It Starts With One Small Step. One Choice
I often hear about how change happens in big, sweeping actions, but what if it happens with one small, thoughtful choice at a time?
I am in a season of commitment to my body's needs, even if it is painful.
I live with Cerebral Palsy, and aging with it has been complicated and messy. A valley of ups and downs, and an opportunity to lean in with love and dedication; all while feeling anything but grounded. Cerebral Palsy is still classified as a non-degenerative condition, which means that the brain injury sustained (at or near) the time of birth does not change.
I take issue with the classification, because it completely disregards the ongoing secondary impacts of living with CP. Some of which are: secondary injury, weakness, and loss of abilities that were once possible; or needing aditional support to do so. 2014 was the beginning of the journey whose destination was where I am today.
One where an average day requires:
One where an average day requires:
- rest after activity
- mobility aids
- adaptive equipment
- rigorous physical therapy
Today I did something brave.
I woke up and put on my AFO's.
I wasn't prompted.
I didn't guilt myself into doing it.
I didn't shed tears as I tightened the straps.
I wish that I was happy to do so. I wish that I gave myself a pat on the back for doing the difficult thing. Or even congratulated myself for doing what was best for my body.
Instead, it brings me back to the first sentences of this post. Maybe change happens by one small choice. I hope that the rest will follow.
The empowerment. Feeling proud for doing the difficult thing.
Today I made a decision and followed through. What is something you are hoping to follow-through with?
I woke up and put on my AFO's.
I wasn't prompted.
I didn't guilt myself into doing it.
I didn't shed tears as I tightened the straps.
I wish that I was happy to do so. I wish that I gave myself a pat on the back for doing the difficult thing. Or even congratulated myself for doing what was best for my body.
Instead, it brings me back to the first sentences of this post. Maybe change happens by one small choice. I hope that the rest will follow.
The empowerment. Feeling proud for doing the difficult thing.
Today I made a decision and followed through. What is something you are hoping to follow-through with?