When you have a disability, it can be almost too easy to let it win. Struggling with a body that no longer listens takes its toll. After all, we’re only human; not Superman or Superwoman. Coping is a daily thing, and we do it the best we can. The one thing we have to watch out for however, is the final defeat. Do NOT let this happen. Moaning and whining is allowed, heck, I encourage even (it can be therapeutic). But at the end of the day there is only one option, and that is to thrive my friends. Thrive, thrive and survive!
A self-imposed jail is what I think of when I ask, “Are you paralyzed by your paralysis?” Our bodies may seem like jails, but should we also let them overtake our minds? Hell no. This is where we can kick some butt and show the world a full life is still attainable, even if you can’t walk. When I was first injured, my tough yet loving step-dad said something to me I’ll never forget. “You can’t sit at home and just look out the window, Tiffiny.” Was he being cruel? Not at all! This was what I needed to hear – tough, honest love from someone who had the balls to set me straight.
Staring out the window, not wanting to go out in public, and generally hating everything about my life was my reality when I first returned home. I was literally paralyzed in my mind by my paralysis. I felt unmotivated, had no energy and I was depressed. My paralysis was winning, and I didn’t even care! Luckily, the view out of my window wasn’t that great. Boredom quickly set in, and I mustered the mental strength to look towards the future. It took a couple years, but my survival instinct finally setting in and boy did it feel amazing; as if someone opened the door and let the most incredible cool air in.
Nothing breaks my heart more than knowing that there are other people out there with a spinal cord injury, or any disability for that matter, that can’t see a future for themselves. The struggle will always remain, it’s only how we manage it that we can control.
Another related post of mine that you might enjoy reading ”We Can Live The Good Life Too”
How did you break free from being paralyzed by your paralysis?
Photo courtesy of Emilio Kuffer
I enjoy looking out my window. I live out in the country and put bird feeders out in a tree. I enjoy listening to some good tunes on my sterio and watch them fly. Im not here because Im ashamed of being in a chair I love peace and quiet. If I try to do to much my stress goes up and my spasms get worse ,dont need it. I like to live alone no dissagreements no problems. whatever music Im listening to or if Im watching nascar every weekend its just fine.