It’s challenging enough to subconsciously work through things differently with CP, add in the numerous observations at school that confirmed the obvious that yes it’s different, no I can’t do it the ‘conventional way’, but eventually I have been able to see the positive elements that have been created that through living with cerebral palsy, which goes far beyond the barriers….
It’s shaped my whole being. It’s helped in particularly ways that, growing up, I didn’t comprehend at the time. You see, having to seek the pathway to find an alternative, to look at things differently, to perhaps ask a different question because of cerebral palsy, shaped my attitude and decision making far more differently from a path I would have taken without it.
Now in a place in my life where I’ve had experiences like driving, working out, (even how to deal with nappies with cerebral palsy now I’m dad!) all have happened because the roads I’ve travelled to down the years. If it weren’t for cerebral palsy, I would not have my current skillset.
This is why now, it goes beyond a positive attitude too – it’s shaped my creativity, given me a set of tools to work from and I’ve tried to use those as best I can to create the life I have and help others too through understanding.
I’ve learnt and grown to not feel bitter about what I’ve missed out on, but thankful for the opportunities that have been on the path I’m on now. The attitude, the fight and grit CP has given me, I now see, outweigh my physical hurdles.
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