GUEST BLOG
Are we willing to accept our disability as a part of who we are, in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health? How we choose to answer this, will define the course our lives will take. Like with any relationship, Cerebral Palsy and I have had our fair shares of ups and downs.
Very early on I saw my disability as a hindrance. I couldn't run or play in the playground, having it felt like a curse, but I never lost hope that one day I would wake up and be 'normal.' I went through many doctors, each time suffering heartbreaks when the remedies didn't work. Even after my surgeries, I expected to jump off the operating table ready to run a marathon. Rehabilitation hadn't even crossed my mind, so when I woke from surgery with my legs weaker than before, I was distraught.
Fast-forward to my adolescent years, I was more at ease with my physical disability. By that point I was certain that my disability was here to stay and there wasn't much I could do. To a certain degree, I learned to manage the physical aspect of it. I was able to use staircases, even when there were no railings and I managed to get around one limp at a time.
My biggest struggles were in the social aspect. Despite getting along with everyone, I felt left out. My yearning to play sports, dance and even just to go a day without falling, increased as the years went by. Now I know that try as I might I will never be able to overcome my disability. It may sound like a pessimistic attitude but on the contrary, it excites me.
It excites me to know that there will always be another obstacle to overcome. As I grow and mature, so will my disability. With all of the heartache, Cerebral Palsy has also brought immense happiness and countless blessings into my life and that I wouldn't be me without it.
Bio: Miguel recently started a YouTube Channel called Thisabled Talks with a goal to one, encourage others living with a disability; two, teach to persevere through adversity and three, show that it's possible to live a fulfilled life despite limitations.
His channel can be found at https://goo.gl/6ufsyn
And on Instagram and Twitter @thisabledtalks
Thanks for arranging Miguel's guest blog. It was very encouraging to read about Miguel's story and his wonderfully positive attitude.
I have watched some of his videos on YouTube and he is an inspiration.
You're welcome. I love and admire other people's inspirational stories. I am sure Miguel will be pleased you've read his story and commented.
And as he has shown, having a disability doesn't have to hold us back. The right attitude goes a long way to keeping us positive and motivated.
And Miguel has that in the bucket loads.
Thank you Brad!!
Thank you so much Miguel. What you found difficult or problematic eventually brought you immense happiness and countless blessings.
Your story is awe inspiring!
Thanks Tim. Yes, it's altogether a completely different way to think, but thinking in this way can bring about a sense of calm.
We can't change what we're born with, but we can change our attitude to it and this is what Miguel has chosen to do.
A very courageous and inspirational move.
Thank you Tim! I appreciate the compliment!
Yeah, I've leaned that sometimes we don't realize what we have until we stop and look back.
Yes, you're absolutely right Miguel, we don't realise what we have until we stop and look back, by which time it's often too late.
Keep being inspirational.
You're welcome!!