One of the challenges I’ve experienced over the last goodness knows how many years is the different set of expectations I’ve set myself with Cerebral Palsy.
From taking the “I’ll show you, I can do anything approach” to “I just want to fit in” mindset. I’ve swayed from one to other quite often. What I have found in my years of development is that I think it’s ok to sit wherever you want to!
Having a physical difference made my appearance, be it my hand or my limp, stick out during school and oftentimes I just wanted to hide it. Other times it was to say, “hell yes I want to be included!” Why not?!
Lower expectations that, I like to think well meaning teachers set for me, sometimes made me feel inferior, but it also ignited that internal fire that I will prove that assumption wrong. Even if it meant exerting more energy just to hit a particular standard others could do with existing effort.
In a way, it’s helped create my path / be it driving, bodybuilding or through work. It’s learning not only what I can do but also, through practice, learning the challenges and adaptions needed. I think over my life, it’s taken time for me to speak up more and in turn build that confidence to develop an understanding that I need to raise my voice if things need to change.
That’s one of the reasons why I love my bodybuilding. Whether it’s a personal challenge to continue to build my physique, or helping the category open more doors to help people that are in my position I was in not too long ago.
In the end if we continue to help each other and continue to build the understanding of individual needs – collectively we can change a lot!
With Gratitude…
💚
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