Overcoming Your Disability

For many active people, a sudden disability can bring our lives to a screeching halt. There are a few reasons why you could now disabled; undiagnosed illness, broken foot or leg, or a progressively debilitating disease. Regardless of the “why,” your life has changed, and we are going to discuss how to alter your lifestyle and regain your sense of self.

You CAN Still Work It

Although you are used to moving about at breakneck speeds and getting things done, you may not able to do that now. Here is what you can do:

• You have to break things down and find new ways to tackle your to-do list.
• Master one task at a time
• Re-think how you do things

Embrace Equipment

We get it, no one really likes using aids when they are handicapped because it’s simply an admission that we now need help. But really, these aids are fantastic ways to help you embrace a life doing what you can. Consider things like

• shower chairs
• a stair elevator
• handicap ramps to make mobility issues less difficult
• andicap rails

In time, you will come to love the freedom that these aids provide.

You are NOT your Disability

Whether you have mobility issues or communication issues, it does not detract from your value as a person. Life throws curveballs at us all the time, it’s how we react that reflects ourselves.

• You can be angry and express your frustrations.
• You are also allowed to use that anger and frustration to motivate yourself into overcoming your limitations.
• Don’t allow your disability to hold you back, work within your constraints and find new ways to accomplish what you want!

Work is a Possibility

Depending on the nature of your disability, you may be able to go back to work. And it’s something we highly recommend.

• Going back to work gives you a sense of self and a sense of purpose.
• It’s a fantastic way to boost your self-esteem and can help you feel like you are a productive member of society.
• However, be prepared! It can be a difficult move.

Have an open and honest conversation with your boss about your limitations and the expectations of the job. Keeping that dialogue open develops a trusting relationship that can help you career-wise in the long run.

If you are unable to return to work but do wish to make an income, it is best to look for ways to work from home. Whether it’s a customer service position or selling your crafts on a website, having a sense of duty each day will help alleviate any negative feelings you experience about your new way of life.

Embracing Your Disability

Yes, we told you that you are not your disability. But you can still embrace it and find ways to turn it into a positive. This could be:

• Becoming an advocate for better health care options.
• Being vocal about the lack of access to stores and entertainment venues for handicap persons.
• You can help fight against illegal parking in handicap spaces.
• You could spend time teaching about your disability and how you have coped with it.

There will be hard and trying times with your disability. But with perseverance and motivation, you can still be the same productive individual you have been. You just have to find new ways to do it and take pride in your successes.