autonomy (noun): self-directing freedom and especially moral independence The concept of autonomy in relation to living with cerebral palsy has always been fascinating to me, and is worth exploring. Though I do have autonomy in many respects, at times it's hard not to feel like my disability keeps me from fully expressing myself physically, and… Continue reading On the Concept of Autonomy
"Don’t Be The Hero"
hero (noun): a person admired for achievements and noble qualities; one who shows great courage Beyond both being providers, there's one more thing my surgeon and physical therapist have in common: they have both repeatedly told me not to be "the hero." My surgeon would tell me not to be the hero during follow-up appointments… Continue reading "Don’t Be The Hero"
Fighting the Fear
This Thanksgiving holiday, I spent some quality with my grandfather. He mentioned this blog, which he follows. In regards to one post, The Beauty of Progress, my grandfather told me that my fear may be preventing me from walking without crutches, and that it was mostly all in my head. That statement is partly true,… Continue reading Fighting the Fear
Infantilization and its Complexities
Infantilize (verb): treat (someone) as a child or in a way which denies their maturity in age or experience. I'm in my 20's now, and legally an adult. Yet there are still times in which I feel as though I am infantilized by those around me. I was convinced that people treated me like a… Continue reading Infantilization and its Complexities
The Beauty of Progress
This picture was taken in November 2011, two and a half months post-op from my fourth orthopedic surgery. I was 17. I captioned the photograph, "No hands," and posted it to Facebook. The photograph's reappearance in my Facebook "memories," recently got me thinking about my progress since this photo was taken. At the time, I… Continue reading The Beauty of Progress
The (Un)Answerable Questions
In a slight continuation of last week's post regarding fate and the question of things being "meant to be," I've pondered these tough questions: Would I be the same person if I didn't have cerebral palsy? My answer is no. There are so many qualities that CP has given me: strength; bravery; tenacity; resilience. Perhaps… Continue reading The (Un)Answerable Questions
On the Concept of Fate
Fate: (noun) the will or principle or determining cause by which things in general are believed to come to be as they are or events to happen as they do I suppose the entire concept of fate, in regards to the above definition from Merriam-Webster, has been a coping mechanism for me and mildly shapes… Continue reading On the Concept of Fate
The Spastic Diplege 