Stories. We all love them. We all have our favourites, but how many of us have thought about our own story. It was on reflection that my own story has been a very important part of my progression through the story that is my life. It is through looking at my story that I realised despite all the barriers and criticisms I have had to face over the years – it does not matter. Me. I am important with my dodgy leg and arm and funky Ozzy Osbourne specs as I like to call them.
That’s right. You have guessed it – I come under that bracket that society calls disabled. I have Cerebral Palsy and Irlen syndrome – they have been a part of my life since the day I was born. The latter I didn’t find out about until I was in my teens but hey-ho. It has been highlighted by many newspaper articles that disabled people, despite all the legislation that is in place, are considered a minority. One article talked about a young woman with Cerebral Palsy who has qualified as a doctor and how she has succeeded (1) but what it highlighted is the fact that her story was never taken into account.
It is this lack of understanding about my story has something in common with me and it is that which has made me all the stronger. The psychological torture of nice women has made me appreciate those loyal friends who stay by my side through the good and, even more so, the bad. The doctors telling my parents that I would not walk. Well, two years later I was walking and I am still walking today. I have learned that the problems in my story have enhanced my story ten times over. I have learned that “what if” or “I can’t” have turned into “I can“.
I know some of you are probably thinking – “How can I look at my story in this way with my busy lifestyle?” Well it is simple – look at what you have around you. Kids? A career? A qualification at the same time as working full time? My advice to you is to appreciate your own well-being and the well-being of others. Maslow says that apart from the basic needs for food, water and housing, the other key to success is happiness. Therefore I would say to you – be happy with your story and you will go far, maybe even let your story go in all different directions. Share your story with others like I have with mine … you may just find a different chapter opening up right in front of you.
