Mind over handicap

A disabled person is a broad phrase. It would be a never-ending task to categorize and list each type of disability. Let’s focus on stability, strength, and leverage.

I’m talking to people who can walk a bit, maybe they need help with a mobility scooter or need a cane to walk, they can exercise, they can do light work around the house, some light outdoor work but a general disability. You would need very little, if any, supervision.

Stability. There is a lot of determination in that word. The mind is a very powerful gray and white matter that controls and coordinates the physical and mental actions that we perform on a daily basis. So exercise your mind by doing puzzles, read a book, take up a new hobby, just to name a few ideas.

Force. You don’t have to be strong to be strong. I am disabled born with arthrogryposis. I had club feet from this and today I am in my mid-120s with no ankle movement and it’s getting difficult to walk. Determination will dominate you to give you the willpower to do your best and give your best. Willpower is what you choose whenever you have an end in sight.

Taking advantage. This word is used a lot in the financial field, but what about taking advantage of its handicap? If you can. There were a lot of things I couldn’t do when I was a kid. Living on the farm gave me challenges, but I took the opportunity to do them and today is no different. So you can’t take long walks like you did 5 years ago. Plan your hike accordingly by having a pre-set rest area where you can sit and rest. Perhaps your doctor has recommended using a walking stick or cane, by all means use them. If the worst got worse and you had to use a mobility scooter, take your cane or walking stick with you. Now if you stop somewhere to look around you can disassemble your mobility scooter and use your walking stick or walking stick to navigate.

The mind is a very powerful on-board computer. You control it in the best possible way through motivation and determination. At some point, pain, discomfort, or depression will try to interfere, but remember that you control your mind that you control your attitude. If you are motivated, you will visualize the end result. It takes determination to take the first step to achieve your goal.

Never take things for granted, yes, there are people who want to help, but if you can maintain your independence, that will make you a success in life. Sharing your stories about your disability with others while letting the stories of your determination be told will empower you with a positive attitude. One of my favorite sayings is that no one has the right or the ability to screw up your attitude. Remember that phrase every day.

With my handicap, I go through challenges every day and with a positive attitude I overcome them.