a Pilates ball...then a fitness coach...then...

She decided to climb Machu Picchu using her CRUTCHES. Each step was a push-up, but once accomplished, she would never be the same. "I knew there was more for me."

Learn about how Michelle reclaimed hope and built a life that inspires. If you've ever been bullied or felt like you didn't "fit in" in this world, you'll be encouraged by this episode.

Discover more about Michelle Kuei's work as a marketing coach, motivational speaker, and author at www.elevatelifecoaching.org.