Category: Disability Experience
-
Complaining About Cold Weather as a Disabled Person
Dealing with a disability is always hard in some ways. But surviving winter seems to take it all to another plain of misery (partially saying that for dramatic flair, but partially serious). First off, the cold exasperates achy joints. Cold AND rainy? Ugh! My seven-year-old knee injury isn’t letting go of her grudge any time…
-
The Making of a Neat Freak: Maturity, Priorities, a Pandemic & a Progressive Disability
For most of my life, I didn’t care about organization and cleanliness. In fact, when I come across an old ‘bathroom mirror selfie,’ I cringe at the disarray on the shelves behind me. I was the typical teenager whose room was usually a mess, and wiping dust off things? Forget it! Every surface was cluttered.…
-
Recent Controvery Around Disability & Media: PC Gone Mad Or Rightful Call-Outs?
Just this week, I’ve heard of two instances where people called out media companies for portrayals that marginalize the disabled. The game Assassin’s Creed Valhalla has received backlash for using the term “disfigured” to describe a burn victim’s face. The film Witches has been criticized because the main antagonist, a witch, has hands that resemble…
-
Musings on Sympathy vs. Empathy, Why Language Shifts & Viewing All People as People
A few months back, I wrote a post on FB that involved having empathy for others. Someone initiated a bad faith argument with me and provided a grammar lesson on the difference between sympathy and empathy. If you haven’t experienced something yourself, all you can feel is sympathy; empathy indicates you have also been through…
-
11 Handicapped Probs: Public Restroom Edition (+ Disability-Related Updates)
Hey, gang. So I noticed my last disability post was at the beginning of August (eek!), but I’m not exactly brimming with ideas in that arena right now–probably because going out less means encountering less awkward situations, rude comments, access struggles, and other things that provide inspo for these posts. Also, the stress of things…
-
How Physical Disability Affects Beach Trips
The beach is the quitessential vacation spot–beautiful views, warm weather with a cool breeze, total relaxation. Being a wheelchair user (or having mobility issues) adds some complication to the picture-perfect-paradise. I’d like to discuss some of these difficulties to spread awareness and, near the end, provide ideas on advocating for disabled people to make our…
-
Musings on Body Insecurity (as a Disabled Woman) + a Letter Thanking my Body
No matter how many “self-improvement” products are created, marketed, and sold, we still have plenty to feel self-conscious about–our bodies, our skin, our hair, all that fun stuff. So many skincare products, hygiene products, hair products, makeup products…so many diets, weight loss supplements, specially made foods…even dime-a-dozen gyms that feel like the fitness version of…
-
Exercising with a Progressive Disability During a Pandemic
Throughout this experience, I’ve prayed for people with mental and/or physical illnesses that are exacerbated by the current circumstances. For some, the lack of routine, of social contact, or just of busy-ness/distractions triggers depression, anxiety, etc. For others, physically staying in one place much of the time can worsen mobility issues (in other words, use…
-
Choosing Gratitude While Also Being Empathetic (Discussing Physical & Mental Illness + Suffering in the World)
Hi, friends. Today, we’ll discuss the power of perspective, i.e. how comparison, empathy, and gratitude affect the way we see ourselves and others. I have two diverging thoughts on this subject: “It could always be worse; choose gratitude.” “Your having a broken arm doesn’t mean my paper cut doesn’t hurt.” As a wheelchair user with…
-
How my Relationship with Exercise Is Changing Due to Disability Progression (Dealing with Guilt & More)
Hi, friends. Today’s disability chat discusses how my relationship with exercise has changed as my disability, Friedreich’s Ataxia, has progressed. A nagging sense of disappointment In the past, I’ve written about the importance of exercise for people with limited mobility, shared exercise routines, etc. (All available under the category “Exercise“). I still workout devoutly, but…
Retrospective Lily 