You aren’t defined by what you can’t do, but by all the awesome things you can do. That is something I have had to learn. With my new diagnosis, I found I could not do a lot of the same things I had previously been able to do.
For example, I was on the Redhawks cheer team and was even the captain for the freshman and then the JV team. I was a flyer, the girl thrown in the air, but there was no way I would be able to do that anymore. I was struggling to get up off the ground so flying was definitely impossible. I was still on the team, however, I just had to just sit on the sideline and watch.
Another thing that I could no longer participate in was bouldering. This is a hobby I had picked up with my brother, and to put it simply it’s rock climbing without the ropes. It was something I did often, and I especially enjoyed it because it was different and challenged me. Obviously, it required lots of arm strength which I did not have anymore.
Being stripped of two things I loved definitely was a struggle. Both activities were things I found comfort in and I enjoyed taking my mind off other parts of my life with them. They also connected me to my friends and my brother. However, instead of dwelling I found another door had opened, and I now had much more time on my hands.
I could now participate more in Best Buddies: a club where people hang out and build relationships with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I am now the Co-President of the organization on campus and have gotten so many other opportunities through the club. I am so grateful for the organization and all the friendships I have made, which I would not have been able to without more free time. I wouldn’t describe myself as someone who can’t be active anymore because of my disease, I am someone who now has a passion for helping kids with other disabilities.
Next week I will touch on how I handle illnesses differently due to my diagnosis. I can’t wait to continue to share my story with you! Remember our struggles don’t define us.
