10 reason I’m pretty awesome because of my disability – not despite it!

When your Disabled there’s certain things you see and hear people say like ‘Oh <insert persons name here> is so lovely despite their disability’. 

As someone who identifies themselves as being disabled, that one word, ‘despite’ kinda makes me a little crazy. Why can’t we just be lovely? What does anyone’s disability have to do with anything? Using the D-word It implies that having a disability is something we all should overcome, something we shouldn’t let affect us, but do you know what? Screw that.

My disability is the biggest part of me and my life, it controls everything; not because I let it just because I have to consider every scenario before going anywhere or doing something. I’ve always said It’s not a negative, I mean, yes, the Go-Kart is a little divaish at times!! But having a disability isn’t a bad thing in my opinion.

So, as I’ve seen lately the ‘despite’ word floating around a lot a lot for a while now, I thought I’d write a list (and if you know me you’ll know I do love a list) of reasons why I’m pretty awesome because of my disability, not despite it. So I wouldn’t apologise I’m trying out a bit of self-love these days I hope for those that stop by you write 10 awesome things about yourself.

 I’m strong 

No matter what everyday throws at me I will still have a smile on my face.

I’m a pretty good listener

I’m only a phone call, Text, Tweet, DM and email  away.

I’m empathetic

I will always do my best to help someone, I’ll never compare my situation to theirs. It’s really important to me to never disregard someone else’s feelings/pain/illness.

Appreciating the small things

A kind, out of the blue message, hug,  card/letter – I’m over the moon when someone thinks about little old me.

I’ll make you laugh 

I have quite a sarcastic sense of humour I’ll always make light in awkward situations. “Who’d You need me to run over in my wheelchair? It’s on I’m charging now!

I’m constantly learning

Learning about myself, my body, my conditions, other people’s.

Positivity

I think that living with a disability drives me more to maintain a positive mindset and approach my life in a positive way, I’ll always try find the positive in any negative. Need a boost hit me up!!

I’m an awesome friend

I’m always in so you’ll have someone to talk to. I pretty much live in Lounge arounds so you don’t have to get all dressed up or spend any money going on nights out, we can stay in and watch crappy TV. And if we do go out you can hang all your shopping on the back of my wheelchair.

Did I mention I’m a cheap date

Did someone say disability concessions!?

All round

Awesomeness!!

I know a few of those aren’t limited to being disabled and there’s a few joke ones but I’m not ashamed to say that I’m disabled. My disability defines me and that’s okay.

Tell me something that makes you awesome.