Chances are you or someone you
care about has been identified as disabled, limited, weak, or handicapped. When this happens, there is a temptation to seek help or
to ask for accommodations. This is because such a label can lead a person to
believe that they are not equal in ability or value as others in society.
If one accepts
this evaluation, limitations can be numerous and the person may rely on others
unnecessarily. In some cases, they believe their ability to learn is limited,
their mobility curtailed, or they see themselves in a negative light. They may
believe others need to help them because they see themselves in a weakened
state.
The tragic part of
this is that often this is only a state of mind. It is a learned way of
thinking. A person with Parkinson's disease may truly have limitations beyond
his control. In other cases, he may respond as the actor Michael Fox, who has
decided to fight with all his might. He finds it difficult to find a regular
role on TV so he is going to play a role of a father with Parkinson's disease.
He is going to time the taking of his medicines so that he can work. He refuses
to give up.
The late Ben
Underwood was blinded by cancer at a young age, but he didn't let that slow him
down. (http://www.benunderwood.com/aboutme.html) He
used echolocation to do all the things that
other teenagers did: sports, video
games, riding bikes, skating, and climbing trees, Another person that didn't let his disability ruin his life is Nick Vujicic. How does Nick feel about not having arms or legs? He accepts it, embraces it, and oftentimes pokes fun at his own circumstance. Nick is a motivational speaker and author. You can read more about his life at the following link: http://www.attitudeisaltitude.com/aboutus-nick.php
Bob had a dyslexic
daughter who was placed in learning disability classes in public school for six
years. Eventually she attended a
private school that matched the learning needs of their students. This young
lady was so determined to succeed that she would often study until early hours
of the morning. She was passionate about achieving and becoming a teacher of
students who had trouble learning. Sheer determination and passion made it
possible for Emily to reach her goal.
Emily graduated from
college, passed the state teachers exams, and began teaching in a public school
system. What some see as roadblocks, others see as challenges.
Then, one-report
states there are about 5.7 million people who have Bi-Polar disorders. They can
give up, do very little, or challenge this disorder. Some make excuses for their
behavior and want others to make accommodations. However, the best response is
for the person with the disorder is to attack it head on by learning how to
live with it. Read as many self-help books as possible. Be determined to live
the best life possible and have hope that there is an answer for their particular
version of the disorder.
You have to believe
that the solution lies in diet, psychology, medicine, exercise, meditation,
religion, or some combination of these. Hope, attitude, and passion for living
are keys to managing the disorder. Expecting others to compensate for oone's
negative feelings, thoughts, or actions is detrimental to an attitude that
leads to achieving goals. Intelligent, active, and positive friends can also be
a boost as one strives to defeat this demon. Since we become like the average
of the people with whom we spend the most time, building positive relationships
can make dramatic changes in our lives.
Seldom does one live
with a dark cloud all the time. There are usually moments when the sun shines
through and there is the realization that struggles are just part of life. In
fact, struggles help us appreciate the blessings.
It is important to have goals and to
keep working toward achieving them. Have hope. Remember that God has promised
us peace. People, circumstances, and events try to take the peace but we must
not give it away. Continually remind yourself that that only you can give your
peace away. This part of the life's struggle is not easy but it is important.
The process and the results can eventually make our heart sing.
