Poor mobility, due to a disability or ageing is mostly something that happens at a definite point in time in our lives.
Many people living with a disability now, used to be active, independent and full of life!
And surely, most of our elderly or ageing seniors could also remember a time when skipping up the stairs 2 – 3 steps at once, was something you did without a care.
Living with a disability, or ageing – especially after a very active lifestyle – may prove to be quite a challenge.
The majority of the challenges one faces as a result of a disease, sickness, accident or age are wide and varied:
- Social challenges/ discrimination – At work; In love; Within the community…
- Easy access to transportation. And public places of interest
- Getting on and coping with life’s daily routine of feeding. Sleeping. Mobility and Accessibility in ones’ home. Getting dressed …
- Finances – Income; Debt; Benefits
- …
Thank the Good Lord – Challenges are mere opportunities for growth and resilience!
Resilience and strength to overcome challenges.
Such as those mentioned above.
Age and the ageing process, where our bodies slow down naturally and start to fail, is an inevitable part and fact of life – Unless one dies young! Something nobody prays for!
Disability – in one form or the other – and the ageing process often go hand in hand. Although, disability sometimes happens before the ageing process.
Whichever way it goes, whatever way it happens; Know that the failings of our bodies – like death and taxes – is a certain part of life.
And people, as the wonderful beings we are created to be, have created and discovered ways to deal with these challenges.
The first step to overcoming the challenges presented, is to gather as much information and knowledge – as one can handle – about ones’ condition. Next:
- Join a support network – Whatever you face in life, it helps to realise that it’s not unique. Others have gone through it. Are going through a similar experience. Or know someone who has. And they care. Keep a positive, upbeat spirit and frame of mind.
- Focus on all your achievements. Your strengths. Your passion/ hobby. And all else that gives you joy, that makes you happy. (If you haven’t found these, it’s not too late to discover them). When you have a positive frame of mind, it helps you to see the world and its’ circumstances in a better light.
- Take the bull by the horns! Take definite action to positively deal with the situation in your own way. Take control of your life once again.
Discover and understand your options:
- What could you do before?
- What can you do now?
- What would you love to do from now on?
- How can you achieve that?
Understanding your options can be empowering.
Knowing you don’t have to take things sitting or lying down (literally), lifts your spirit.
I believe it’s time to explore those options now.
The sooner you start, the more quickly you can have your life back!
Here’s to your achievements!
