Written by Allison Chancellor
Change is inevitable. But how do we create positive change?
You’re right. Through movement. But if you’re thinking one kind of movement – you’d be wrong.
Change is created in the mind and the body. And with mental health on the forefront these days (see what I did there?) It easily happens in the body when we decide to eat better, get more exercise, things like that.
But where is change created in the mind? It’s created when we have these three things. And there are probably more, but these are the things I use to create change.
Laugh more: Do you know the best way to cope with anything not so good? Laugh. Example: I was nervous about one of my recent speeches about living with a disability. Yup. Still get nervous. So there I was, arriving to an audience of 4 PEOPLE- was it me? Nah…so I just thought of something funny about my day while I was speaking. The entire speech went so fast because I smiled. They don’t call me a sit down comedienne for nothing. They really don’t. But you’re laughing. See?
Advocate for yourself: No one knows your story better than you. There’s something you can’t access in a public place? Advocate for it. Unless people are aware, they aren’t going to know. I’d be willing to bet that most of the population, that is not around disability a lot, really just doesn’t understand the problem. But they also don’t realize that it could happen to them, right? It’s especially fun when I elevate at iLevel in my Quantum Rehab Edge 3 Stretto, and they know I mean business.
Have a good, steady support system: If you’re anything like me, I’ve learned my Quantum Rehab power chair is a source of confidence for me. But sometimes the public look at wheelchairs like anchors on a boat. My chair is my wings because it gave me a positive contribution to the world’s table, and my support system is the first to mention it. And check on your friends if they are struggling, a smile goes a long way, or an ear to listen.
I’ve found that my Edge 3 Stretto power chair is magic. But people tell me I’m the one who brings the magic. The reason? Because yeah, life’s tough, but I’m counting every single blessing I have. Disability isn’t for the weak, and with technology like iLevel and other things, we truly make an impact.